King James Version

What Does 1 Samuel 1:22 Mean?

1 Samuel 1:22 in the King James Version says “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... — study this verse from 1 Samuel chapter 1 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

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.

1 Samuel 1:22 · KJV


Context

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.

23

And Elkanah her husband said unto her, Do what seemeth thee good; tarry until thou have weaned him; only the LORD establish his word. So the woman abode, and gave her son suck until she weaned him.

24

And when she had weaned him, she took him up with her, with three bullocks, and one ephah of flour, and a bottle of wine, and brought him unto the house of the LORD in Shiloh: and the child was young.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Hannah's decision to wait until weaning before presenting Samuel shows practical wisdom within spiritual commitment. Her statement 'I will not go up until the child be weaned' reveals intentional preparation for permanent separation. The phrase 'that he may appear before the LORD' uses language elsewhere applied to covenant assemblies (Exodus 23:17; 34:23). Her declaration 'there abide for ever' (literally 'sit/dwell perpetually') indicates not visits but permanent residence at the sanctuary. Hannah's heart was set on fulfilling her vow completely, even knowing the personal cost.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Ancient Near Eastern weaning typically occurred between ages two and four, though some traditions suggest up to age five. This extended period provided maternal bonding and basic nurturing before transition to sanctuary life. Weaning was often marked by celebration (Genesis 21:8).

Reflection Questions

  1. How do you balance practical wisdom with urgent spiritual commitment?
  2. What does it cost to follow through completely on promises made to God?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 18 words
וְחַנָּ֖ה1 of 18

But Hannah

H2584

channah, an israelitess

לֹ֣א2 of 18
H3808

not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles

עָלָ֑תָה3 of 18

went not up

H5927

to ascend, intransitively (be high) or actively (mount); used in a great variety of senses, primary and secondary, literal and figurative

כִּֽי4 of 18
H3588

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

אָמְרָ֣ה5 of 18

for she said

H559

to say (used with great latitude)

לְאִישָׁ֗הּ6 of 18

unto her husband

H376

a man as an individual or a male person; often used as an adjunct to a more definite term (and in such cases frequently not expressed in translation)

עַד7 of 18

for

H5704

as far (or long, or much) as, whether of space (even unto) or time (during, while, until) or degree (equally with)

יִגָּמֵ֤ל8 of 18

be weaned

H1580

to treat a person (well or ill), i.e., benefit or requite; by implication (of toil), to ripen, i.e., (specifically) to wean

הַנַּ֙עַר֙9 of 18

I will not go up until the child

H5288

(concretely) a boy (as active), from the age of infancy to adolescence; by implication, a servant; also (by interch. of sex), a girl (of similar latit

וַהֲבִֽאֹתִ֗יו10 of 18

and then I will bring

H935

to go or come (in a wide variety of applications)

וְנִרְאָה֙11 of 18

him that he may appear

H7200

to see, literally or figuratively (in numerous applications, direct and implied, transitive, intransitive and causative)

אֶת12 of 18
H853

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

פְּנֵ֣י13 of 18

before

H6440

the face (as the part that turns); used in a great variety of applications (literally and figuratively); also (with prepositional prefix) as a preposi

יְהוָ֔ה14 of 18

the LORD

H3068

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

וְיָ֥שַׁב15 of 18

and there abide

H3427

properly, to sit down (specifically as judge. in ambush, in quiet); by implication, to dwell, to remain; causatively, to settle, to marry

שָׁ֖ם16 of 18
H8033

there (transferring to time) then; often thither, or thence

עַד17 of 18

for

H5704

as far (or long, or much) as, whether of space (even unto) or time (during, while, until) or degree (equally with)

עוֹלָֽם׃18 of 18

ever

H5769

properly, concealed, i.e., the vanishing point; generally, time out of mind (past or future), i.e., (practically) eternity; frequentatively, adverbial


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 1:22 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 1:22 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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