King James Version

What Does 1 Samuel 1:28 Mean?

1 Samuel 1:28 in the King James Version says “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 LOR... — study this verse from 1 Samuel chapter 1 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

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

1 Samuel 1:28 · KJV


Context

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


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
The Hebrew verb sha'al (to ask/lend/dedicate) appears three times in this verse, creating profound wordplay. Hannah 'asked' for Samuel; now she 'lends' him to the LORD who will 'ask' for his service all his days. The term can mean either lending or dedicating - Hannah gives back what was always God's, recognizing that Samuel belonged to the LORD before he belonged to her. The closing phrase 'he worshipped the LORD there' likely refers to Eli or Samuel (or both), indicating proper response to this momentous dedication.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

The concept of sha'al (to lend to God) appears only here in Scripture for human dedication. It emphasizes both the gift nature of Samuel (he was 'asked for') and Hannah's response (she 'asks back' by dedicating him). This reciprocal asking creates a covenant of gratitude.

Reflection Questions

  1. How do you give back to God the very blessings He has given you?
  2. What does recognizing God's ownership of your gifts and relationships change about how you steward them?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 14 words
וְגַ֣ם1 of 14
H1571

properly, assemblage; used only adverbially also, even, yea, though; often repeated as correl. both...and

אָֽנֹכִ֗י2 of 14
H595

i

שָׁא֖וּל3 of 14

Therefore also I have lent

H7592

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

לַֽיהוָֽה׃4 of 14

him to the LORD

H3068

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

כָּל5 of 14
H3605

properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)

הַיָּמִים֙6 of 14

as long as he liveth

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

אֲשֶׁ֣ר7 of 14
H834

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

הָיָ֔ה8 of 14
H1961

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

ה֥וּא9 of 14
H1931

he (she or it); only expressed when emphatic or without a verb; also (intensively) self, or (especially with the article) the same; sometimes (as demo

שָׁא֖וּל10 of 14

Therefore also I have lent

H7592

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

לַֽיהוָֽה׃11 of 14

him to the LORD

H3068

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

וַיִּשְׁתַּ֥חוּ12 of 14

And he worshipped

H7812

to depress, i.e., prostrate (especially reflexive, in homage to royalty or god)

שָׁ֖ם13 of 14
H8033

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

לַֽיהוָֽה׃14 of 14

him to 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 1:28 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 1:28 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Test Your Knowledge

Continue Your Study