King James Version

What Does 1 Samuel 1:5 Mean?

1 Samuel 1:5 in the King James Version says “But unto Hannah he gave a worthy portion; for he loved Hannah: but the LORD had shut up her womb. worthy: or, double” — study this verse from 1 Samuel chapter 1 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“But unto Hannah he gave a worthy portion; for he loved Hannah: but the LORD had shut up her womb. worthy: or, double”

1 Samuel 1:5 · KJV

Love

Context

3

And this man went up out of his city yearly to worship and to sacrifice unto the LORD of hosts in Shiloh. And the two sons of Eli, Hophni and Phinehas, the priests of the LORD, were there. yearly: Heb. from year to year

4

And when the time was that Elkanah offered, he gave to Peninnah his wife, and to all her sons and her daughters, portions:

5

But unto Hannah he gave a worthy portion; for he loved Hannah: but the LORD had shut up her womb. worthy: or, double

6

And her adversary also provoked her sore, for to make her fret, because the LORD had shut up her womb. provoked: Heb. angered

7

And as he did so year by year, when she went up to the house of the LORD, so she provoked her; therefore she wept, and did not eat. when: or, from the time that she, etc: Heb. from her going up

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
The Hebrew phrase translated 'worthy portion' is debated; some render it 'double portion' (as given to the firstborn) while others translate it 'one portion only' (emphasizing her solitary, childless state). Either reading underscores Elkanah's love for Hannah despite her barrenness. The crucial theological statement 'the LORD had shut up her womb' affirms divine sovereignty over fertility. God's closing of Hannah's womb was purposeful preparation for a miraculous opening that would display His glory and provide Israel's needed leader.

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Historical & Cultural Context

In ancient Israel, barrenness was often interpreted as divine disfavor, though Scripture presents a more nuanced view. God sovereignly closed the wombs of Sarah, Rebekah, and Rachel before miraculously opening them, establishing a pattern of divine intervention that produces covenant children.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does recognizing God's sovereignty over difficult circumstances change your perspective on suffering?
  2. What areas of your life might God be 'closing' in preparation for something greater?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 12 words
חַנָּה֙1 of 12

“But unto Hannah”

H2584

channah, an israelitess

יִתֵּ֛ן2 of 12

“he gave”

H5414

to give, used with greatest latitude of application (put, make, etc.)

מָנָ֥ה3 of 12

“portion”

H4490

properly, something weighed out, i.e., (generally) a division; specifically (of food) a ration; also a lot

אַחַ֖ת4 of 12

“a”

H259

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

אַפָּ֑יִם5 of 12

“worthy”

H639

properly, the nose or nostril; hence, the face, and occasionally a person; also (from the rapid breathing in passion) ire

כִּ֤י6 of 12
H3588

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

אֶת7 of 12
H853

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

חַנָּה֙8 of 12

“But unto Hannah”

H2584

channah, an israelitess

אָהֵ֔ב9 of 12

“for he loved”

H157

to have affection for (sexually or otherwise)

וַֽיהוָ֖ה10 of 12

“but the LORD”

H3068

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

סָגַ֥ר11 of 12

“had shut up”

H5462

to shut up; figuratively, to surrender

רַחְמָֽהּ׃12 of 12

“her womb”

H7358

the womb

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 1:5 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 1:5 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Genesis 30:2Genesis 29:30-31Genesis 16:1Genesis 20:18Genesis 45:22Genesis 43:34

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