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    1 Samuel 1 (KJV)

    Read 1 Samuel chapter 1 in the King James Version of the Holy Bible.

    1 Samuel 1

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    Bible Story

    Hannah's Prayer

    1 Samuel 1:1-2:11 • Kings & Prophets

    Prayer

    Hannah's Prayer

    A song of gratitude and prophetic hope after answered prayer.

    Bible Quiz

    Hannah Bible Quiz

    A woman of prayer — from bitter barrenness to the mother of Samuel the prophet.

    Character

    Hannah in the Bible

    The Praying Mother

    Bible Quiz

    1 Samuel Bible Quiz

    Samuel the prophet, Saul the first king, and David the shepherd boy.

    Verses About

    Bible Verses About Answered Prayer

    10 curated KJV verses

    1 Samuel 1 Summary

    First Samuel opens with the anguished prayer of Hannah — a barren woman mocked by her rival Peninnah and misunderstood even by the priest Eli. Hannah pours out her heart to God at the Tabernacle in Shiloh, vowing to dedicate her son to the Lord's service. God answers, and Samuel is born.

    Hannah's story transitions Israel from the troubled period of the Judges to the establishment of the monarchy. Her prayer is raw, honest, and ultimately transformative — not just for her family but for the entire nation. Samuel, the child of her tears, will become prophet, priest, and judge.

    Key Themes

    Barrenness and answered prayerHannah's vowDedication of SamuelHonest prayerGod lifting the lowly

    Key Verses in 1 Samuel 1

    "I am a woman of a sorrowful spirit: I have drunk neither wine nor strong drink, but have poured out my soul before the LORD."

    — 1 Samuel 1:15

    Hannah models prayer that is honest and desperate rather than polished.

    "For this child I prayed; and the LORD hath given me my petition… I have lent him to the LORD."

    — 1 Samuel 1:27-28

    Hannah's willingness to give back what she longed for shows extraordinary faith.

    "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."

    — 1 Samuel 1:11

    First use of the title 'LORD of hosts' in Scripture, spoken by a suffering woman.

    Life Application

    Hannah teaches that the deepest prayers often come from the deepest pain. She didn't polish her words or hide her tears — she poured out her soul. And when God answered, she kept her promise, dedicating Samuel to God's service. This chapter invites you to bring your rawest emotions to God and to hold loosely to the blessings He gives.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    Who was Hannah in the Bible?

    Hannah was one of Elkanah's two wives and the mother of the prophet Samuel. Though barren for years and provoked by her rival Peninnah, her persistent prayer and vow led to Samuel's birth. Her prayer of thanksgiving in chapter 2 anticipates Mary's Magnificat.

    Why did Hannah give Samuel to the temple?

    Hannah had vowed that if God gave her a son, she would dedicate him to the Lord's service for his entire life. After weaning Samuel, she brought him to the Tabernacle at Shiloh where he grew up serving under the priest Eli.

    Read the full summary of 1 Samuel

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