King James Version

What Does 1 Samuel 2:5 Mean?

1 Samuel 2:5 in the King James Version says “They that were full have hired out themselves for bread; and they that were hungry ceased: so that the barren hath born ...” — study this verse from 1 Samuel chapter 2 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“They that were full have hired out themselves for bread; and they that were hungry ceased: so that the barren hath born seven; and she that hath many children is waxed feeble.”

1 Samuel 2:5 · KJV

Context

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

4

The bows of the mighty men are broken, and they that stumbled are girded with strength.

5

They that were full have hired out themselves for bread; and they that were hungry ceased: so that the barren hath born seven; and she that hath many children is waxed feeble.

6

The LORD killeth, and maketh alive: he bringeth down to the grave, and bringeth up.

7

The LORD maketh poor, and maketh rich: he bringeth low, and lifteth up.

Read 1 Samuel 2 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
The economic reversals continue Hannah's theme. Those once satiated must hire themselves out for bread (the most basic sustenance), while the hungry need work no more. Hannah's personal experience of reversal (barren to blessed) grounds her prophetic vision. The number 'seven' represents completeness - the barren woman bears the full blessing of children while the prolific mother fades. Hannah herself would bear five more children (verse 21), making six total. Yet Samuel, as dedicated firstborn, accomplishes what many sons could not.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Hiring oneself out for food indicates desperate poverty, essentially becoming an indentured servant. The reversal of the barren bearing 'seven' children appears also in Ruth 4:15 and Jeremiah 15:9, becoming a standard formula for complete maternal blessing.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does Hannah's personal story of reversal give her authority to speak of God's broader work?
  2. What reversals in your own experience testify to God's transforming power?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 12 words
שְׂבֵעִ֤ים1 of 12

“They that were full”

H7649

satiated (in a pleasant or disagreeable sense)

בַּלֶּ֙חֶם֙2 of 12

“themselves for bread”

H3899

food (for man or beast), especially bread, or grain (for making it)

נִשְׂכָּ֔רוּ3 of 12

“have hired out”

H7936

to hire

וּרְעֵבִ֖ים4 of 12

“and they that were hungry”

H7457

hungry (more or less intensely)

חָדֵ֑לּוּ5 of 12

“ceased”

H2308

properly, to be flabby, i.e., (by implication) desist; (figuratively) be lacking or idle

עַד6 of 12
H5704

as far (or long, or much) as, whether of space (even unto) or time (during, while, until) or degree (equally with)

עֲקָרָה֙7 of 12

“so that the barren”

H6135

sterile (as if extirpated in the generative organs)

יָֽלְדָ֣ה8 of 12

“hath born”

H3205

to bear young; causatively, to beget; medically, to act as midwife; specifically, to show lineage

שִׁבְעָ֔ה9 of 12

“seven”

H7651

seven (as the sacred full one); also (adverbially) seven times; by implication, a week; by extension, an indefinite number

וְרַבַּ֥ת10 of 12

“and she that hath many”

H7227

abundant (in quantity, size, age, number, rank, quality)

בָּנִ֖ים11 of 12

“children”

H1121

a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or

אֻמְלָֽלָה׃12 of 12

“is waxed feeble”

H535

to droop; by implication to be sick, to mourn

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 2:5 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 2:5 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Psalms 113:9Luke 1:53Jeremiah 15:9Psalms 34:101 Samuel 1:6Isaiah 54:1

Test Your Knowledge

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

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