Hannah
Mother of Samuel the Prophet
The praying wife whose tears birthed Samuel the prophet — her song became a pattern for Mary's Magnificat.
1 Samuel 1-2 tells of Hannah, beloved wife of Elkanah but childless and provoked year after year by his other wife Peninnah. At Shiloh she prayed silently with moving lips — Eli the priest thought her drunk — and God answered with Samuel, the prophet who would anoint Israel's first two kings.
Her Story
Hannah vowed that if God gave her a son she would give him back to the LORD. She conceived, bore Samuel ('asked of God'), weaned him, and brought him to Eli at Shiloh: 'For this child I prayed; and the LORD hath given me my petition' (1 Samuel 1:27 KJV). Her prayer of thanksgiving in 1 Samuel 2 — 'My heart rejoiceth in the LORD' — is one of the great hymns of Scripture, echoed by Mary in Luke 1.
What Scripture Teaches
- 1Barren and provoked by her rival Peninnah (1 Samuel 1:6)
- 2Prayed silently with moving lips at Shiloh (1:13)
- 3Vowed her son to the LORD (1:11)
- 4Bore Samuel and brought him to Eli (1:24-28)
- 5Sang the prayer of 1 Samuel 2 — model for Mary's Magnificat
- 6Bore three more sons and two daughters (2:21)
Key KJV Scriptures
"And she was in bitterness of soul, and prayed unto the LORD, and wept sore."
"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."
Why It Matters
Hannah's tears birthed an era. From her secret prayer at Shiloh came Samuel, the king-maker; from her song came patterns that shaped Mary's praise of the incoming Messiah.
Application for Today
Pray your bitterness into God's ear; the LORD remembers Hannahs. And what you receive from Him, give back to Him — that is how Samuels are made.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did Hannah give Samuel up so young?
She kept her vow (1 Samuel 1:11). The cost was real, but so was the joy: 1 Samuel 2:21 records that the LORD gave her three more sons and two daughters after she gave Samuel back.
How does Hannah's song compare with Mary's Magnificat?
Mary's praise in Luke 1:46-55 borrows themes and phrases from 1 Samuel 2 — the proud scattered, the lowly exalted, the hungry filled. Both women received miracle sons who reshaped redemptive history.
Continue Your Study
Read the full chapters (KJV)
Pillar hub
Women of the Bible
Browse every woman of the Bible — matriarchs, prophetesses, queens, and disciples.
Related women of the Bible
Mary
The virgin mother of Jesus — handmaid of the Lord, whose womb received the eternal Word made flesh.
Elizabeth
Righteous priestly wife who bore John the Baptist in old age and welcomed Mary at the Visitation.
Hagar
Sarah's Egyptian handmaid and mother of Ishmael — the first to call God 'Thou God seest me.'
Tamar
Daughter-in-law of Judah and mother of Pharez — named in the genealogy of Christ.
Zipporah
Daughter of Jethro and wife of Moses — saved his life with the circumcision of their son.
Lois and Eunice
Grandmother and mother of Timothy — passed down the Scriptures and an unfeigned faith.
Related Reading
Continue your study with related content from across our library:
Why Is Israel Called the Holy Land?
History & Origins
How Did the Israelites End Up in Egypt?
History & Origins
Hannah's Prayer
1 Samuel 1:1-2:11 • Kings & Prophets
Mothers
Bible verses about mothers — KJV Scripture on the theme of mothers with devotion
Michael the Archangel
Michael is the archangel and warrior prince who stands for God's people and cont
Hannah in the Bible
The Praying Mother
Keep Going
Continue Exploring Scripture
You've found one resource — here are more ways to go deeper into God's Word.
Today's Verse
Start each day with a hand-picked KJV verse and reflection.
Verses by Topic
Find what the Bible says about love, anxiety, strength, and 500+ more topics.
Bible Miracles
Discover the signs and wonders of God recorded in Scripture.
Angels & Spiritual Warfare
Angels, demons, and the armor of God — what the KJV really teaches about the unseen battle.
Bible Genealogies & Family Trees
Visual KJV family trees — the line of Jesus, the sons of Noah, the twelve tribes, and more.
Women of the Bible
Eve, Sarah, Ruth, Esther, Mary — the matriarchs, prophetesses, queens, and disciples of Scripture.