King James Version

What Does 1 Samuel 1:20 Mean?

1 Samuel 1:20 in the King James Version says “Wherefore it came to pass, when the time was come about after Hannah had conceived, that she bare a son, and called his ... — study this verse from 1 Samuel chapter 1 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

Wherefore it came to pass, when the time was come about after Hannah had conceived, that she bare a son, and called his name Samuel, saying, Because I have asked him of the LORD. when: Heb. in revolution of days Samuel: that is, Asked of God

1 Samuel 1:20 · KJV


Context

18

And she said, Let thine handmaid find grace in thy sight. So the woman went her way, and did eat, and her countenance was no more sad.

19

And they rose up in the morning early, and worshipped before the LORD, and returned, and came to their house to Ramah: and Elkanah knew Hannah his wife; and the LORD remembered her.

20

Wherefore it came to pass, when the time was come about after Hannah had conceived, that she bare a son, and called his name Samuel, saying, Because I have asked him of the LORD. when: Heb. in revolution of days Samuel: that is, Asked of God

21

And the man Elkanah, and all his house, went up to offer unto the LORD the yearly sacrifice, and his vow.

22

But Hannah went not up; for she said unto her husband, I will not go up until the child be weaned, and then I will bring him, that he may appear before the LORD, and there abide for ever.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
The phrase 'when the time was come about' (literally 'at the revolution of days') indicates the full term of pregnancy. Hannah names her son 'Samuel' (shemu'el), which she interprets as 'asked of God' (sha'ul me'el). Some scholars note the name more naturally means 'heard of God' or 'name of God,' while sha'ul (asked) becomes the name of Israel's first king (Saul). This wordplay connects Samuel and Saul throughout the narrative. Hannah's naming declaration claims divine response to her prayer, establishing Samuel's identity as one set apart from conception.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Hebrew naming practices typically commemorated significant events or divine interventions. The multiple meanings possible in shemu'el allow for rich theological significance. Ancient naming ceremonies were formal declarations of identity and destiny.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does Samuel's name serve as a permanent testimony to answered prayer?
  2. What significance do you attach to the names and identities given to your children or spiritual offspring?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 14 words
וַֽיְהִי֙1 of 14
H1961

to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)

לִתְקֻפ֣וֹת2 of 14

was come

H8622

a revolution, i.e., (of the sun) course, (of time) lapse

הַיָּמִ֔ים3 of 14

Wherefore it came to pass when the time

H3117

a day (as the warm hours), whether literal (from sunrise to sunset, or from one sunset to the next), or figurative (a space of time defined by an asso

וַתַּ֥הַר4 of 14

had conceived

H2029

to be (or become) pregnant, conceive (literally or figuratively)

חַנָּ֖ה5 of 14

about after Hannah

H2584

channah, an israelitess

וַתֵּ֣לֶד6 of 14

that she bare

H3205

to bear young; causatively, to beget; medically, to act as midwife; specifically, to show lineage

בֵּ֑ן7 of 14

a son

H1121

a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or

וַתִּקְרָ֤א8 of 14

and called

H7121

to call out to (i.e., properly, address by name, but used in a wide variety of applications)

אֶת9 of 14
H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

שְׁמוֹ֙10 of 14

his name

H8034

an appellation, as a mark or memorial of individuality; by implication honor, authority, character

שְׁמוּאֵ֔ל11 of 14

Samuel

H8050

shemuel, the name of three israelites

כִּ֥י12 of 14
H3588

(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed

מֵֽיְהוָ֖ה13 of 14

him of the LORD

H3068

(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god

שְׁאִלְתִּֽיו׃14 of 14

saying Because I have asked

H7592

to inquire; by implication, to request; by extension, to demand


Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of 1 Samuel. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

1 Samuel 1:20 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to 1 Samuel 1:20 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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