King James Version

What Does 1 Samuel 2:7 Mean?

1 Samuel 2:7 in the King James Version says “The LORD maketh poor, and maketh rich: he bringeth low, and lifteth up.” — study this verse from 1 Samuel chapter 2 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

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

1 Samuel 2:7 · KJV

Context

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.

8

He raiseth up the poor out of the dust, and lifteth up the beggar from the dunghill, to set them among princes, and to make them inherit the throne of glory: for the pillars of the earth are the LORD'S, and he hath set the world upon them.

9

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

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Economic reversals extend God's sovereignty to material prosperity. The LORD 'maketh poor' and 'maketh rich' - human wealth comes not from personal achievement but divine distribution. Similarly, He 'bringeth low' and 'lifteth up' in social status. This theology challenges prosperity gospel distortions that promise wealth to the faithful while explaining poverty as lack of faith. Hannah knows both poverty of soul (barrenness) and richness of blessing (Samuel). Both conditions come from God's sovereign hand working for purposes beyond human comprehension.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Ancient Near Eastern religions often associated wealth with divine favor and poverty with divine displeasure. While this connection appears in Israelite wisdom literature, Hannah's song provides important qualification: God actively determines both conditions according to His purposes.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does understanding God's sovereignty over wealth reshape attitudes toward money?
  2. What dangers do you see in equating prosperity with divine blessing?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 6 words
יְהוָ֖ה1 of 6

“The LORD”

H3068

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

מוֹרִ֣ישׁ2 of 6

“maketh poor”

H3423

to occupy (by driving out previous tenants, and possessing in their place); by implication, to seize, to rob, to inherit; also to expel, to impoverish

וּמַֽעֲשִׁ֑יר3 of 6

“and maketh rich”

H6238

properly, to accumulate; chiefly (specifically) to grow (causatively, make) rich

מַשְׁפִּ֖יל4 of 6

“he bringeth low”

H8213

to depress or sink (especially figuratively, to humiliate, intransitive or transitive)

אַף5 of 6

“and”

H637

meaning accession (used as an adverb or conjunction); also or yea; adversatively though

מְרוֹמֵֽם׃6 of 6

“lifteth up”

H7311

to be high actively, to rise or raise (in various applications, 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 2:7 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 2:7 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Psalms 75:7Job 5:11Deuteronomy 8:17-18James 4:10Job 1:21James 1:9-10

Test Your Knowledge

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

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