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    In Context

    Who Was Hannah in the Bible — In Biblical Context

    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.

    Quick Answer

    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)

    The Biblical Context

    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.

    Where It Sits in Scripture

    The core passage for this question, 1 Samuel 1:27, sits inside 1 Samuel 1. To grasp the full meaning, read the surrounding paragraph — the verses before set up the thought, the verses after carry it forward.

    "For this child I prayed; and the LORD hath given me my petition which I asked of him."
    — 1 Samuel 1:27 (KJV)

    Supporting Passages

    1 Samuel 2:1
    "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."
    1 Samuel 1:11
    "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."

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