1 Samuel 1 15

1 Samuel 1:15 kjv

And Hannah answered and said, No, my lord, 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 nkjv

But Hannah answered and said, "No, my lord, I am a woman of sorrowful spirit. I have drunk neither wine nor intoxicating drink, but have poured out my soul before the LORD.

1 Samuel 1:15 niv

"Not so, my lord," Hannah replied, "I am a woman who is deeply troubled. I have not been drinking wine or beer; I was pouring out my soul to the LORD.

1 Samuel 1:15 esv

But Hannah answered, "No, my lord, I am a woman troubled in spirit. I have drunk neither wine nor strong drink, but I have been pouring out my soul before the LORD.

1 Samuel 1:15 nlt

"Oh no, sir!" she replied. "I haven't been drinking wine or anything stronger. But I am very discouraged, and I was pouring out my heart to the LORD.

1 Samuel 1 verses

1 Samuel 1 15 Meaning

1 Samuel 1:15 reveals Hannah's dignified and earnest response to High Priest Eli's mistaken accusation of drunkenness. She clarifies that her visible distress is not from intemperance but from profound inner sorrow, which she has expressed directly and entirely to God in sincere prayer. Her words highlight the depth of her anguish and the spiritual sincerity of her communion with the Lord, contrasting starkly with Eli's misjudgment based on outward appearances.

1 Samuel 1 15 Context

1 Samuel Chapter 1 recounts the deeply sorrowful experience of Hannah, who was barren in a culture that highly valued offspring. Despite her husband Elkanah's affection, her rival Peninnah provoked her, causing great distress. The chapter establishes her deep piety and longing for a child. Verse 15 occurs at the tabernacle in Shiloh, the central place of worship, where Hannah is found praying so fervently and silently that Eli, the high priest, misjudges her, thinking she is drunk. This accusation comes at a pivotal moment, highlighting Hannah's unwavering faith in God despite societal reproach and priestly misunderstanding. The historical context includes the period of the Judges, marked by spiritual decline, as partially evidenced by Eli's diminished spiritual discernment.

1 Samuel 1 15 Word analysis

• And Hannah answered and said,: Demonstrates Hannah's composure and directness in refuting the accusation. She speaks respectfully but firmly.
• No,: (לֹא - lo) A direct and unequivocal negation. It sets the tone for her immediate denial of Eli's charge.
• my lord,: (אֲדֹנִי - adoni) A respectful form of address used for a superior or esteemed person, in this case, the high priest. It indicates her deference despite being unjustly accused.
• I am a woman of a sorrowful spirit: (קְשַׁת־רוּחַ` - qeshat-ruach): Literally "hard of spirit" or "heavy of spirit." This Hebrew idiom signifies deep, overwhelming anguish, grief, or inner pain. It describes her soul-crushing sorrow over her barrenness and possibly Peninnah's constant provocation, not a drunken stupor. It stands in direct contrast to Eli's misinterpretation.
• I have drunk neither wine nor strong drink,: (וְיַיִן וְשֵׁכָר לֹא שָׁתִיתִי - v'yayin v'shekhar lo shatiti) A direct, precise denial of the accusation of intoxication. "Strong drink" (שֵׁכָר - shekhar) refers to any fermented beverage, potentially including beer or date wine, not just grape wine. This clarifies her complete sobriety while praying in the sacred precinct.
• but have poured out my soul before the LORD.: (שָׁפַכְתִּי נַפְשִׁי לִפְנֵי יְהוָה - shafakhti nafshi lifney YHWH) This is a profound idiom expressing intense, unrestrained prayer. "Poured out my soul" means she has laid bare her innermost being, her deepest thoughts, feelings, burdens, and desires, utterly without reservation or pretense, directly to God. It indicates complete surrender and vulnerability in her supplication. "Before the LORD" emphasizes the divine recipient of her true and heartfelt devotion, contrasting with the human observer's limited perception.

1 Samuel 1 15 Bonus section

The scene underscores a tension between outward appearance and inward reality. Eli, the established religious authority, judges Hannah based on observable behavior (her lips moving, body shaking with silent prayer) and makes a negative assumption, whereas Hannah's true state is one of profound spiritual travail and genuine piety. This highlights the dangers of superficial judgment and the importance of discernment that is guided by the Spirit of God, not merely human perception (1 Cor 2:14-15). Hannah's character emerges as one of remarkable humility, reverence for the priestly office, and an unshakeable faith in God's willingness to hear even the most desolate pleas. Her example provides comfort and encouragement for those who may feel misunderstood or judged in their walk of faith, emphasizing that what matters most is the heart's sincere condition before God.

1 Samuel 1 15 Commentary

1 Samuel 1:15 is a pivotal moment, showcasing Hannah's true spiritual state and exposing Eli's lack of spiritual discernment. Hannah, deeply grieved by her barrenness and rival's torment, was praying with such profound anguish that her silent, emotional wrestling before God was misinterpreted by Eli as drunkenness, a serious transgression in the sanctuary (Lev 10:9). Her response is a model of gracious defense and authentic faith: she does not lash out or grow indignant, but respectfully corrects Eli's misunderstanding. Her statement, "I have poured out my soul before the LORD," encapsulates the essence of biblical prayer – not a rote recitation or outward display, but an honest, vulnerable outpouring of the innermost self directly to God (Psa 62:8, Lam 2:19). This contrasts sharply with the superficial religious observations and corrupt practices later associated with Eli's own sons. Hannah's integrity and deep communion with God ultimately pave the way for Samuel, a prophetic figure who would bridge the spiritual decline of the Judges and usher in the era of the kings. It reminds believers that true worship is about the heart's sincere communication with God, regardless of outward appearance or human judgment (John 4:23-24).