King James Version

What Does 1 Samuel 1:26 Mean?

1 Samuel 1:26 in the King James Version says “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.” — study this verse from 1 Samuel chapter 1 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“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.”

1 Samuel 1:26 · KJV

Context

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.

27

For this child I prayed; and the LORD hath given me my petition which I asked of him:

28

Therefore also I have lent him to the LORD; as long as he liveth he shall be lent to the LORD. And he worshipped the LORD there. lent him: or, returned him, whom I have obtained by petition he shall: or, he whom I have obtained by petition shall be returned

Read 1 Samuel 1 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Hannah's self-identification connects directly to her previous encounter with Eli. Her oath formula 'as thy soul liveth' solemnly affirms the truth of her statement. By reminding Eli she was 'the woman that stood by thee here, praying,' she links past petition to present fulfillment. The participle 'praying' (mitpallelet) is the same form used in verse 12, creating verbal continuity. Hannah's testimony transforms Eli's previous misjudgment into occasion for wonder at God's faithfulness. The answered prayer becomes a teaching moment for Israel's high priest.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Oath formulas invoking someone's life (nephesh) were common in ancient Israel for serious declarations. Hannah's reminder of her previous stance ('stood by thee here') would trigger Eli's memory of the embarrassing encounter and his subsequent blessing.

Reflection Questions

  1. How do you testify to answered prayer when returning to give thanks?
  2. What teaching opportunities arise from sharing how God has worked in your life?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 14 words
וַתֹּ֙אמֶר֙1 of 14

“And she said”

H559

to say (used with great latitude)

בִּ֣י2 of 14

“Oh”

H994

oh that!; with leave, or if it please

אֲדֹנִ֑י3 of 14

“my lord”

H113

sovereign, i.e., controller (human or divine)

חֵ֥י4 of 14

“liveth”

H2416

alive; hence, raw (flesh); fresh (plant, water, year), strong; also (as noun, especially in the feminine singular and masculine plural) life (or livin

נַפְשְׁךָ֖5 of 14

“as thy soul”

H5315

properly, a breathing creature, i.e., animal of (abstractly) vitality; used very widely in a literal, accommodated or figurative sense (bodily or ment

אֲדֹנִ֑י6 of 14

“my lord”

H113

sovereign, i.e., controller (human or divine)

אֲנִ֣י7 of 14
H589

i

הָֽאִשָּׁ֗ה8 of 14

“I am the woman”

H802

a woman

הַנִּצֶּ֤בֶת9 of 14

“that stood”

H5324

to station, in various applications (literally or figuratively)

עִמְּכָה֙10 of 14
H5973

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

בָּזֶ֔ה11 of 14
H2088

the masculine demonstrative pronoun, this or that

לְהִתְפַּלֵּ֖ל12 of 14

“by thee here praying”

H6419

to judge (officially or mentally); by extension, to intercede, pray

אֶל13 of 14
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

יְהוָֽה׃14 of 14

“unto the LORD”

H3068

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

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 1:26 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 1:26 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

2 Kings 4:302 Kings 2:42 Kings 2:22 Kings 2:61 Samuel 20:31 Samuel 17:55

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