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1 Samuel 1:8

1 Samuel 1:8 in Multiple Translations

“Hannah, why are you crying?” her husband Elkanah asked. “Why won’t you eat? Why is your heart so grieved? Am I not better to you than ten sons?”

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?

And Elkanah her husband said unto 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?

Then her husband Elkanah said to her, Hannah, why are you weeping? and why are you taking no food? why is your heart troubled? am I not more to you than ten sons?

“Hannah, what are you crying for?” her husband Elkanah would ask. “Why don't you eat? Why are you so upset? Aren't I better to you than ten sons?”

Then sayd Elkanah her husband to her, Hannah, why weepest thou? and why eatest thou not? and why is thine heart troubled? am not I better to thee then ten sonnes?

And Elkanah her husband saith to her, 'Hannah, why weepest thou? and why dost thou not eat? and why is thy heart afflicted? am I not better to thee than ten sons?'

Elkanah her husband said to her, “Hannah, why do you weep? Why don’t you eat? Why is your heart grieved? Am I not better to you than ten sons?”

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?

Then Elcana her husband said to her: Anna, why weepest thou? and why dost thou not eat? And why dost thou afflict thy heart? Am not I better to thee than ten children?

Then Elkanah would say to her, “Hannah, ◄why are you crying?/please quit crying!► [RHQ] ◄Why are you not eating?/Please eat something!► [RHQ] Why are you so upset/sad? You have me; is that not more important to you than if you had ten sons? (OR, I love you more than your sons would love you, even if you had ten sons.)”

Her husband used to ask her, “Why are you crying? You have to eat. Don’t be sad. Don’t keep on worrying that you have no sons. I love you very much anyway.”

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Berean Amplified Bible — 1 Samuel 1:8

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 1:8 Interlinear (Deep Study)

BIB
HEB וַ/יֹּ֨אמֶר לָ֜/הּ אֶלְקָנָ֣ה אִישָׁ֗/הּ חַנָּה֙ לָ֣/מֶה תִבְכִּ֗י וְ/לָ֨/מֶה֙ לֹ֣א תֹֽאכְלִ֔י וְ/לָ֖/מֶה יֵרַ֣ע לְבָבֵ֑/ךְ הֲ/ל֤וֹא אָֽנֹכִי֙ ט֣וֹב לָ֔/ךְ מֵ/עֲשָׂרָ֖ה בָּנִֽים
וַ/יֹּ֨אמֶר ʼâmar H559 to say Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
לָ֜/הּ Prep | Suff
אֶלְקָנָ֣ה ʼElqânâh H511 Elkanah N-proper
אִישָׁ֗/הּ ʼîysh H376 man N-ms | Suff
חַנָּה֙ Channâh H2584 Hannah N-proper
לָ֣/מֶה mâh H4100 what? Prep | Part
תִבְכִּ֗י bâkâh H1058 to weep V-Qal-Imperf-2fs
וְ/לָ֨/מֶה֙ mâh H4100 what? Conj | Prep | Part
לֹ֣א lôʼ H3808 not Part
תֹֽאכְלִ֔י ʼâkal H398 to eat V-Qal-Imperf-2fs
וְ/לָ֖/מֶה mâh H4100 what? Conj | Prep | Part
יֵרַ֣ע yâraʻ H3415 be ill V-Qal-Imperf-3ms
לְבָבֵ֑/ךְ lêbâb H3824 heart N-ms | Suff
הֲ/ל֤וֹא lôʼ H3808 not Part | Part
אָֽנֹכִי֙ ʼânôkîy H595 I Pron
ט֣וֹב ṭôwb H2896 pleasant Adj
לָ֔/ךְ Prep | Suff
מֵ/עֲשָׂרָ֖ה ʻeser H6235 ten Prep | Adj
בָּנִֽים bên H1121 son N-mp
Hebrew Word Study

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Hebrew Word Reference — 1 Samuel 1:8

וַ/יֹּ֨אמֶר ʼâmar H559 "to say" Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
This Hebrew word means to say or speak, and it's used in many different ways in the Bible. It can mean to command, promise, or think, and it's translated in the KJV as 'answer', 'appoint', or 'command'.
Definition: 1) to say, speak, utter 1a) (Qal) to say, to answer, to say in one's heart, to think, to command, to promise, to intend 1b) (Niphal) to be told, to be said, to be called 1c) (Hithpael) to boast, to act proudly 1d) (Hiphil) to avow, to avouch Aramaic equivalent: a.mar (אֲמַר "to say" H0560)
Usage: Occurs in 4337 OT verses. KJV: answer, appoint, avouch, bid, boast self, call, certify, challenge, charge, [phrase] (at the, give) command(-ment), commune, consider, declare, demand, [idiom] desire, determine, [idiom] expressly, [idiom] indeed, [idiom] intend, name, [idiom] plainly, promise, publish, report, require, say, speak (against, of), [idiom] still, [idiom] suppose, talk, tell, term, [idiom] that is, [idiom] think, use (speech), utter, [idiom] verily, [idiom] yet. See also: Genesis 1:3; Genesis 18:23; Genesis 25:32.
לָ֜/הּ "" Prep | Suff
אֶלְקָנָ֣ה 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.
אִישָׁ֗/הּ ʼîysh H376 "man" N-ms | Suff
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.
חַנָּה֙ Channâh H2584 "Hannah" N-proper
Hannah was the mother of Samuel, a prophet in the Bible, and one of the wives of Elkanah. Her name means 'grace' in Hebrew, reflecting God's favor in her life.
Definition: A woman living at the time of United Monarchy, first mentioned at 1Sa.1.2; married to Elkanah (H0511H); mother of: Samuel (H8050) § Hannah = "grace" the mother of Samuel, one of the wives of Elkanah
Usage: Occurs in 11 OT verses. KJV: Hannah. See also: 1 Samuel 1:2; 1 Samuel 1:15; 1 Samuel 2:21.
לָ֣/מֶה mâh H4100 "what?" Prep | Part
This Hebrew word means what or how, often used to ask questions or express surprise, like in Genesis when God asks Adam what he has done. It can also mean why or when, and is used in various ways throughout the Old Testament. It appears in many KJV translations, including how or what.
Definition: interr pron 1) what, how, of what kind 1a) (interrogative) 1a1) what? 1a2) of what kind 1a3) what? (rhetorical) 1a4) whatsoever, whatever, what 1b) (adverb) 1b1) how, how now 1b2) why 1b3) how! (exclamation) 1c) (with prep) 1c1) wherein?, whereby?, wherewith?, by what means? 1c2) because of what? 1c3) the like of what? 1c3a) how much?, how many?, how often? 1c3b) for how long? 1c4) for what reason?, why?, to what purpose? 1c5) until when?, how long?, upon what?, wherefore? indef pron 2) anything, aught, what may
Usage: Occurs in 655 OT verses. KJV: how (long, oft, (-soever)), (no-) thing, what (end, good, purpose, thing), whereby(-fore, -in, -to, -with), (for) why. See also: Genesis 2:19; Numbers 21:5; 1 Samuel 19:5.
תִבְכִּ֗י bâkâh H1058 "to weep" V-Qal-Imperf-2fs
To weep means to cry or shed tears, often in grief or sadness. In the Bible, weeping is a common expression of emotion, as seen in the stories of David and Jeremiah, who both wept bitterly in times of sorrow and repentance.
Definition: 1) to weep, bewail, cry, shed tears 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to weep (in grief, humiliation, or joy) 1a2) to weep bitterly (with cognate acc.) 1a3) to weep upon (embrace and weep) 1a4) to bewail 1b) (Piel) participle 1b1) lamenting 1b2) bewailing
Usage: Occurs in 100 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] at all, bewail, complain, make lamentation, [idiom] more, mourn, [idiom] sore, [idiom] with tears, weep. See also: Genesis 21:16; 2 Samuel 12:21; Psalms 69:11.
וְ/לָ֨/מֶה֙ mâh H4100 "what?" Conj | Prep | Part
This Hebrew word means what or how, often used to ask questions or express surprise, like in Genesis when God asks Adam what he has done. It can also mean why or when, and is used in various ways throughout the Old Testament. It appears in many KJV translations, including how or what.
Definition: interr pron 1) what, how, of what kind 1a) (interrogative) 1a1) what? 1a2) of what kind 1a3) what? (rhetorical) 1a4) whatsoever, whatever, what 1b) (adverb) 1b1) how, how now 1b2) why 1b3) how! (exclamation) 1c) (with prep) 1c1) wherein?, whereby?, wherewith?, by what means? 1c2) because of what? 1c3) the like of what? 1c3a) how much?, how many?, how often? 1c3b) for how long? 1c4) for what reason?, why?, to what purpose? 1c5) until when?, how long?, upon what?, wherefore? indef pron 2) anything, aught, what may
Usage: Occurs in 655 OT verses. KJV: how (long, oft, (-soever)), (no-) thing, what (end, good, purpose, thing), whereby(-fore, -in, -to, -with), (for) why. See also: Genesis 2:19; Numbers 21:5; 1 Samuel 19:5.
לֹ֣א lôʼ H3808 "not" Part
The Hebrew word for not or no is used to indicate absence or negation, as when God says no to the Israelites' requests, or when they disobey His commands.
Definition: 1) not, no 1a) not (with verb-absolute prohibition) 1b) not (with modifier-negation) 1c) nothing (subst) 1d) without (with particle) 1e) before (of time) Aramaic equivalent: la (לָא "not" H3809)
Usage: Occurs in 3967 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] before, [phrase] or else, ere, [phrase] except, ig(-norant), much, less, nay, neither, never, no((-ne), -r, (-thing)), ([idiom] as though...,(can-), for) not (out of), of nought, otherwise, out of, [phrase] surely, [phrase] as truly as, [phrase] of a truth, [phrase] verily, for want, [phrase] whether, without. See also: Genesis 2:5; Genesis 31:15; Exodus 4:9.
תֹֽאכְלִ֔י ʼâkal H398 "to eat" V-Qal-Imperf-2fs
This word means to eat or devour, and it's used in many stories, including when Jesus fed the 5000 with fish and bread in the book of Matthew. It's about taking in nourishment and being satisfied.
Definition: 1) to eat, devour, burn up, feed 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to eat (human subject) 1a2) to eat, devour (of beasts and birds) 1a3) to devour, consume (of fire) 1a4) to devour, slay (of sword) 1a5) to devour, consume, destroy (inanimate subjects - ie, pestilence, drought) 1a6) to devour (of oppression) 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be eaten (by men) 1b2) to be devoured, consumed (of fire) 1b3) to be wasted, destroyed (of flesh) 1c) (Pual) 1c1) to cause to eat, feed with 1c2) to cause to devour 1d) (Hiphil) 1d1) to feed 1d2) to cause to eat 1e) (Piel) 1e1) consume Aramaic equivalent: a.khal (אֲכַל "to devour" H0399)
Usage: Occurs in 703 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] at all, burn up, consume, devour(-er, up), dine, eat(-er, up), feed (with), food, [idiom] freely, [idiom] in...wise(-deed, plenty), (lay) meat, [idiom] quite. See also: Genesis 2:16; Leviticus 6:9; Numbers 24:8.
וְ/לָ֖/מֶה mâh H4100 "what?" Conj | Prep | Part
This Hebrew word means what or how, often used to ask questions or express surprise, like in Genesis when God asks Adam what he has done. It can also mean why or when, and is used in various ways throughout the Old Testament. It appears in many KJV translations, including how or what.
Definition: interr pron 1) what, how, of what kind 1a) (interrogative) 1a1) what? 1a2) of what kind 1a3) what? (rhetorical) 1a4) whatsoever, whatever, what 1b) (adverb) 1b1) how, how now 1b2) why 1b3) how! (exclamation) 1c) (with prep) 1c1) wherein?, whereby?, wherewith?, by what means? 1c2) because of what? 1c3) the like of what? 1c3a) how much?, how many?, how often? 1c3b) for how long? 1c4) for what reason?, why?, to what purpose? 1c5) until when?, how long?, upon what?, wherefore? indef pron 2) anything, aught, what may
Usage: Occurs in 655 OT verses. KJV: how (long, oft, (-soever)), (no-) thing, what (end, good, purpose, thing), whereby(-fore, -in, -to, -with), (for) why. See also: Genesis 2:19; Numbers 21:5; 1 Samuel 19:5.
יֵרַ֣ע yâraʻ H3415 "be ill" V-Qal-Imperf-3ms
The Hebrew word for be ill means to be broken up or fear. It is used to describe trembling or quivering, as seen in Isaiah 15:4.
Definition: (Qal) to tremble, quiver
Usage: Occurs in 4 OT verses. KJV: be grevious (only Isaiah 15:4; the rest belong to H7489 (רָעַע)). See also: 1 Samuel 1:8; Job 20:26; Isaiah 15:4.
לְבָבֵ֑/ךְ lêbâb H3824 "heart" N-ms | Suff
The heart is the innermost part of a person, including their mind, will, and emotions. In the book of Psalms, David talks about his heart being heavy with sorrow, while in the book of Proverbs, it discusses the importance of guarding one's heart.
Definition: 1) inner man, mind, will, heart, soul, understanding 1a) inner part, midst 1a1) midst (of things) 1a2) heart (of man) 1a3) soul, heart (of man) 1a4) mind, knowledge, thinking, reflection, memory 1a5) inclination, resolution, determination (of will) 1a6) conscience 1a7) heart (of moral character) 1a8) as seat of appetites 1a9) as seat of emotions and passions 1a10) as seat of courage Aramaic equivalent: le.vav (לְבַב "heart" H3825)
Usage: Occurs in 230 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] bethink themselves, breast, comfortably, courage, ((faint), (tender-) heart(-ed), midst, mind, [idiom] unawares, understanding. See also: Genesis 20:5; 1 Chronicles 17:2; Psalms 4:5.
הֲ/ל֤וֹא lôʼ H3808 "not" Part | Part
The Hebrew word for not or no is used to indicate absence or negation, as when God says no to the Israelites' requests, or when they disobey His commands.
Definition: 1) not, no 1a) not (with verb-absolute prohibition) 1b) not (with modifier-negation) 1c) nothing (subst) 1d) without (with particle) 1e) before (of time) Aramaic equivalent: la (לָא "not" H3809)
Usage: Occurs in 3967 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] before, [phrase] or else, ere, [phrase] except, ig(-norant), much, less, nay, neither, never, no((-ne), -r, (-thing)), ([idiom] as though...,(can-), for) not (out of), of nought, otherwise, out of, [phrase] surely, [phrase] as truly as, [phrase] of a truth, [phrase] verily, for want, [phrase] whether, without. See also: Genesis 2:5; Genesis 31:15; Exodus 4:9.
אָֽנֹכִי֙ ʼânôkîy H595 "I" Pron
This simple Hebrew word just means 'I', referring to the speaker, like in Genesis 27 where Esau says 'I' when talking to his father Isaac.
Definition: I (first pers. sing.) Another spelling of a.ni (אֲנִי, אָֽנֹכִ֫י "I" H0589)
Usage: Occurs in 335 OT verses. KJV: I, me, [idiom] which. See also: Genesis 3:10; Deuteronomy 11:26; 2 Samuel 3:39.
ט֣וֹב ṭôwb H2896 "pleasant" Adj
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means good or welfare, describing something that is beneficial or pleasing, like a good deed or a happy time. It is used in many contexts, including Genesis and Psalms. This word is often translated as 'good' or 'beautiful'.
Definition: adj 1) good, pleasant, agreeable 1a) pleasant, agreeable (to the senses) 1b) pleasant (to the higher nature) 1c) good, excellent (of its kind) 1d) good, rich, valuable in estimation 1e) good, appropriate, becoming 1f) better (comparative) 1g) glad, happy, prosperous (of man's sensuous nature) 1h) good understanding (of man's intellectual nature) 1i) good, kind, benign 1j) good, right (ethical) Aramaic equivalent: tav (טָב "fine" H2869)
Usage: Occurs in 521 OT verses. KJV: beautiful, best, better, bountiful, cheerful, at ease, [idiom] fair (word), (be in) favour, fine, glad, good (deed, -lier, -liest, -ly, -ness, -s), graciously, joyful, kindly, kindness, liketh (best), loving, merry, [idiom] most, pleasant, [phrase] pleaseth, pleasure, precious, prosperity, ready, sweet, wealth, welfare, (be) well(-favoured). See also: Genesis 1:4; Ruth 2:22; 2 Chronicles 3:8.
לָ֔/ךְ "" Prep | Suff
מֵ/עֲשָׂרָ֖ה ʻeser H6235 "ten" Prep | Adj
This Hebrew word means the number ten, often used in combination with other numbers to describe larger quantities, such as in the story of the ten commandments in Exodus 20. It is commonly translated as 'ten' in the KJV.
Definition: 1) ten 1a) ten 1b) with other numbers Aramaic equivalent: a.sar (עֲשַׂר "ten" H6236)
Usage: Occurs in 157 OT verses. KJV: ten, (fif-, seven-) teen. See also: Genesis 5:14; 1 Kings 6:3; Isaiah 5:10.
בָּנִֽים bên H1121 "son" N-mp
In the Bible, this word means a son or descendant, and can also refer to a grandson, nation, or quality. It appears in 1 Chronicles 24, describing a Levite named Beno. The word is used to show family relationships and inheritance.
Definition: : child/son
Usage: Occurs in 3653 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] afflicted, age, (Ahoh-) (Ammon-) (Hachmon-) (Lev-) ite, (anoint-) ed one, appointed to, ([phrase]) arrow, (Assyr-) (Babylon-) (Egypt-) (Grec-) ian, one born, bough, branch, breed, [phrase] (young) bullock, [phrase] (young) calf, [idiom] came up in, child, colt, [idiom] common, [idiom] corn, daughter, [idiom] of first, [phrase] firstborn, foal, [phrase] very fruitful, [phrase] postage, [idiom] in, [phrase] kid, [phrase] lamb, ([phrase]) man, meet, [phrase] mighty, [phrase] nephew, old, ([phrase]) people, [phrase] rebel, [phrase] robber, [idiom] servant born, [idiom] soldier, son, [phrase] spark, [phrase] steward, [phrase] stranger, [idiom] surely, them of, [phrase] tumultuous one, [phrase] valiant(-est), whelp, worthy, young (one), youth. See also: Genesis 3:16; Genesis 23:3; Genesis 34:18.

Study Notes — 1 Samuel 1:8

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Cross References

ReferenceText (BSB)
1 Ruth 4:15 He will renew your life and sustain you in your old age. For your daughter-in-law, who loves you and is better to you than seven sons, has given him birth.”
2 Job 6:14 A despairing man should have the kindness of his friend, even if he forsakes the fear of the Almighty.
3 Isaiah 54:6 For the LORD has called you back, like a wife deserted and wounded in spirit, like the rejected wife of one’s youth,” says your God.
4 John 20:15 “Woman, why are you weeping?” Jesus asked. “Whom are you seeking?” Thinking He was the gardener, she said, “Sir, if you have carried Him off, tell me where you have put Him, and I will get Him.”
5 Psalms 43:4 Then I will go to the altar of God, to God, my greatest joy. I will praise You with the harp, O God, my God.
6 John 20:13 “Woman, why are you weeping?” they asked. “Because they have taken my Lord away,” she said, “and I do not know where they have put Him.”
7 1 Thessalonians 5:14 And we urge you, brothers, to admonish the unruly, encourage the fainthearted, help the weak, and be patient with everyone.
8 2 Samuel 12:16–17 David pleaded with God for the boy. He fasted and went into his house and spent the night lying in sackcloth on the ground. The elders of his household stood beside him to help him up from the ground, but he was unwilling and would not eat anything with them.
9 Isaiah 54:1 “Shout for joy, O barren woman, who bears no children; break forth in song and cry aloud, you who have never travailed; because more are the children of the desolate woman than of her who has a husband,” says the LORD.
10 2 Kings 8:12 “Why is my lord weeping?” asked Hazael. “Because I know the evil you will do to the Israelites,” Elisha replied. “You will set fire to their fortresses, kill their young men with the sword, dash their little ones to pieces, and rip open their pregnant women.”

1 Samuel 1:8 Summary

In 1 Samuel 1:8, Elkanah is trying to comfort his wife Hannah, who is crying and not eating because she is grieving her inability to have children. He reminds her that he loves and values her, and that he is better to her than ten sons, showing that he wants to be a source of comfort and support to her. This verse shows us that even when we are struggling with difficult circumstances, we can bring our feelings to God in prayer, just like Hannah does in 1 Samuel 1:9-10, and that our true fulfillment and comfort come from Him, as seen in Jeremiah 31:25 where it is written that God satisfies the weary soul.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the context of Elkanah's question to Hannah in 1 Samuel 1:8?

Elkanah asks Hannah this question because she is crying and not eating, and he wants to understand why she is so grieved, as seen in 1 Samuel 1:7 where it is written that her rival would provoke her and taunt her viciously.

Is Elkanah being insensitive to Hannah's feelings in 1 Samuel 1:8?

Elkanah is trying to comfort Hannah, but he does not fully understand her pain, similar to how Job's friends did not fully understand his suffering in the book of Job, such as in Job 2:11.

What does Elkanah mean by saying he is better to Hannah than ten sons?

Elkanah is trying to remind Hannah of his love and provision for her, and that he values her as a person, not just as a mother, as seen in Ephesians 5:25 where husbands are called to love their wives as Christ loves the church.

How does Hannah respond to Elkanah's question in 1 Samuel 1:8?

Hannah does not directly respond to Elkanah's question, but instead gets up and goes to pray to the Lord, as seen in 1 Samuel 1:9-10, showing that she is seeking comfort and answers from God rather than just her husband.

Reflection Questions

  1. What are some areas in your life where you feel like you are grieving or feeling unfulfilled, and how can you bring those feelings to God in prayer?
  2. How can you, like Elkanah, try to be a source of comfort and support to those around you who may be struggling, as seen in Galatians 6:2 where we are called to bear one another's burdens?
  3. In what ways can you, like Hannah, prioritize your relationship with God and seek His comfort and guidance in times of distress, as seen in Psalm 34:17-18 where it is written that God is near to the brokenhearted?
  4. How can you balance the desire for earthly comforts and fulfillments, like having children, with the knowledge that your true fulfillment and comfort come from God, as seen in Psalm 16:11 where it is written that in God's presence is fullness of joy?

Gill's Exposition on 1 Samuel 1:8

Then said Elkanah her husband to her, Hannah, why weepest thou?.... Since it was a time of rejoicing, as every festival was, especially at the ingathering of the fruits of the earth: and why eatest thou not?

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on 1 Samuel 1:8

And as he did so year by year, when she went up to the house of the LORD, so she provoked her; therefore she wept, and did not eat. No JFB commentary on these verses.

Matthew Poole's Commentary on 1 Samuel 1:8

Oughtest thou not to value my hearty love to thee, more than the having of as many sons as Peninnah hath? She would willingly change conditions with thee.

Trapp's Commentary on 1 Samuel 1:8

1 Samuel 1:8 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?Ver. 8. Hannah, why weepest thou?] Children should not be desired too passionately, because they are certain cares, but uncertain comforts. Sir Thomas Moore’ s wife was mightily desirous of "a boy," - that was her word, - and she had one that proved a fool: and saith her husband, You were never quiet till you had a boy; and now you have one that will be all his life a boy. Am not I better to thee than ten sons?] Than those ten sons of Peninnah, saith Lyra, following the Hebrews.

Ellicott's Commentary on 1 Samuel 1:8

(8) Than ten sons.—Merely a round number to express many. The simple narration evidently came from Hannah, who, no doubt, in after years loved to dwell on her past sorrowful life, contrasted with her present strange blessedness as mother of the Restorer of the people.

Adam Clarke's Commentary on 1 Samuel 1:8

Verse 8. Am not I better to thee than ten sons?] TEN, a certain for an uncertain number. Is not my especial affection to thee better than all the comfort thou couldst gain, even from a numerous family?

Cambridge Bible on 1 Samuel 1:8

8. better to thee than ten sons] Cp. Rth 4:15.

Whedon's Commentary on 1 Samuel 1:8

8. Better… than ten sons — There is greater good in matrimonial concord than in mere fruitfulness. — Grotius.

Sermons on 1 Samuel 1:8

SermonDescription
Gerhard Du Toit How to Recieve God's Deep Burden for Souls by Gerhard Du Toit In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of having a burden for souls and the power of prayer. He references a story of two girls who conducted special meetings and sa
W.F. Anderson Distress of Job - Part 2 by W.F. Anderson The video is a sermon on the book of Job in the Bible. It begins by describing the structure of the book, with a prologue and three cycles of speeches between Job and his friends.
Zac Poonen (New Wine in New Wineskins) 13. Dead Works by Zac Poonen Zac Poonen delivers a powerful sermon on the distinction between the works of the flesh and dead works as mentioned in the New Testament. He emphasizes that indulging in sinful wor
Welcome Detweiler Christ Arose by Welcome Detweiler In this sermon, the preacher discusses the resurrection and ascension of Jesus Christ. He emphasizes that Jesus had the power to move from one place to another instantly and that H
James K. Boswell Week of Meetings 01 the Precious Blood by James K. Boswell In this sermon, the preacher focuses on the story of Jesus raising Lazarus from the dead as recorded in the Gospel of John. The preacher emphasizes the love and compassion of Jesus
Richard E. Bieber Getting Back Our Zeal by Richard E. Bieber Richard E. Bieber preaches about the importance of maintaining zeal and passion for Jesus, drawing from the encounter of Mary Magdalene and the disciples with the resurrected Chris
Randy Alcorn Christ's Resurrected Life Is the Model for Ours by Randy Alcorn Randy Alcorn delves into the concept of resurrection bodies, emphasizing that our bodies will be transformed to be like Christ's glorious body. He highlights the physical nature of

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