1 Samuel 1 22

1 Samuel 1:22 kjv

But Hannah went not up; for she said unto her husband, I will not go up until the child be weaned, and then I will bring him, that he may appear before the LORD, and there abide for ever.

1 Samuel 1:22 nkjv

But Hannah did not go up, for she said to her husband, "Not until the child is weaned; then I will take him, that he may appear before the LORD and remain there forever."

1 Samuel 1:22 niv

Hannah did not go. She said to her husband, "After the boy is weaned, I will take him and present him before the LORD, and he will live there always."

1 Samuel 1:22 esv

But Hannah did not go up, for she said to her husband, "As soon as the child is weaned, I will bring him, so that he may appear in the presence of the LORD and dwell there forever."

1 Samuel 1:22 nlt

But Hannah did not go. She told her husband, "Wait until the boy is weaned. Then I will take him to the Tabernacle and leave him there with the LORD permanently. "

1 Samuel 1 verses

1 Samuel 1 22 meaning

First Samuel chapter 1, verse 22 reveals Hannah’s unwavering resolve and faith-filled commitment to dedicate her son, Samuel, to the Lord for his entire life. While Elkanah and his household went to Shiloh annually, Hannah chose to defer her pilgrimage until Samuel was weaned. This delay was not a retraction of her vow but a strategic and loving postponement to ensure Samuel's well-being and a complete, lifelong presentation to the Lord for His service, signifying a deep devotion beyond ritualistic obligation.

1 Samuel 1 22 Context

First Samuel chapter 1 begins with Elkanah and his two wives, Peninnah and Hannah. Peninnah had children, but Hannah was barren, a source of great sorrow and Peninnah's constant provocation. Each year, Elkanah would go up to Shiloh to sacrifice to the Lord. During one such pilgrimage, Hannah, in bitter distress, prayed to the Lord for a son, making a vow that if granted, she would dedicate him to the Lord for all the days of his life, and no razor would ever touch his head (likely indicating a Nazirite-like vow). Eli the priest initially misunderstood her, but upon hearing her vow, blessed her. The Lord remembered Hannah, and she conceived and bore a son, whom she named Samuel. Verse 22 takes place as the family prepares for the annual pilgrimage to Shiloh again, subsequent to Samuel's birth, establishing Hannah's commitment to her sacred vow before the Lord.

1 Samuel 1 22 Word analysis

• But Hannah: Signals a deliberate departure from the customary practice of her household, highlighting her distinct decision and personal commitment.
• did not go up: Hebrew: lo' ‘altah (לֹא עָלְתָה). Indicates her staying behind, deviating from the household's annual pilgrimage to Shiloh (1 Sam 1:3), signifying her priority to fully keep her unique vow.
• for she said to her husband: Shows direct communication and the collaborative nature of her decision within the marital bond, indicating Elkanah’s likely understanding and agreement with her profound purpose.
• 'I will not go up until the child is weaned;’: Hannah's precise condition for attending the pilgrimage. Weaning (Hebrew: gamal, גָּמַל) in ancient Israel was a significant event, often marking the end of infancy and a child’s greater independence, typically occurring between the ages of two and five, but sometimes later (Gen 21:8; 2 Chr 31:16). This ensured the child's readiness for such a dramatic separation and life change, demonstrating both maternal care and careful planning for a lifelong dedication.
• ‘then I will bring him,’: Hannah's active role. This signifies her direct, intentional act of presentation to God, not merely a passive act or obligation. It underscores her agency in fulfilling her vow.
• ‘that he may appear before the LORD’: Hebrew: wenir'ah 'et-p'nei Adonai (וְנִרְאָה אֶת־פְּנֵי יְהוָה). "Appear before the LORD" implies formal presentation and engagement in divine service at the central sanctuary (the Tabernacle at Shiloh), indicating a profound religious act of consecration (Deut 31:11, Psa 42:2). This was Samuel's designated role, unlike a mere visit.
• ‘and stay there forever.’: Hebrew: ad 'olam (עַד עוֹלָם). This phrase translates as "forever," "for always," "for a lifetime," or "continually." In this context, it means for the duration of his life, or as long as he lives, as confirmed by Hannah's later words in 1 Sam 1:28, "as long as he lives he is lent to the LORD." This distinguishes Samuel’s dedication from typical vows, which might be temporary; it underscores the completeness and lifelong nature of his commitment to God's service. This lifelong devotion resonates with concepts of a perpetual offering, symbolizing total surrender.

• "But Hannah did not go up" (to the annual sacrifice): This phrase sets Hannah apart from the ordinary practice, immediately highlighting her distinct commitment stemming from her unique vow (1 Sam 1:11). Her decision reflects a deep spiritual priority over social convention.
• "I will not go up until the child is weaned; then I will bring him": This is a parental promise rooted in careful consideration. The 'weaning' period indicates a practical and loving approach to dedicating a young child for life, ensuring Samuel’s physical readiness before a momentous separation for divine service. This temporary delay ensured the permanent commitment's proper timing and execution.
• "that he may appear before the LORD and stay there forever": This group of words clarifies the ultimate purpose of Samuel's dedication: not merely a ritual presentation, but a perpetual residence and service in the Tabernacle. It embodies a full, irreversible offering of her son for the exclusive use of the Almighty, showing her profound faith and commitment to her vow's spirit and not just the letter.

1 Samuel 1 22 Bonus section

Hannah's profound statement in 1 Sam 1:22 sets her apart from societal norms and common devotional practices. While other women brought children to Shiloh for general blessing, Hannah's commitment of Samuel for lifelong service represented a level of dedication that paralleled Nazarite vows (even if Samuel wasn't explicitly called one in scripture, his consecration from birth and continuous presence at the sanctuary resonate deeply with it). This deep commitment of Samuel "forever" contrasts sharply with the general societal inclination towards short-term gain or temporary service, underscoring her absolute trust in God. Her unique "staying back" and then personally "bringing him" implies a more profound, personal, and conscious act of giving to God than a mere ritualistic performance. It speaks to a parental recognition of God's prior claim over the child and a willing release for divine purpose. This foundational act is key to understanding Samuel's unique purity and unparalleled moral authority as he grew to serve God.

1 Samuel 1 22 Commentary

First Samuel 1:22 is a pivotal verse, encapsulating Hannah's steadfast devotion and unique commitment to God. It highlights her faithful follow-through on the extraordinary vow she made in 1 Samuel 1:11. By choosing to defer the annual pilgrimage until Samuel was weaned, Hannah was not delaying her promise but ensuring its proper and complete fulfillment. The duration of ancient Israelite weaning could span several years, reflecting Hannah’s wisdom in allowing her son sufficient early nurture before his profound transition. Her specific intent for Samuel to "appear before the LORD and stay there forever" signifies an unparalleled dedication – a complete and lifelong yielding of her most desired gift to the exclusive service of the Almighty. This goes beyond a temporary priestly duty or a standard offering, indicating an intention for Samuel to serve perpetually at the tabernacle. Her actions establish a model of wholehearted surrender and faith-filled parenting that prepares a child for a divine calling, setting the stage for Samuel's integral role as a prophet, judge, and king-maker in Israel’s history. Hannah’s resolve demonstrates that true piety is not just about making promises, but about the integrity and self-sacrifice involved in their fulfillment.
Example: A modern parallel might be parents who commit their children to lifelong mission service from birth, fostering an environment where such a calling can flourish, demonstrating a faith that transcends immediate personal comfort for a higher divine purpose.