King James Version

What Does 1 Samuel 1:23 Mean?

1 Samuel 1:23 in the King James Version says “And Elkanah her husband said unto her, Do what seemeth thee good; tarry until thou have weaned him; only the LORD establ... — study this verse from 1 Samuel chapter 1 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

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.

1 Samuel 1:23 · KJV


Context

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.

25

And they slew a bullock, and brought the child to Eli.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Elkanah's response demonstrates supportive headship that honors his wife's spiritual convictions. His words 'Do what seemeth thee good' affirm Hannah's judgment while maintaining family order. The phrase 'only the LORD establish his word' invokes divine faithfulness to accomplish what has been promised. The term 'his word' (devaro) may refer to either the prophetic word spoken through Eli or the broader divine purpose Hannah discerned. Hannah's nursing period becomes a time of preparation - both physical nurturing for Samuel and spiritual preparation for separation.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Elkanah's deference to Hannah's spiritual judgment represents an unusual but not unprecedented pattern in Scripture (compare Manoah's wife in Judges 13). His invocation of divine faithfulness echoes covenant language throughout the Old Testament.

Reflection Questions

  1. How can spouses support each other's spiritual callings even when it requires sacrifice?
  2. What seasons of preparation has God given you before major life transitions?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 24 words
וַיֹּ֣אמֶר1 of 24

said

H559

to say (used with great latitude)

לָהּ֩2 of 24
H0
אֶלְקָנָ֨ה3 of 24

And Elkanah

H511

elkanah, the name of several israelites

אִישָׁ֜הּ4 of 24

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)

עֲשִׂ֧י5 of 24

unto her Do

H6213

to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application

הַטּ֣וֹב6 of 24

thee good

H2896

good (as an adjective) in the widest sense; used likewise as a noun, both in the masculine and the feminine, the singular and the plural (good, a good

בְּעֵינַ֗יִךְ7 of 24

what seemeth

H5869

an eye (literally or figuratively); by analogy, a fountain (as the eye of the landscape)

וַתֵּ֤שֶׁב8 of 24

abode

H3427

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

עַד9 of 24
H5704

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

גָמְלָ֖הּ10 of 24

until she 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

אֹת֔וֹ11 of 24
H853

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

אַ֛ךְ12 of 24
H389

a particle of affirmation, surely; hence (by limitation) only

יָקֵ֥ם13 of 24

establish

H6965

to rise (in various applications, literal, figurative, intensive and causative)

יְהוָ֖ה14 of 24

him only the LORD

H3068

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

אֶת15 of 24
H853

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

דְּבָר֑וֹ16 of 24

his word

H1697

a word; by implication, a matter (as spoken of) or thing; adverbially, a cause

וַתֵּ֤שֶׁב17 of 24

abode

H3427

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

הָֽאִשָּׁה֙18 of 24

So the woman

H802

a woman

וַתֵּ֣ינֶק19 of 24

suck

H3243

to suck; causatively, to give milk

אֶת20 of 24
H853

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

בְּנָ֔הּ21 of 24

and gave her 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

עַד22 of 24
H5704

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

גָמְלָ֖הּ23 of 24

until she 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

אֹתֽוֹ׃24 of 24
H853

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


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 1:23 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 1:23 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Test Your Knowledge

Continue Your Study