1 Samuel 1:21
1 Samuel 1:21 in Multiple Translations
Then Elkanah and all his house went up to make the annual sacrifice to the LORD and to fulfill his vow,
And the man Elkanah, and all his house, went up to offer unto the LORD the yearly sacrifice, and his vow.
And the man Elkanah, and all his house, went up to offer unto Jehovah the yearly sacrifice, and his vow.
And the man Elkanah with all his family went up to make the year's offering to the Lord, and to give effect to his oath.
Elkanah and all his family went to make the yearly sacrifice to the Lord and to fulfill his vow.
So the man Elkanah and all his house went vp to offer vnto the Lord the yeerely sacrifice, and his vowe:
And the man Elkanah goeth up, and all his house, to sacrifice to Jehovah the sacrifice of the days, and his vow.
The man Elkanah, and all his house, went up to offer to the LORD the yearly sacrifice and his vow.
And the man Elkanah, and all his house, went up to offer to the LORD the yearly sacrifice, and his vow.
And Elcana her husband went up, and all his house, to offer to the Lord the solemn sacrifice, and his vow.
The following year, Elkanah again went up to Shiloh with his family to make the kind of sacrifice he made each year, and also to give a special offering to God that he had promised to give him previously.
A year later Elkanah went with his family to Shiloh as usual, to show respect to God, and to burn meat and give it to him. You see, long before Elkanah promised to do that, so he wanted to keep on doing it.
Berean Amplified Bible — 1 Samuel 1:21
BAB
Word Study
Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.
Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.
1 Samuel 1:21 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וַ/יַּ֛עַל
הָ/אִ֥ישׁ
אֶלְקָנָ֖ה
וְ/כָל
בֵּית֑/וֹ
לִ/זְבֹּ֧חַ
לַֽ/יהוָ֛ה
אֶת
זֶ֥בַח
הַ/יָּמִ֖ים
וְ/אֶת
נִדְרֽ/וֹ
וַ/יַּ֛עַל
ʻâlâh
H5927
to ascend
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
הָ/אִ֥ישׁ
ʼîysh
H376
man
Art | N-ms
אֶלְקָנָ֖ה
ʼElqânâh
H511
Elkanah
N-proper
וְ/כָל
kôl
H3605
all
Conj | N-ms
בֵּית֑/וֹ
bayith
H1004
place
N-ms | Suff
לִ/זְבֹּ֧חַ
zâbach
H2076
to sacrifice
Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a
לַֽ/יהוָ֛ה
Yᵉhôvâh
H3068
The Lord
Prep | N-proper
אֶת
ʼêth
H853
Obj.
DirObjM
זֶ֥בַח
zebach
H2077
sacrifice
N-ms
הַ/יָּמִ֖ים
yôwm
H3117
day
Art | N-mp
וְ/אֶת
ʼêth
H853
Obj.
Conj | DirObjM
נִדְרֽ/וֹ
neder
H5088
vow
N-ms | Suff
Hebrew Word Study
Select any word above to explore its original meaning, root, and usage across Scripture.
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Hebrew Word Reference — 1 Samuel 1:21
וַ/יַּ֛עַל
ʻâlâh
H5927
"to ascend"
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
To ascend means to go up or rise, like the smoke from an altar going up to God, as described in many Bible passages, including Leviticus and Psalms.
Definition: : rise/go 1) to go up, ascend, climb 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to go up, ascend 1a2) to meet, visit, follow, depart, withdraw, retreat 1a3) to go up, come up (of animals) 1a4) to spring up, grow, shoot forth (of vegetation) 1a5) to go up, go up over, rise (of natural phenomenon) 1a6) to come up (before God) 1a7) to go up, go up over, extend (of boundary) 1a8) to excel, be superior to 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be taken up, be brought up, be taken away 1b2) to take oneself away 1b3) to be exalted 1c) (Hiphil) 1c1) to bring up, cause to ascend or climb, cause to go up 1c2) to bring up, bring against, take away 1c3) to bring up, draw up, train 1c4) to cause to ascend 1c5) to rouse, stir up (mentally) 1c6) to offer, bring up (of gifts) 1c7) to exalt 1c8) to cause to ascend, offer 1d) (Hophal) 1d1) to be carried away, be led up 1d2) to be taken up into, be inserted in 1d3) to be offered 1e) (Hithpael) to lift oneself
Usage: Occurs in 817 OT verses. KJV: arise (up), (cause to) ascend up, at once, break (the day) (up), bring (up), (cause to) burn, carry up, cast up, [phrase] shew, climb (up), (cause to, make to) come (up), cut off, dawn, depart, exalt, excel, fall, fetch up, get up, (make to) go (away, up); grow (over) increase, lay, leap, levy, lift (self) up, light, (make) up, [idiom] mention, mount up, offer, make to pay, [phrase] perfect, prefer, put (on), raise, recover, restore, (make to) rise (up), scale, set (up), shoot forth (up), (begin to) spring (up), stir up, take away (up), work. See also: Genesis 2:6; Exodus 34:4; Joshua 7:6.
הָ/אִ֥ישׁ
ʼîysh
H376
"man"
Art | N-ms
The Hebrew word for man, referring to a male person or individual, is used in the Bible to describe humans in contrast to God or animals, as seen in Genesis and Psalms. It can also mean husband or servant. In the KJV, it is translated as man or male.
Definition: : man 1) man 1a) man, male (in contrast to woman, female) 1b) husband 1c) human being, person (in contrast to God) 1d) servant 1e) mankind 1f) champion 1g) great man 2) whosoever 3) each (adjective)
Usage: Occurs in 1851 OT verses. KJV: also, another, any (man), a certain, [phrase] champion, consent, each, every (one), fellow, (foot-, husband-) man, (good-, great, mighty) man, he, high (degree), him (that is), husband, man(-kind), [phrase] none, one, people, person, [phrase] steward, what (man) soever, whoso(-ever), worthy. Compare H802 (אִשָּׁה). See also: Genesis 2:23; Genesis 42:25; Exodus 32:23.
אֶלְקָנָ֖ה
ʼElqânâh
H511
"Elkanah"
N-proper
Elkanah means God has possessed and is the name of several Israelites, including Samuel's father and a ruler in Jerusalem during King Ahaz's time.
Definition: A man living at the time of Divided Monarchy, only mentioned at 2Ch.28.7 § Elkanah = "God has possessed" or "God has created" 1) Samuel's father 2) a ruler in Jerusalem in the time of king Ahaz 3) one of David's mighty warriors 4) son of Korah 5) several Levites
Usage: Occurs in 20 OT verses. KJV: Elkanah. See also: Exodus 6:24; 1 Chronicles 6:10; 2 Chronicles 28:7.
וְ/כָל
kôl
H3605
"all"
Conj | N-ms
The Hebrew word for 'all' or 'everything' is used throughout the Bible, like in Genesis 1:31, where God sees all He has made as very good. It encompasses the entirety of something, whether people, things, or situations.
Definition: 1) all, the whole 1a) all, the whole of 1b) any, each, every, anything 1c) totality, everything Aramaic equivalent: kol (כֹּל "all" H3606)
Usage: Occurs in 4242 OT verses. KJV: (in) all (manner, (ye)), altogether, any (manner), enough, every (one, place, thing), howsoever, as many as, (no-) thing, ought, whatsoever, (the) whole, whoso(-ever). See also: Genesis 1:21; Genesis 17:10; Genesis 41:40.
בֵּית֑/וֹ
bayith
H1004
"place"
N-ms | Suff
The Hebrew word for house refers to a dwelling place, including a family home, temple, or even the human body. It appears in various contexts, such as the temple in Jerusalem or the household of a family. In the Bible, it is often used to describe a place of worship or a family's living space.
Definition: nm place, origin, between
Usage: Occurs in 1712 OT verses. KJV: court, daughter, door, [phrase] dungeon, family, [phrase] forth of, [idiom] great as would contain, hangings, home(born), (winter) house(-hold), inside(-ward), palace, place, [phrase] prison, [phrase] steward, [phrase] tablet, temple, web, [phrase] within(-out). See also: Genesis 6:14; Exodus 8:5; Numbers 1:45.
לִ/זְבֹּ֧חַ
zâbach
H2076
"to sacrifice"
Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a
To sacrifice means to slaughter an animal, usually for a religious offering, as seen in the Bible's instructions for worship. This term is used in many contexts, including sacrifices for eating or in divine judgment. It's often translated as 'kill' or 'offer' in the KJV.
Definition: 1) to slaughter, kill, sacrifice, slaughter for sacrifice 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to slaughter for sacrifice 1a2) to slaughter for eating 1a3) to slaughter in divine judgment 1b) (Piel) to sacrifice, offer sacrifice Aramaic equivalent: de.vach (דְּבַח "to sacrifice" H1684)
Usage: Occurs in 127 OT verses. KJV: kill, offer, (do) sacrifice, slay. See also: Genesis 31:54; 1 Kings 8:62; Psalms 4:6.
לַֽ/יהוָ֛ה
Yᵉhôvâh
H3068
"The Lord"
Prep | N-proper
Yehovah is another name for God, often translated as 'the Lord'. It is a national name for God in the Jewish faith. This name is used throughout the Old Testament.
Definition: Another name of ye.ru.sha.laim (יְרוּשָׁלִַ֫ם, יְרוּשְׁלֵם "Jerusalem" H3389)
Usage: Occurs in 5522 OT verses. KJV: Jehovah, the Lord. Compare H3050 (יָהּ), H3069 (יְהֹוִה). See also: Genesis 2:4; Genesis 24:42; Exodus 8:8.
אֶת
ʼêth
H853
"Obj."
DirObjM
In the original Hebrew, this word points out the object of a verb or preposition, like 'namely' or 'even'. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus. It's not directly translated in English, but helps clarify the meaning of sentences.
Definition: sign of the definite direct object, not translated in English but generally preceding and indicating the accusative Aramaic equivalent: yat (יָת "whom" H3487)
Usage: Occurs in 6782 OT verses. KJV: (as such unrepresented in English). See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 10:8; Genesis 19:21.
זֶ֥בַח
zebach
H2077
"sacrifice"
N-ms
A sacrifice refers to the act of offering an animal's flesh to God, such as in the sacrifices of righteousness or the Passover. This term encompasses various types of sacrifices, including thank offerings and covenant sacrifices. The KJV translates it as 'offer' or 'sacrifice'.
Definition: 1) sacrifice 1a) sacrifices of righteousness 1b) sacrifices of strife 1c) sacrifices to dead things 1d) the covenant sacrifice 1e) the passover 1f) annual sacrifice 1g) thank offering
Usage: Occurs in 153 OT verses. KJV: offer(-ing), sacrifice. See also: Genesis 31:54; 1 Samuel 2:19; Psalms 4:6.
הַ/יָּמִ֖ים
yôwm
H3117
"day"
Art | N-mp
The Hebrew word 'yom' refers to a day, which can be a literal 24-hour period or a figurative space of time. It is used in the Bible to describe a wide range of time periods, from a single day to a year or a lifetime. The word 'yom' is used in many different contexts throughout the Bible.
Definition: : day/when/time/period 1) day, time, year 1a) day (as opposed to night) 1b) day (24 hour period) 1b1) as defined by evening and morning in Genesis 1 1b2) as a division of time 1b2a) a working day, a day's journey 1c) days, lifetime (pl.) 1d) time, period (general) 1e) year 1f) temporal references 1f1) today 1f2) yesterday 1f3) tomorrow
Usage: Occurs in 1930 OT verses. KJV: age, [phrase] always, [phrase] chronicals, continually(-ance), daily, ((birth-), each, to) day, (now a, two) days (agone), [phrase] elder, [idiom] end, [phrase] evening, [phrase] (for) ever(-lasting, -more), [idiom] full, life, as (so) long as (... live), (even) now, [phrase] old, [phrase] outlived, [phrase] perpetually, presently, [phrase] remaineth, [idiom] required, season, [idiom] since, space, then, (process of) time, [phrase] as at other times, [phrase] in trouble, weather, (as) when, (a, the, within a) while (that), [idiom] whole ([phrase] age), (full) year(-ly), [phrase] younger. See also: Genesis 1:5; Genesis 33:13; Exodus 23:15.
וְ/אֶת
ʼêth
H853
"Obj."
Conj | DirObjM
In the original Hebrew, this word points out the object of a verb or preposition, like 'namely' or 'even'. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus. It's not directly translated in English, but helps clarify the meaning of sentences.
Definition: sign of the definite direct object, not translated in English but generally preceding and indicating the accusative Aramaic equivalent: yat (יָת "whom" H3487)
Usage: Occurs in 6782 OT verses. KJV: (as such unrepresented in English). See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 10:8; Genesis 19:21.
נִדְרֽ/וֹ
neder
H5088
"vow"
N-ms | Suff
A vow is a promise made to God, like the one Jephthah made in Judges 11:30-31. It can also refer to the thing promised, such as an offering. Vows are recorded in the Bible as important commitments.
Definition: vow, votive offering
Usage: Occurs in 57 OT verses. KJV: vow(-ed). See also: Genesis 28:20; Deuteronomy 12:11; Psalms 22:26.
Study Notes — 1 Samuel 1:21
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- 1 Samuel 1:21 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on 1 Samuel 1:21
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on 1 Samuel 1:21
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on 1 Samuel 1:21
- Trapp's Commentary on 1 Samuel 1:21
- Ellicott's Commentary on 1 Samuel 1:21
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on 1 Samuel 1:21
- Cambridge Bible on 1 Samuel 1:21
- Whedon's Commentary on 1 Samuel 1:21
- Sermons on 1 Samuel 1:21
Context — The Birth of Samuel
19The next morning they got up early to bow in worship before the LORD, and then they returned home to Ramah. And Elkanah had relations with his wife Hannah, and the LORD remembered her.
20So in the course of time, Hannah conceived and gave birth to a son. She named him Samuel, saying, “Because I have asked for him from the LORD.”
21Then Elkanah and all his house went up to make the annual sacrifice to the LORD and to fulfill his vow,
22but Hannah did not go. “After the boy is weaned,” she said to her husband, “I will take him to appear before the LORD and to stay there permanently.” 23“Do what you think is best,” her husband Elkanah replied, “and stay here until you have weaned him. Only may the LORD confirm His word.” So Hannah stayed and nursed her son until she had weaned him.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 1 Samuel 1:3 | Year after year Elkanah would go up from his city to worship and sacrifice to the LORD of Hosts at Shiloh, where Eli’s two sons, Hophni and Phinehas, were priests to the LORD. |
| 2 | Deuteronomy 12:11 | then the LORD your God will choose a dwelling for His Name. And there you are to bring everything I command you: your burnt offerings and sacrifices, your tithes and special gifts, and all the choice offerings you vow to the LORD. |
| 3 | Joshua 24:15 | But if it is unpleasing in your sight to serve the LORD, then choose for yourselves this day whom you will serve, whether the gods your fathers served beyond the Euphrates, or the gods of the Amorites in whose land you are living. As for me and my house, we will serve the LORD!” |
| 4 | Genesis 18:19 | For I have chosen him, so that he will command his children and his household after him to keep the way of the LORD by doing what is right and just, in order that the LORD may bring upon Abraham what He has promised.” |
| 5 | Psalms 101:2 | I will ponder the way that is blameless— when will You come to me? I will walk in my house with integrity of heart. |
1 Samuel 1:21 Summary
This verse shows that Elkanah and his family were committed to worshiping God and fulfilling their promises to Him. They went to make an annual sacrifice to the LORD, which was a special time to honor God and give thanks for His blessings. This is similar to the way we might attend church or participate in other spiritual practices to worship God and show our love for Him (as seen in Hebrews 10:24-25). By fulfilling his vow, Elkanah demonstrated his trust in God's faithfulness and provision, which is an important part of our relationship with God (as seen in Psalm 37:3-7).
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the significance of Elkanah's annual sacrifice to the LORD?
The annual sacrifice to the LORD was a way for Elkanah and his family to worship and honor God, similar to the festivals and sacrifices described in Leviticus 23:1-44 and Deuteronomy 16:1-17, and it also provided an opportunity for Elkanah to fulfill his vow, which was likely made in response to God's blessing of a child, as seen in 1 Samuel 1:19-20.
What vow did Elkanah make that he needed to fulfill?
The vow Elkanah made is not explicitly stated in the text, but it is likely related to the birth of his son Samuel, as seen in 1 Samuel 1:19-20, where it is written that the LORD remembered Hannah and she conceived, and in 1 Samuel 1:22, Hannah mentions that she will take Samuel to appear before the LORD after he is weaned, suggesting that Elkanah's vow may have been related to dedicating their child to God's service, similar to the dedication of Samuel in 1 Samuel 1:28.
Why did Elkanah and his entire household go up to make the annual sacrifice?
Elkanah and his household went up to make the annual sacrifice as an act of corporate worship, demonstrating their commitment to God as a family unit, as seen in Deuteronomy 12:5-7, where it is written that the whole family should come together to worship God, and in 1 Samuel 1:21, it is written that Elkanah and all his house went up to make the annual sacrifice to the LORD and to fulfill his vow.
How does this verse relate to the rest of the story of Samuel?
This verse provides a transition from the birth of Samuel to the dedication of Samuel to the LORD's service, which is a pivotal moment in the story of Samuel, as seen in 1 Samuel 1:22-28, and sets the stage for Samuel's eventual ministry as a prophet and leader in Israel, as seen in 1 Samuel 3:1-4:1a.
Reflection Questions
- What are some ways that I can prioritize worship and sacrifices of praise in my own life, just like Elkanah and his household?
- How can I, like Elkanah, make vows to God that demonstrate my commitment to Him and His will for my life?
- In what ways can I, as a member of a family or community, participate in corporate worship and encourage others to do the same?
- What are some areas in my life where I need to trust God's sovereignty and timing, just like Elkanah and Hannah did as they waited for the birth of their son?
Gill's Exposition on 1 Samuel 1:21
And the man Elkanah, and all his house,.... All his family, excepting Hannah, and her son Samuel; or all the men of his house, as the Targum; for only the males were obliged to appear at the three
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on 1 Samuel 1:21
And the man Elkanah, and all his house, went up to offer unto the LORD the yearly sacrifice, and his vow. The man Elkanah ... went up to offer ... his vow.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on 1 Samuel 1:21
All his house, i.e. his wife Peninnah, and his children, which are ofttimes called a man’ s house in Scripture, Hannah only and her child excepted, as it here follows. The yearly sacrifice; that solemn sacrifice which was offered up once every year; probably the paschal lamb, which is oft called a sacrifice, as 34:25. And his vow; by which it appears, though it was not expressed before, that he heard and consented to her vow, which was necessary to make it obligatory, Numbers 30, and that he added a vow of his own, of some singular sacrifice to be offered, if God answered his prayers.
Trapp's Commentary on 1 Samuel 1:21
1 Samuel 1:21 And the man Elkanah, and all his house, went up to offer unto the LORD the yearly sacrifice, and his vow.Ver. 21. And his vow.] Made first by his wife, and afterwards owned and ratified by himself. And perhaps he vowed something now to God, though it be not said what, besides the child, to show his thankfulness.
Ellicott's Commentary on 1 Samuel 1:21
(21) And his vow.—Elkanah too had vowed a vow unto the Lord, in case his wife Hannah should have a son. It has been remarked that vows are characteristic of that particular age of the Judges; for instance, we have detailed accounts of Samson and Jephthan’s vows, the oath in the Benjamite vow, &c.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on 1 Samuel 1:21
Verse 21. The man Elkanah and all his house] He and the whole of his family, Hannah and her child excepted, who purposed not to go up to Shiloh till her son was old enough to be employed in the Divine service. And his vow] Probably he had also made some vow to the Lord on the occasion of his wife's prayer and vow; in which, from his love to her. he could not be less interested than herself.
Cambridge Bible on 1 Samuel 1:21
21–28. Samuel’s infancy and dedication to Jehovah 21. his vow] This assumes that Elkanah as well as Hannah had made a vow. The Sept. reads “his vows and all the tithes of his land.” Cp. Deuteronomy 12:11.
Whedon's Commentary on 1 Samuel 1:21
SAMUEL’S TO THE LORD AT SHILOH, 1 Samuel 1:21-28. 21. And his vow — What this vow of Elkanah was we do not know, but it is generally supposed that, like Hannah’s, it had reference to the child Samuel.
Sermons on 1 Samuel 1:21
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
A Bible Portrait of Christian Motherhood by J.R. Miller | J.R. Miller presents a profound exploration of Christian motherhood through the story of Hannah, emphasizing her unwavering faith and dedication to nurturing her child, Samuel. He |
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Prayer in Revival by Leonard Ravenhill | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of humbling oneself before God and coming to Him with a sense of helplessness and surrender. He shares a story about receivin |
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The Walk of Faith - Part 6 by Larry Ainsworth | In this sermon, the speaker begins by sharing his enjoyment of a recent float trip and expresses his excitement to share a study on a man who rejected the priesthood of God. He des |
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Bristol Conference 1975-09 Nehemiah - His Problem by Stan Ford | In this sermon, the speaker focuses on the character of Nehemiah and his problem. Nehemiah is described as a concerned, charitable, cheerful, and courageous man. The speaker sugges |
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Destroying Pop-Christian Views of Marital Bliss - Part 1 by Paul Washer | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of a man loving his wife as God loves her. He highlights how many great preachers and missionaries often neglect their wives, |
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A Deadly Choice by Chuck Smith | This sermon emphasizes the importance of making the right choice regarding Jesus Christ, highlighting the biblical theme of choosing between life and death. It explores the consequ |
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Ministering to the Lord by Paul Washer | In this sermon, the preacher focuses on the book of Romans, particularly chapters 1-11. He highlights how Paul, empowered by the Holy Spirit, condemns the entire human race through |