King James Version

What Does 1 Samuel 2:11 Mean?

1 Samuel 2:11 in the King James Version says “And Elkanah went to Ramah to his house. And the child did minister unto the LORD before Eli the priest. — study this verse from 1 Samuel chapter 2 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

And Elkanah went to Ramah to his house. And the child did minister unto the LORD before Eli the priest.

1 Samuel 2:11 · KJV


Context

9

He will keep the feet of his saints, and the wicked shall be silent in darkness; for by strength shall no man prevail.

10

The adversaries of the LORD shall be broken to pieces; out of heaven shall he thunder upon them: the LORD shall judge the ends of the earth; and he shall give strength unto his king, and exalt the horn of his anointed.

11

And Elkanah went to Ramah to his house. And the child did minister unto the LORD before Eli the priest.

12

Now the sons of Eli were sons of Belial; they knew not the LORD.

13

And the priests' custom with the people was, that, when any man offered sacrifice, the priest's servant came, while the flesh was in seething, with a fleshhook of three teeth in his hand;


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
The narrative transitions from Hannah's exalted worship to the mundane reality of returning home. Yet this brief verse contains profound contrast. Elkanah returns to Ramah (normal life), but Samuel remains to 'minister unto the LORD before Eli.' The Hebrew sharat (to serve, minister) indicates formal religious service. The young child begins his life of service even as Hannah's song still echoes. Her prophetic vision of kings and messiahs finds practical expression in one small boy serving at an altar in Shiloh.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Levitical service typically began at age twenty-five or thirty (Numbers 4:3; 8:24), but Samuel's consecration from weaning represented exceptional dedication. His early ministry would have involved simple tasks appropriate to a child, learning the ways of the sanctuary.

Reflection Questions

  1. How do you balance transcendent worship experiences with mundane daily faithfulness?
  2. What 'small' service might God be using to prepare you for greater purposes?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 14 words
וַיֵּ֧לֶךְ1 of 14
H1980

to walk (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively)

אֶלְקָנָ֛ה2 of 14

And Elkanah

H511

elkanah, the name of several israelites

הָֽרָמָ֖תָה3 of 14

to Ramah

H7414

ramah, the name of four places in palestine

עַל4 of 14
H5921

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

בֵּית֑וֹ5 of 14

to his house

H1004

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

וְהַנַּ֗עַר6 of 14

And the child

H5288

(concretely) a boy (as active), from the age of infancy to adolescence; by implication, a servant; also (by interch. of sex), a girl (of similar latit

הָיָ֤ה7 of 14

did

H1961

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

מְשָׁרֵת֙8 of 14

minister

H8334

to attend as a menial or worshipper; figuratively, to contribute to

אֶת9 of 14
H853

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

יְהוָ֔ה10 of 14

unto the LORD

H3068

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

אֶת11 of 14
H853

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

פְּנֵ֖י12 of 14

before

H6440

the face (as the part that turns); used in a great variety of applications (literally and figuratively); also (with prepositional prefix) as a preposi

עֵלִ֥י13 of 14

Eli

H5941

eli, an israelite highpriest

הַכֹּהֵֽן׃14 of 14

the priest

H3548

literally one officiating, a priest; also (by courtesy) an acting priest (although a layman)


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 2:11 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 2:11 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Places in This Verse

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