King James Version

What Does 1 Samuel 1:24 Mean?

1 Samuel 1:24 in the King James Version says “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...” — study this verse from 1 Samuel chapter 1 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“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.”

1 Samuel 1:24 · KJV

Context

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.

26

And she said, Oh my lord, as thy soul liveth, my lord, I am the woman that stood by thee here, praying unto the LORD.

Read 1 Samuel 1 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Hannah's offerings accompany Samuel's dedication - three bulls (or one three-year-old bull, depending on textual reading), an ephah of flour (about 22 liters), and a skin of wine. These lavish gifts indicate both gratitude and proper preparation for the child's sanctuary life. The phrase 'the child was young' (literally 'the boy was a boy') emphasizes his tender age, intensifying the magnitude of Hannah's sacrifice. She brings both her son and substantial material offerings, holding nothing back from the God who answered her prayer.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

The offerings correspond to various sacrificial categories: burnt offering, grain offering, and drink offering. An ephah of flour was substantial - about ten days' worth of bread for a family. The variety of offerings suggests dedication ceremonies, thanksgiving offerings, and provision for the child's maintenance.

Reflection Questions

  1. What does bringing your best offerings to God look like in your life?
  2. How do you demonstrate gratitude when God answers significant prayers?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 17 words
וַתַּֽעֲלֵ֨הוּ1 of 17

“him she took him up”

H5927

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

עִמָּ֜הּ2 of 17
H5973

adverb or preposition, with (i.e., in conjunction with), in varied applications; specifically, equally with; often with prepositional prefix (and then

כַּֽאֲשֶׁ֣ר3 of 17
H834

who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc

גְּמָלַ֗תּוּ4 of 17

“And when she had 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

בְּפָרִ֤ים5 of 17

“bullocks”

H6499

a bullock (apparently as breaking forth in wild strength, or perhaps as dividing the hoof)

שְׁלֹשָׁה֙6 of 17

“with her with three”

H7969

three; occasionally (ordinal) third, or (multiple) thrice

וְאֵיפָ֨ה7 of 17

“ephah”

H374

an ephah or measure for grain; hence, a measure in general

אַחַ֥ת8 of 17

“and one”

H259

properly, united, i.e., one; or (as an ordinal) first

קֶ֙מַח֙9 of 17

“of flour”

H7058

flour

וְנֵ֣בֶל10 of 17

“and a bottle”

H5035

a skin-bag for liquids (from collapsing when empty); also a lyre (as having a body of like form)

יַ֔יִן11 of 17

“of wine”

H3196

wine (as fermented); by implication, intoxication

וַתְּבִאֵ֥הוּ12 of 17

“and brought”

H935

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

בֵית13 of 17

“him unto the house”

H1004

a house (in the greatest variation of applications, especially family, etc.)

יְהוָ֖ה14 of 17

“of the LORD”

H3068

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

שִׁל֑וֹ15 of 17

“in Shiloh”

H7887

shiloh, a place in palestine

נָֽעַר׃16 of 17

“and 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

נָֽעַר׃17 of 17

“and 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

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 1:24 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 1:24 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Numbers 15:9-10Joshua 18:11 Samuel 4:3-4Deuteronomy 12:5-6Deuteronomy 12:11Deuteronomy 16:16

Places in This Verse

ShilohSettlement · Modern: Khirbet Seilun · 32.06°N, 35.29°E37 verses across 8 books
View all places in 1 Samuel 1 →

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