1 Samuel 1:8 kjv

Then said Elkanah her husband to her, Hannah, why weepest thou? and why eatest thou not? and why is thy heart grieved? am not I better to thee than ten sons?

1 Samuel 1:8 nkjv

Then Elkanah her husband said to her, "Hannah, why do you weep? Why do you not eat? And why is your heart grieved? Am I not better to you than ten sons?"

1 Samuel 1:8 niv

Her husband Elkanah would say to her, "Hannah, why are you weeping? Why don't you eat? Why are you downhearted? Don't I mean more to you than ten sons?"

1 Samuel 1:8 esv

And Elkanah, her husband, said to her, "Hannah, why do you weep? And why do you not eat? And why is your heart sad? Am I not more to you than ten sons?"

1 Samuel 1:8 nlt

"Why are you crying, Hannah?" Elkanah would ask. "Why aren't you eating? Why be downhearted just because you have no children? You have me ? isn't that better than having ten sons?"

1 Samuel 1 verses

1 Samuel 1 8 Meaning

First Samuel chapter 1 verse 8 depicts Elkanah, Hannah’s husband, attempting to console his distressed wife. He expresses concern over her profound sorrow, manifest in her weeping and refusal to eat, and questions why she is so downcast. His heartfelt query, "Am I not better to you than ten sons?" is an effort to highlight his devotion and intrinsic worth to her, aiming to alleviate her pain by asserting her supreme value to him above even the cultural blessing of many children. The verse highlights Elkanah's deep love and genuine concern, though it also subtly reveals the cultural pressures of the time regarding childbearing and the limitations of human comfort in addressing a spiritual longing only God could fulfill.

1 Samuel 1 8 Context

First Samuel chapter 1 introduces the family of Elkanah, a Levite from Ramathaim-Zophim. The narrative immediately establishes a central tension: Elkanah has two wives, Peninnah, who has children, and Hannah, whom he deeply loves but is barren. Barrenness in ancient Israelite culture was often perceived as a divine curse and brought significant social disgrace. Annually, the family would go to Shiloh to offer sacrifices to the Lord. During these feasts, Elkanah would give Hannah a "double portion," demonstrating his favoritism and affection. However, Peninnah would constantly provoke and taunt Hannah about her inability to bear children, leading to Hannah's deep emotional distress. Verse 8 occurs precisely at this point of intense personal sorrow for Hannah, showing Elkanah's tender response to her chronic grief after one such provocation, urging her to overcome her sadness by highlighting his devotion to her.

1 Samuel 1 8 Word analysis

• Then Elkanah: Elkanah (Hebrew: אֶלְקָנָה, ʼElqanah) means "God has created" or "God has possessed/acquired." His name itself speaks of God's action, a subtle foreshadowing of how God will intervene in Hannah's life. He is presented as a devout and caring husband, emphasizing his role as head of the household attempting to bring comfort.

• her husband: This specifies Elkanah's unique relationship and responsibility towards Hannah, framing his words as coming from a place of deep intimacy and concern.

• said to her: A direct address, showing his initiation of a conversation focused on her distress.

• "Hannah, (Hebrew: חַנָּה, Channah) The name "Hannah" means "grace" or "favor." It is deeply ironic that a woman named "Grace" or "Favor" is experiencing such profound disfavor (barrenness) but later becomes the recipient of God's ultimate grace and favor through the birth of Samuel. Elkanah's tender call by name underscores his personal connection and concern.

• why are you weeping? (Hebrew: תִּבְכִּי, tibkiy - "you weep") - Indicates an observable, outward sign of deep grief. Weeping is a natural expression of overwhelming sorrow in the face of deep anguish. This is not a rhetorical question but an empathetic one, prompting Hannah to articulate her pain.

• And why are you not eating? (Hebrew: וְלָמֶה לֹא תֹאכֵלִי, vlamah lo tokheliy - "and why not you eat?") - Refusal to eat is a common biblical indicator of extreme distress, mourning, or spiritual agony (e.g., David, Elijah). It signals a loss of joy and peace, indicating her profound internal suffering affecting her physical state.

• And why is your heart sad? (Hebrew: וְלָמֶה יֵרַע לְבָבֵךְ, vlamah yera levalvek - "and why bad your heart?") - This probes beyond the outward manifestations to the root of her inner turmoil. "Heart" (levav) in Hebrew thought represents the totality of the inner person—mind, will, and emotions. Elkanah recognizes her deep internal despair, a "broken spirit" caused by barrenness and Peninnah's provocations.

• Am I not better to you than ten sons? (Hebrew: הֲלוֹא טוֹב אָנֹכִי לָךְ מֵעֲשָׂרָה בָּנִים, halo tov anochi lakh me'asarah banim - "Behold good I to you from ten sons?")

  • Am I not better to you: This is a rhetorical question intended to evoke affirmation. Tov (טוֹב) means "good," "beneficial," or "pleasant." Elkanah is presenting himself as of greater or equal value than the cultural desire for many sons, implying that his devoted love should fill the void created by her childlessness.
  • than ten sons?: "Ten" (עֲשָׂרָה, asarah) often symbolizes completeness, fullness, or a significant number in the Bible. It might represent an ideal or desirable large family, emphasizing the societal premium placed on numerous children as a mark of blessing and prosperity. Elkanah is trying to elevate his singular worth above what society deems a grand blessing. This highlights his great love and concern but also implicitly points to the societal pressure and her deep longing for what he could not provide: a child. His attempt at comfort is rooted in human affection, though Hannah’s distress stems from a perceived divine lack of favor.

• Words-group Analysis:

  • "Why are you weeping? And why are you not eating? And why is your heart sad?": This tripartite question meticulously describes Hannah’s visible and invisible anguish. It moves from outer manifestation (weeping) to behavioral consequence (not eating) to the inner emotional state (sad heart), showcasing Elkanah’s attentive observation and deep empathy. This shows a compassionate and discerning husband who sees beyond the surface and genuinely desires to understand and alleviate his wife's profound pain.
  • "Am I not better to you than ten sons?": This pivotal phrase reflects a cultural context where offspring were highly valued as a sign of divine blessing, security, and continuation of the family line. For a man to proclaim his worth greater than "ten sons" to his wife is a testament to his profound, perhaps even extraordinary, love and devotion in a patrilineal society. He implicitly acknowledges the cultural pressure but counters it by emphasizing her worth to him. However, this statement also underscores Elkanah's limitation; he can offer human love and comfort, but he cannot fulfill Hannah's spiritual desire for a child from the Lord.

1 Samuel 1 8 Bonus section

Elkanah's statement, "Am I not better to you than ten sons?" has been interpreted by some scholars as Elkanah either trying to shift Hannah’s affections from her perceived deficiency towards himself, or as a loving affirmation meant to assure her of her inherent worth to him, regardless of her ability to bear children. While his intentions were undoubtedly noble and compassionate, his words reveal the pervasive cultural emphasis on offspring. The significance of "ten sons" might also hint at the number of male children often associated with wealth, social status, and a complete family unit in ancient Israel. Despite his considerable affection and care (including giving her a double portion at the sacrifice), Hannah’s weeping and refusal to eat persisted. This underlines that her sorrow was not just social pressure but a profound spiritual ache for a gift from the Lord, which no amount of human love or material comfort could alleviate. Elkanah's sincerity, however, does elevate his standing as a positive figure, contrasting sharply with husbands who might dismiss or blame their barren wives.

1 Samuel 1 8 Commentary

Elkanah’s words in 1 Samuel 1:8 provide a touching glimpse into his character as a loving and sensitive husband. He correctly identifies Hannah’s sorrow, visible through her weeping and lack of appetite, and probes the depth of her despair, questioning why her heart is sad. His genuine affection shines through as he attempts to comfort her by proclaiming his devotion: "Am I not better to you than ten sons?" This assertion, while heartfelt and demonstrative of immense love in a culture valuing progeny, simultaneously highlights the chasm between human consolation and divine intervention. Elkanah's love was substantial, yet it could not fill the spiritual longing within Hannah for a child, a gift she believed could only come from God. This exchange sets the stage for Hannah's subsequent direct appeal to the Lord, recognizing that her deepest need could only be met by God’s grace and power, beyond human provision or affection. It also serves as a subtle foreshadowing that while human love is valuable, true contentment and the fulfillment of deep desires often require looking beyond earthly blessings to the sovereign will and power of God.