King James Version

What Does 1 Samuel 2:19 Mean?

1 Samuel 2:19 in the King James Version says “Moreover his mother made him a little coat, and brought it to him from year to year, when she came up with her husband t... — study this verse from 1 Samuel chapter 2 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

Moreover his mother made him a little coat, and brought it to him from year to year, when she came up with her husband to offer the yearly sacrifice.

1 Samuel 2:19 · KJV


Context

17

Wherefore the sin of the young men was very great before the LORD: for men abhorred the offering of the LORD.

18

But Samuel ministered before the LORD, being a child, girded with a linen ephod.

19

Moreover his mother made him a little coat, and brought it to him from year to year, when she came up with her husband to offer the yearly sacrifice.

20

And Eli blessed Elkanah and his wife, and said, The LORD give thee seed of this woman for the loan which is lent to the LORD. And they went unto their own home. loan: or, petition which she asked, etc

21

And the LORD visited Hannah, so that she conceived, and bare three sons and two daughters. And the child Samuel grew before the LORD.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Hannah's yearly gift of a little coat (me'il, a sleeveless robe) demonstrates enduring maternal love within her vow of dedication. The me'il later becomes a significant garment - Samuel will wear a distinctive robe as prophet, and its tearing will symbolize the tearing of Saul's kingdom (15:27-28). Hannah's simple act of making and bringing this garment shows that dedication to God does not eliminate natural affection but sanctifies it. Her annual visits maintained connection while honoring her commitment. Godly parenting balances release with ongoing care.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

The me'il was an outer robe worn over the tunic, often indicating status or office. High priests wore an elaborate version (Exodus 28:31-35). By making Samuel's robe, Hannah participated in her son's development while respecting his dedicated service at Shiloh.

Reflection Questions

  1. How do you maintain meaningful connection with those you have released to God's service?
  2. What practical expressions of love accompany your spiritual commitments?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 16 words
וּמְעִ֤יל1 of 16

coat

H4598

a robe (i.e., upper and outer garment)

קָטֹן֙2 of 16

him a little

H6996

abbreviated, i.e., diminutive, literally (in quantity, size or number) or figuratively (in age or importance)

תַּֽעֲשֶׂה3 of 16

made

H6213

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

לּ֣וֹ4 of 16
H0
אִמּ֔וֹ5 of 16

Moreover his mother

H517

a mother (as the bond of the family); in a wide sense (both literally and figuratively [like father])

בַּֽעֲלוֹתָהּ֙6 of 16

and brought

H5927

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

ל֖וֹ7 of 16
H0
הַיָּמִֽים׃8 of 16

it to him from year

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

הַיָּמִֽים׃9 of 16

it to him from year

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

בַּֽעֲלוֹתָהּ֙10 of 16

and brought

H5927

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

אֶת11 of 16
H854

properly, nearness (used only as a preposition or an adverb), near; hence, generally, with, by, at, among, etc

אִישָׁ֔הּ12 of 16

with her husband

H376

a man as an individual or a male person; often used as an adjunct to a more definite term (and in such cases frequently not expressed in translation)

לִזְבֹּ֖חַ13 of 16

to offer

H2076

to slaughter an animal (usually in sacrifice)

אֶת14 of 16
H853

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

זֶ֥בַח15 of 16

sacrifice

H2077

properly, a slaughter, i.e., the flesh of an animal; by implication, a sacrifice (the victim or the act)

הַיָּמִֽים׃16 of 16

it to him from year

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


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 2:19 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 2:19 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Test Your Knowledge

Continue Your Study