Indeed the LORD visited Hannah, and she conceived and bore three sons and two daughters. And the boy Samuel grew in the presence of the LORD.
English Standard Version (ESV)
This verse subtly highlights that Hannah’s devotion continued after her prayer was answered. While we often focus on the miracle of her receiving children, the text points to the equally significant truth of Samuel "growing in the presence of the LORD" – showing that sustained faithfulness, not just answered requests, is what truly honors God.
Indeed the LORD visited Hannah, and she conceived and bore three sons and two daughters. And the boy Samuel grew in the presence of the LORD.
English Standard Version (ESV)
After years of painful barrenness and a tearful prayer at Shiloh, Hannah finally experiences God's blessing. This verse marks the fulfillment of that prayer, not only with the birth of Samuel but also with additional children, showing God's abundant favor. Samuel then begins his life dedicated to the Lord, setting the stage for his significant future role.
Hannah poured out her heart in desperate prayer, and the Bible says God 'visited' her. What does it mean for God to 'visit' us?
The word 'visited' here isn't just a casual drop-in. It signifies God actively intervening in Hannah's situation.
Divine Intervention
Samuel became a renowned prophet, but his story started with a simple, profound truth: he 'grew in the presence of the LORD.'
This phrase 'grew in the presence of the LORD' is incredibly rich. It's not just about physical proximity, but a deep, relational intimacy.
The Essence of Spiritual Growth
Ask a follow-up
Understand the original words
YHWH · Hebrew Noun
The covenant name of the God of Israel. It denotes His self-existence, faithfulness, and eternal nature as the Redeemer of His people.
paqad · Hebrew Verb
In this context, it refers to God's gracious intervention in human affairs to bring about His purposes, often associated with blessing or judgment.
This passage echoes the miraculous conception and divine favor seen with Hannah, showing Elizabeth also conceiving in her old age by God's intervention.
1 Samuel 1:20This verse directly precedes the passage you provided and shows the fulfillment of Hannah's prayer, leading to Samuel's birth and his dedication to God.
Psalm 113:9This psalm celebrates God's power to bring children to the barren, directly reflecting Hannah's situation and God's mercy in granting her offspring.
1 Samuel 3:19This verse highlights Samuel's prophetic significance, emphasizing that God was indeed with him throughout his youth, just as stated in the verse you shared.
This verse subtly highlights that Hannah’s devotion continued after her prayer was answered. While we often focus on the miracle of her receiving children, the text points to the equally significant truth of Samuel "growing in the presence of the LORD" – showing that sustained faithfulness, not just answered requests, is what truly honors God.
After years of painful barrenness and a tearful prayer at Shiloh, Hannah finally experiences God's blessing. This verse marks the fulfillment of that prayer, not only with the birth of Samuel but also with additional children, showing God's abundant favor. Samuel then begins his life dedicated to the Lord, setting the stage for his significant future role.
After years of painful barrenness and a tearful prayer at Shiloh, Hannah finally experiences God's blessing. This verse marks the fulfillment of that prayer, not only with the birth of Samuel but also with additional children, showing God's abundant favor. Samuel then begins his life dedicated to the Lord, setting the stage for his significant future role.
"Indeed the LORD visited Hannah, and she conceived and bore three sons and two daughters. And the boy Samuel grew in the presence of the LORD." — This verse subtly highlights that Hannah’s devotion continued after her prayer was answered. While we often focus on the miracle of her receiving children, the text points to the equally significan…
Get the original Greek and Hebrew, verse-by-verse context, and related passages inside the app.
Last reviewed October 2026