King James Version

What Does 1 Samuel 1:7 Mean?

1 Samuel 1:7 in the King James Version says “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 d...” — study this verse from 1 Samuel chapter 1 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“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”

1 Samuel 1:7 · KJV

Context

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

8

Then said Elkanah her husband to her, Hannah, why weepest thou? and why eatest thou not? and why is thy heart grieved? am not I better to thee than ten sons?

9

So Hannah rose up after they had eaten in Shiloh, and after they had drunk. Now Eli the priest sat upon a seat by a post of the temple of the LORD.

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
The repetitive nature of Peninnah's provocation ('year by year') reveals sustained cruelty rather than isolated incidents. The sacred feast days that should have brought joy became occasions of deepest sorrow for Hannah. Her response of weeping and refusing food indicates profound depression. Yet this annual cycle of suffering prepared Hannah's heart for the prayer that would change Israel's history. God often uses prolonged trials to deepen our prayers from casual requests to desperate, faith-filled petitions.

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Historical & Cultural Context

The annual pilgrimage to Shiloh likely coincided with one of the three major festivals. Given the timing of Samuel's birth and Hannah's subsequent visits, scholars suggest this may have been the Feast of Tabernacles, a seven-day autumn celebration of ingathering.

Reflection Questions

  1. How can recurring seasons of difficulty become opportunities for spiritual growth?
  2. What does Hannah's perseverance in attending worship despite her pain teach about faithful endurance?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 13 words
וְכֵ֨ן1 of 13
H3651

properly, set upright; hence (figuratively as adjective) just; but usually (as adverb or conjunction) rightly or so (in various applications to manner

יַֽעֲשֶׂ֜ה2 of 13

“And as he did”

H6213

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

בְשָׁנָ֗ה3 of 13

“by year”

H8141

a year (as a revolution of time)

בְשָׁנָ֗ה4 of 13

“by year”

H8141

a year (as a revolution of time)

מִדֵּ֤י5 of 13

“when”

H1767

enough (as noun or adverb), used chiefly with preposition in phrases

עֲלֹתָהּ֙6 of 13

“she went up”

H5927

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

בְּבֵ֣ית7 of 13

“to the house”

H1004

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

יְהוָ֔ה8 of 13

“of the LORD”

H3068

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

כֵּ֖ן9 of 13
H3651

properly, set upright; hence (figuratively as adjective) just; but usually (as adverb or conjunction) rightly or so (in various applications to manner

תַּכְעִסֶ֑נָּה10 of 13

“so she provoked”

H3707

to trouble; by implication, to grieve, rage, be indignant

וַתִּבְכֶּ֖ה11 of 13

“her therefore she wept”

H1058

to weep; generally to bemoan

וְלֹ֥א12 of 13
H3808

not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles

תֹאכַֽל׃13 of 13

“and did not eat”

H398

to eat (literally or figuratively)

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 1:7 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 1:7 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

1 Samuel 2:19

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