Who Was Hannah in the Bible?
Who Was Hannah in the Bible? Hannah was a faithful woman who prayed fervently for a son, dedicated Samuel to God's service, and offered one of Scripture's greatest prayers of praise.
Key verse: 1 Samuel 1:27 (KJV)
Hannah was a faithful woman who prayed fervently for a son, dedicated Samuel to God's service, and offered one of Scripture's greatest prayers of praise.
Hannah was a faithful woman who prayed fervently for a son, dedicated Samuel to God's service, and offered one of Scripture's greatest prayers of praise.
"For this child I prayed; and the LORD hath given me my petition which I asked of him." — 1 Samuel 1:27 (KJV)
Meaning
Plain-language explanation
In Context
Surrounding KJV scripture
Related Verses
Cross-reference scriptures
The Biblical Answer
Hannah's story in 1 Samuel 1-2 is one of the Bible's most moving accounts of faithful prayer. Unable to have children and taunted by her husband's other wife Peninnah, Hannah poured out her heart to God at the tabernacle in Shiloh. She vowed that if God gave her a son, she would dedicate him to the Lord. God answered, and she named her son Samuel ('heard by God'). True to her word, she brought young Samuel to serve at the tabernacle. Her prayer of thanksgiving (1 Samuel 2:1-10) is one of the Old Testament's greatest songs of praise, later echoed in Mary's Magnificat (Luke 1:46-55). God blessed Hannah with five more children. Her story teaches persistence in prayer and faithfulness in keeping vows.
Key Scripture References
"For this child I prayed; and the LORD hath given me my petition which I asked of him."
"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."
"And she vowed a vow, and said, O LORD of hosts, if thou wilt indeed look on the affliction of thine handmaid... I will give him unto the LORD all the days of his life."
Frequently asked questions
Frequently asked questions
Related Questions
Who Was Samuel in the Bible?
Samuel was a prophet, priest, and judge who anointed Israel's first two kings (Saul and David) and served as a transitional figure between the judges and the monarchy.
Does God Answer Prayer?
Yes — the Bible promises that God hears and answers the prayers of His people, though not always in the way or timing we expect.
Who Are the Women Leaders in the Bible?
The Bible features many women leaders including Deborah (judge), Esther (queen), Miriam (prophetess), Priscilla (teacher), and Lydia (church host).
Who Was Melchizedek in the Bible?
Melchizedek was a mysterious king of Salem and priest of the Most High God who blessed Abraham and received tithes from him.
Who Was Abraham in the Bible?
Abraham was the father of the Jewish nation, called by God from Ur of the Chaldees, and known as the 'father of faith.'
Deep Dive Commentary
For a more in-depth study, read our verse-by-verse commentary:
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Read it in context
The answer above sits inside 1 Samuel. The 365-day chronological plan reads it in the order the events happened.
Read 1 Samuel on day 70 of the chronological Bible reading planKeep the verses to hand
Every verse quoted in “Who Was Hannah in the Bible?” comes from the King James Version, free to download and print.
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