King James Version

What Does 1 Samuel 2:1 Mean?

1 Samuel 2:1 in the King James Version says “And Hannah prayed, and said, My heart rejoiceth in the LORD, mine horn is exalted in the LORD: my mouth is enlarged over...” — study this verse from 1 Samuel chapter 2 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“And Hannah prayed, and said, My heart rejoiceth in the LORD, mine horn is exalted in the LORD: my mouth is enlarged over mine enemies; because I rejoice in thy salvation.”

1 Samuel 2:1 · KJV

PrayerSalvation

Context

1

And Hannah prayed, and said, My heart rejoiceth in the LORD, mine horn is exalted in the LORD: my mouth is enlarged over mine enemies; because I rejoice in thy salvation.

2

There is none holy as the LORD: for there is none beside thee: neither is there any rock like our God.

3

Talk no more so exceeding proudly; let not arrogancy come out of your mouth: for the LORD is a God of knowledge, and by him actions are weighed. arrogancy: Heb. hard

Read 1 Samuel 2 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Hannah's prayer inaugurates one of Scripture's most significant prophetic poems. Her 'heart' (lev) rejoicing shows internal transformation, while her 'horn' (qeren) being exalted pictures strength restored - the horn symbolizing power as in a strong bull. The phrase 'mouth is enlarged' over enemies indicates confident speech replacing shameful silence. The Hebrew yeshu'ah (salvation) introduces a theme that echoes through Scripture to Jesus (Yeshua) Himself. Hannah's personal deliverance becomes a lens for understanding cosmic redemption. Her song anticipates Mary's Magnificat (Luke 1:46-55) in remarkable parallel.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Victory songs following divine intervention were common in ancient Israel (Exodus 15; Judges 5; 2 Samuel 22). Hannah's psalm uniquely moves from personal thanksgiving to prophetic anticipation of the Davidic kingdom and messianic hope. This progression establishes a pattern for later psalmic praise.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does personal experience of God's deliverance lead to broader vision of His redemptive purposes?
  2. What connections do you see between Hannah's song and Mary's Magnificat?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 16 words
וַתִּתְפַּלֵּ֤ל1 of 16

“prayed”

H6419

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

חַנָּה֙2 of 16

“And Hannah”

H2584

channah, an israelitess

וַתֹּאמַ֔ר3 of 16

“and said”

H559

to say (used with great latitude)

עָלַ֤ץ4 of 16

“rejoiceth”

H5970

to jump for joy, i.e., exult

לִבִּי֙5 of 16

“My heart”

H3820

the heart; also used (figuratively) very widely for the feelings, the will and even the intellect; likewise for the center of anything

בַּֽיהוָ֑ה6 of 16

“in the LORD”

H3068

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

רָ֥מָה7 of 16

“is exalted”

H7311

to be high actively, to rise or raise (in various applications, literally or figuratively)

קַרְנִ֖י8 of 16

“mine horn”

H7161

a horn (as projecting); by implication, a flask, cornet; by resemblance. an elephant's tooth (i.e., ivory), a corner (of the altar), a peak (of a moun

בַּֽיהוָ֑ה9 of 16

“in the LORD”

H3068

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

רָ֤חַב10 of 16

“is enlarged”

H7337

to broaden (intransitive or transitive, literal or figurative)

פִּי֙11 of 16

“my mouth”

H6310

the mouth (as the means of blowing), whether literal or figurative (particularly speech); specifically edge, portion or side; adverbially (with prepos

עַל12 of 16
H5921

above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications

א֣וֹיְבַ֔י13 of 16

“over mine enemies”

H341

hating; an adversary

כִּ֥י14 of 16
H3588

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

שָׂמַ֖חְתִּי15 of 16

“because I rejoice”

H8055

probably to brighten up, i.e., (figuratively) be (causatively, make) blithe or gleesome

בִּישֽׁוּעָתֶֽךָ׃16 of 16

“in thy salvation”

H3444

something saved, i.e., (abstractly) deliverance; hence, aid, victory, prosperity

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 2:1 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 2:1 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Luke 1:46-56Psalms 13:5Isaiah 12:2-3Philippians 4:6Psalms 92:10Psalms 89:17

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1 Samuel 2 QuizTest your knowledge of this chapter1 Samuel Book QuizComprehensive quiz for the entire book

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