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1 Samuel 2:20

1 Samuel 2:20 in Multiple Translations

And Eli would bless Elkanah and his wife, saying, “May the LORD give you children by this woman in place of the one she dedicated to the LORD. ” Then they would go home.

¶ And Eli blessed Elkanah and his wife, and said, The LORD give thee seed of this woman for the loan which is lent to the LORD. And they went unto their own home.

And Eli blessed Elkanah and his wife, and said, Jehovah give thee seed of this woman for the petition which was asked of Jehovah. And they went unto their own home.

And every year Eli gave Elkanah and his wife a blessing, saying, May the Lord give you offspring by this woman in exchange for the child you have given to the Lord. And they went back to their house.

Eli would bless Elkanah and his wife, saying, “May the Lord give you children by this woman to replace the one she prayed for and dedicated to the Lord.” Then they would return home.

And Eli blessed Elkanah and his wife, and said, The Lord giue thee seede of this woman, for the petition that she asked of the Lord: and they departed vnto their place.

And Eli blessed Elkanah, and his wife, and said, 'Jehovah doth appoint for thee seed of this woman, for the petition which she asked for Jehovah;' and they have gone to their place.

Eli blessed Elkanah and his wife, and said, “May the LORD give you offspring from this woman for the petition which was asked of the LORD.” Then they went to their own home.

And Eli blessed Elkanah and his wife, and said, The LORD give thee issue of this woman for the loan which is lent to the LORD. And they went to their own home.

And Heli blessed Elcana and his wife: and he said to him: The Lord give thee seed of this woman, for the loan thou hast lent to the Lord. And they went to their own home.

Then Eli would ask God to bless Elkanah and his wife, and he would say to Elkanah, “I hope/desire that Yahweh will enable your wife to give birth to other children, to take the place of the one whom she dedicated to Yahweh.” Then Elkanah and his family would return home.

Eli used to pray to God for Elkanah and Hannah like this, “God, you gave this woman a boy, just as she asked, and she gave him back to you. So give them other kids now instead of him.” Then they used to go back home.

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Berean Amplified Bible — 1 Samuel 2:20

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 2:20 Interlinear (Deep Study)

BIB
HEB וּ/בֵרַ֨ךְ עֵלִ֜י אֶת אֶלְקָנָ֣ה וְ/אֶת אִשְׁתּ֗/וֹ וְ/אָמַר֙ יָשֵׂם֩ יְהוָ֨ה לְ/ךָ֥ זֶ֨רַע֙ מִן הָ/אִשָּׁ֣ה הַ/זֹּ֔את תַּ֚חַת הַ/שְּׁאֵלָ֔ה אֲשֶׁ֥ר שָׁאַ֖ל לַֽ/יהוָ֑ה וְ/הָלְכ֖וּ לִ/מְקֹמֽ/וֹ
וּ/בֵרַ֨ךְ bârak H1288 to bless Conj | V-Piel-3ms
עֵלִ֜י ʻÊlîy H5941 Eli N-proper
אֶת ʼêth H853 Obj. DirObjM
אֶלְקָנָ֣ה ʼElqânâh H511 Elkanah N-proper
וְ/אֶת ʼêth H853 Obj. Conj | DirObjM
אִשְׁתּ֗/וֹ ʼishshâh H802 woman N-fs | Suff
וְ/אָמַר֙ ʼâmar H559 to say Conj | V-Qal-3ms
יָשֵׂם֩ sûwm H7760 to set V-Qal-Juss-3ms
יְהוָ֨ה Yᵉhôvâh H3068 The Lord N-proper
לְ/ךָ֥ Prep | Suff
זֶ֨רַע֙ zeraʻ H2233 seed N-ms
מִן min H4480 from Prep
הָ/אִשָּׁ֣ה ʼishshâh H802 woman Art | N-fs
הַ/זֹּ֔את zôʼth H2063 this Art | Pron
תַּ֚חַת tachath H8478 underneath Prep
הַ/שְּׁאֵלָ֔ה shᵉʼêlâh H7596 petition Art | N-fs
אֲשֶׁ֥ר ʼăsher H834 which Rel
שָׁאַ֖ל shâʼal H7592 to ask V-Qal-Perf-3ms
לַֽ/יהוָ֑ה Yᵉhôvâh H3068 The Lord Prep | N-proper
וְ/הָלְכ֖וּ hâlak H1980 to go Conj | V-Qal-3cp
לִ/מְקֹמֽ/וֹ mâqôwm H4725 place Prep | N-ms | Suff
Hebrew Word Study

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Hebrew Word Reference — 1 Samuel 2:20

וּ/בֵרַ֨ךְ bârak H1288 "to bless" Conj | V-Piel-3ms
To bless means to praise or honor God, often by kneeling in worship. In the Bible, people bless God and God blesses people, showing favor and care for them, as seen in the story of Abraham and his descendants.
Definition: 1) to bless, kneel 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to kneel 1a2) to bless 1b) (Niphal) to be blessed, bless oneself 1c) (Piel) to bless 1d) (Pual) to be blessed, be adored 1e) (Hiphil) to cause to kneel 1f) (Hithpael) to bless oneself 2) (TWOT) to praise, salute, curse Aramaic equivalent: be.rakh (בְּרַךְ "to bless" H1289)
Usage: Occurs in 289 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] abundantly, [idiom] altogether, [idiom] at all, blaspheme, bless, congratulate, curse, [idiom] greatly, [idiom] indeed, kneel (down), praise, salute, [idiom] still, thank. See also: Genesis 1:22; Deuteronomy 24:19; Job 2:9.
עֵלִ֜י ʻÊlîy H5941 "Eli" N-proper
Eli was a high priest in the Bible, mentioned in 1 Samuel. He was the father of Hophni and Phinehas, and played a significant role in the story of Samuel. The name Eli means 'ascension'.
Definition: A man living at the time of United Monarchy, first mentioned at 1Sa.1.3; father of: Hophni (H2652), Phinehas (H6372H) § Eli = "ascension" descendant of Aaron through Ithamar and high priest and judge of Israel when Samuel entered service as a child
Usage: Occurs in 30 OT verses. KJV: Eli. See also: 1 Samuel 1:3; 1 Samuel 3:6; 1 Kings 2:27.
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.
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.
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.
אִשְׁתּ֗/וֹ ʼishshâh H802 "woman" N-fs | Suff
The Hebrew word for woman, used to describe a female person, wife, or animal, appears in many biblical passages, including Genesis and Exodus, and is often translated as woman, wife, or female.
Definition: : woman 1) woman, wife, female 1a) woman (opposite of man) 1b) wife (woman married to a man) 1c) female (of animals) 1d) each, every (pronoun)
Usage: Occurs in 686 OT verses. KJV: (adulter) ess, each, every, female, [idiom] many, [phrase] none, one, [phrase] together, wife, woman. Often unexpressed in English. See also: Genesis 2:22; Genesis 34:4; Numbers 5:12.
וְ/אָמַר֙ ʼâmar H559 "to say" Conj | V-Qal-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.
יָשֵׂם֩ sûwm H7760 "to set" V-Qal-Juss-3ms
This Hebrew word means to put or place something, and is used in many different ways in the Bible, such as to appoint or determine something. It is first used in Genesis to describe God's creation. In the KJV, it is translated as 'appoint' or 'set' in various contexts.
Definition: : make/establish 1) to put, place, set, appoint, make 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to put, set, lay, put or lay upon, lay (violent) hands on 1a2) to set, direct, direct toward 1a2a) to extend (compassion) (fig) 1a3) to set, ordain, establish, found, appoint, constitute, make, determine, fix 1a4) to set, station, put, set in place, plant, fix 1a5) to make, make for, transform into, constitute, fashion, work, bring to pass, appoint, give 1b) (Hiphil) to set or make for a sign 1c) (Hophal) to be set
Usage: Occurs in 550 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] any wise, appoint, bring, call (a name), care, cast in, change, charge, commit, consider, convey, determine, [phrase] disguise, dispose, do, get, give, heap up, hold, impute, lay (down, up), leave, look, make (out), mark, [phrase] name, [idiom] on, ordain, order, [phrase] paint, place, preserve, purpose, put (on), [phrase] regard, rehearse, reward, (cause to) set (on, up), shew, [phrase] stedfastly, take, [idiom] tell, [phrase] tread down, (over-)turn, [idiom] wholly, work. See also: Genesis 2:8; Leviticus 20:5; 1 Samuel 21:13.
יְהוָ֨ה Yᵉhôvâh H3068 "The Lord" 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.
לְ/ךָ֥ "" Prep | Suff
זֶ֨רַע֙ zeraʻ H2233 "seed" N-ms
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means seed or offspring, like in Genesis where God promises Abraham many descendants. It can also mean a plant or sowing time, as in Isaiah 55:10. This concept is central to God's plan for humanity.
Definition: : seed/sowing 1) seed, sowing, offspring 1a) a sowing 1b) seed 1c) semen virile 1d) offspring, descendants, posterity, children 1e) of moral quality 1e1) a practitioner of righteousness (fig.) 1f) sowing time (by meton)
Usage: Occurs in 205 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] carnally, child, fruitful, seed(-time), sowing-time. See also: Genesis 1:11; 1 Samuel 1:11; Psalms 18:51.
מִן min H4480 "from" Prep
This Hebrew word means a portion or part of something, and is often used to show the relationship between things, like from or out of something.
Definition: prep 1) from, out of, on account of, off, on the side of, since, above, than, so that not, more than 1a) from (expressing separation), off, on the side of 1b) out of 1b1) (with verbs of proceeding, removing, expelling) 1b2) (of material from which something is made) 1b3) (of source or origin) 1c) out of, some of, from (partitively) 1d) from, since, after (of time) 1e) than, more than (in comparison) 1f) from...even to, both...and, either...or 1g) than, more than, too much for (in comparisons) 1h) from, on account of, through, because (with infinitive) conj 2) that Aramaic equivalent: min (מִן־ "from" H4481)
Usage: Occurs in 1094 OT verses. KJV: above, after, among, at, because of, by (reason of), from (among), in, [idiom] neither, [idiom] nor, (out) of, over, since, [idiom] then, through, [idiom] whether, with. See also: Genesis 2:6; Exodus 16:32; Leviticus 14:26.
הָ/אִשָּׁ֣ה ʼishshâh H802 "woman" Art | N-fs
The Hebrew word for woman, used to describe a female person, wife, or animal, appears in many biblical passages, including Genesis and Exodus, and is often translated as woman, wife, or female.
Definition: : woman 1) woman, wife, female 1a) woman (opposite of man) 1b) wife (woman married to a man) 1c) female (of animals) 1d) each, every (pronoun)
Usage: Occurs in 686 OT verses. KJV: (adulter) ess, each, every, female, [idiom] many, [phrase] none, one, [phrase] together, wife, woman. Often unexpressed in English. See also: Genesis 2:22; Genesis 34:4; Numbers 5:12.
הַ/זֹּ֔את zôʼth H2063 "this" Art | Pron
This Hebrew word means this or that, often used to point out something specific. It appears in various forms throughout the Old Testament.
Definition: 1) this, this one, here, which, this...that, the one...the other, such 1a) (alone) 1a1) this one 1a2) this...that, the one...the other, another 1b) (appos to subst) 1b1) this 1c) (as predicate) 1c1) this, such 1d) (enclitically) 1d1) then 1d2) who, whom 1d3) how now, what now 1d4) what now 1d5) wherefore now 1d6) behold here 1d7) just now 1d8) now, now already 1e) (poetry) 1e1) wherein, which, those who 1f) (with prefixes) 1f1) in this (place) here, then 1f2) on these conditions, herewith, thus provided, by, through this, for this cause, in this matter 1f3) thus and thus 1f4) as follows, things such as these, accordingly, to that effect, in like manner, thus and thus 1f5) from here, hence, on one side...on the other side 1f6) on this account 1f7) in spite of this, which, whence, how
Usage: Occurs in 570 OT verses. KJV: hereby (-in, -with), it, likewise, the one (other, same), she, so (much), such (deed), that, therefore, these, this (thing), thus. See also: Genesis 2:23; Numbers 7:88; Judges 1:27.
תַּ֚חַת tachath H8478 "underneath" Prep
This Hebrew word means underneath or below, often used to describe physical locations or positions. It appears in various books, including Genesis, Exodus, and Psalms, to indicate something is under or beneath something else. The word has several related meanings.
Definition: : under/below 1) the under part, beneath, instead of, as, for, for the sake of, flat, unto, where, whereas n m 1a) the under part adv accus 1b) beneath prep 1c) under, beneath 1c1) at the foot of (idiom) 1c2) sweetness, subjection, woman, being burdened or oppressed (fig) 1c3) of subjection or conquest 1d) what is under one, the place in which one stands 1d1) in one's place, the place in which one stands (idiom with reflexive pronoun) 1d2) in place of, instead of (in transferred sense) 1d3) in place of, in exchange or return for (of things mutually interchanged) conj 1e) instead of, instead of that 1f) in return for that, because that in compounds 1g) in, under, into the place of (after verbs of motion) 1h) from under, from beneath, from under the hand of, from his place, under, beneath
Usage: Occurs in 450 OT verses. KJV: as, beneath, [idiom] flat, in(-stead), (same) place (where...is), room, for...sake, stead of, under, [idiom] unto, [idiom] when...was mine, whereas, (where-) fore, with. See also: Genesis 1:7; Deuteronomy 7:24; 1 Kings 20:42.
הַ/שְּׁאֵלָ֔ה shᵉʼêlâh H7596 "petition" Art | N-fs
A petition or request, this word implies something asked for or a loan. It is used to describe a request or demand made to someone, often in a formal or official setting.
Definition: 1) request, thing asked for, demand 1a) request, petition 1b) thing asked for Aramaic equivalent: she.e.la (שְׁאֵלָא "affair" H7595)
Usage: Occurs in 14 OT verses. KJV: loan, petition, request. See also: Judges 8:24; Esther 5:7; Psalms 106:15.
אֲשֶׁ֥ר ʼăsher H834 "which" Rel
This Hebrew word is a conjunction that connects ideas and events in the Bible, like in the book of Genesis, where it's used to describe the relationship between God and His creation.
Definition: A: 1) (relative part.) 1a) which, who 1b) that which 2) (conj) 2a) that (in obj clause) 2b) when 2c) since 2d) as 2e) conditional if B: Beth+ 1) in (that) which 2) (adv) 2a) where 3) (conj) 3a) in that, inasmuch as 3b) on account of C: Mem+ 1) from (or than) that which 2) from (the place) where 3) from (the fact) that, since D: Kaph+ 1) (conj.), according as, as, when 1a) according to that which, according as, as 1b) with a causal force: in so far as, since 1c) with a temporal force: when
Usage: Occurs in 4440 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] after, [idiom] alike, as (soon as), because, [idiom] every, for, [phrase] forasmuch, [phrase] from whence, [phrase] how(-soever), [idiom] if, (so) that ((thing) which, wherein), [idiom] though, [phrase] until, [phrase] whatsoever, when, where ([phrase] -as, -in, -of, -on, -soever, -with), which, whilst, [phrase] whither(-soever), who(-m, -soever, -se). As it is indeclinable, it is often accompanied by the personal pronoun expletively, used to show the connection. See also: Genesis 1:7; Genesis 20:9; Genesis 31:16.
שָׁאַ֖ל shâʼal H7592 "to ask" V-Qal-Perf-3ms
To ask or inquire, this Hebrew word is used in the Bible to describe seeking information or requesting something. It can also mean to beg or borrow, and is used in many different contexts throughout the Old Testament. The KJV translates it as ask, beg, or borrow.
Definition: 1) to ask, enquire, borrow, beg 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to ask, ask for 1a2) to ask (as a favour), borrow 1a3) to enquire, enquire of 1a4) to enquire of, consult (of deity, oracle) 1a5) to seek 1b) (Niphal) to ask for oneself, ask leave of absence 1c) (Piel) 1c1) to enquire, enquire carefully 1c2) to beg, practise beggary 1d) (Hiphil) 1d1) to be given on request 1d2) to grant, make over to, let (one) ask (successfully) or give or lend on request (then) grant or make over to Aramaic equivalent: she.el (שְׁאֵל "to ask" H7593)
Usage: Occurs in 157 OT verses. KJV: ask (counsel, on), beg, borrow, lay to charge, consult, demand, desire, [idiom] earnestly, enquire, [phrase] greet, obtain leave, lend, pray, request, require, [phrase] salute, [idiom] straitly, [idiom] surely, wish. See also: Genesis 24:47; 2 Samuel 8:10; Psalms 2:8.
לַֽ/יהוָ֑ה 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.
וְ/הָלְכ֖וּ hâlak H1980 "to go" Conj | V-Qal-3cp
Means to walk or go, used in many different contexts in the Bible. It can describe physical movement, but also spiritual or emotional journeys. Appears in various forms, such as 'to go' or 'to walk'.
Definition: : walk/move 1) to go, walk, come 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to go, walk, come, depart, proceed, move, go away 1a2) to die, live, manner of life (fig.) 1b) (Piel) 1b1) to walk 1b2) to walk (fig.) 1c) (Hithpael) 1c1) to traverse 1c2) to walk about 1d) (Niphal) to lead, bring, lead away, carry, cause to walk
Usage: Occurs in 473 OT verses. KJV: (all) along, apace, behave (self), come, (on) continually, be conversant, depart, [phrase] be eased, enter, exercise (self), [phrase] follow, forth, forward, get, go (about, abroad, along, away, forward, on, out, up and down), [phrase] greater, grow, be wont to haunt, lead, march, [idiom] more and more, move (self), needs, on, pass (away), be at the point, quite, run (along), [phrase] send, speedily, spread, still, surely, [phrase] tale-bearer, [phrase] travel(-ler), walk (abroad, on, to and fro, up and down, to places), wander, wax, (way-) faring man, [idiom] be weak, whirl. See also: Genesis 2:14; Judges 4:9; 1 Kings 13:12.
לִ/מְקֹמֽ/וֹ mâqôwm H4725 "place" Prep | N-ms | Suff
Maqom means a place or location, like a city or a region. It can also refer to a condition of the body or mind. This term is used to describe a wide range of locations and situations.
Definition: 1) standing place, place 1a) standing place, station, post, office 1b) place, place of human abode 1c) city, land, region 1d) place, locality, spot 1e) space, room, distance 1f) region, quarter, direction 1g) give place to, instead of
Usage: Occurs in 379 OT verses. KJV: country, [idiom] home, [idiom] open, place, room, space, [idiom] whither(-soever). See also: Genesis 1:9; Deuteronomy 12:3; 1 Kings 20:24.

Study Notes — 1 Samuel 2:20

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Cross References

ReferenceText (BSB)
1 1 Samuel 1:27–28 I prayed for this boy, and since the LORD has granted me what I asked of Him, I now dedicate the boy to the LORD. For as long as he lives, he is dedicated to the LORD.” So they worshiped the LORD there.
2 Luke 2:34 Then Simeon blessed them and said to His mother Mary: “Behold, this Child is appointed to cause the rise and fall of many in Israel, and to be a sign that will be spoken against,
3 Ruth 4:11 “We are witnesses,” said the elders and all the people at the gate. “May the LORD make the woman entering your home like Rachel and Leah, who together built up the house of Israel. May you be prosperous in Ephrathah and famous in Bethlehem.
4 Numbers 6:23–27 “Tell Aaron and his sons: This is how you are to bless the Israelites. Say to them: ‘May the LORD bless you and keep you; may the LORD cause His face to shine upon you and be gracious to you; may the LORD lift up His countenance toward you and give you peace.’ So they shall put My name on the Israelites, and I will bless them.”
5 Genesis 27:27–29 So he came near and kissed him. When Isaac smelled his clothing, he blessed him and said: “Ah, the smell of my son is like the smell of a field that the LORD has blessed. May God give to you the dew of heaven and the richness of the earth— an abundance of grain and new wine. May peoples serve you and nations bow down to you. May you be the master of your brothers, and may the sons of your mother bow down to you. May those who curse you be cursed, and those who bless you be blessed.”
6 Genesis 14:19 and he blessed Abram and said: “Blessed be Abram by God Most High, Creator of heaven and earth,
7 Ruth 2:12 May the LORD repay your work, and may you receive a rich reward from the LORD, the God of Israel, under whose wings you have taken refuge.”
8 1 Samuel 1:11 And she made a vow, pleading, “O LORD of Hosts, if only You will look upon the affliction of Your maidservant and remember me, not forgetting Your maidservant but giving her a son, then I will dedicate him to the LORD all the days of his life, and no razor shall ever come over his head.”

1 Samuel 2:20 Summary

[In 1 Samuel 2:20, Eli blesses Elkanah and his wife, asking God to give them more children because they dedicated Samuel to the Lord. This shows that God is a God of provision and care, who rewards those who trust in Him (as seen in Psalm 37:3-7). Eli's blessing is a reminder that God is faithful to those who dedicate their lives and families to Him. As we read this verse, we can reflect on how we can trust in God's faithfulness and provision in our own lives, just as Elkanah and his wife did.]

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the significance of Eli's blessing in 1 Samuel 2:20?

Eli's blessing in 1 Samuel 2:20 signifies God's favor and provision for Elkanah and his wife, as seen in the subsequent birth of three sons and two daughters, fulfilling Eli's prayer (1 Samuel 2:21). This blessing is a reminder of God's faithfulness to those who dedicate their children to Him, as Hannah did with Samuel.

Why did Eli bless Elkanah and his wife to have more children?

Eli blessed Elkanah and his wife to have more children as a way of acknowledging Hannah's faithfulness in dedicating Samuel to the Lord, as seen in 1 Samuel 1:11 and 1 Samuel 1:28. This blessing is a testament to God's heart of provision and care for those who trust in Him.

What can we learn from Eli's interaction with Elkanah and his wife in this verse?

We can learn from Eli's interaction that God values faithfulness, dedication, and trust. As seen in 1 Samuel 2:20, Eli's blessing is a response to Hannah's faithfulness, demonstrating that God rewards those who trust in Him (Proverbs 3:5-6).

How does this verse relate to the broader theme of 1 Samuel?

This verse relates to the broader theme of 1 Samuel, which highlights God's sovereignty and faithfulness in the lives of His people. The story of Samuel and his family serves as a reminder of God's promise to establish a faithful priesthood, as seen in 1 Samuel 2:35, and to ultimately provide a Savior for His people (1 Samuel 2:10).

Reflection Questions

  1. What are some ways I can dedicate my life and family to the Lord, just as Hannah dedicated Samuel?
  2. How can I trust God's provision and care for my family, even in difficult circumstances?
  3. What are some areas in my life where I need to trust in God's faithfulness and sovereignty, just as Elkanah and his wife did?
  4. How can I be a blessing to others, just as Eli was a blessing to Elkanah and his wife?

Gill's Exposition on 1 Samuel 2:20

And Eli blessed Elkanah and his wife,.... Not only the first time they brought Samuel to him, and left him with him; but every year they came to worship, as the Jewish commentators mostly interpret

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on 1 Samuel 2:20

And Eli blessed Elkanah and his wife, and said, The LORD give thee seed of this woman for the loan which is lent to the LORD. And they went unto their own home. Eli blessed Elkanah and his wife.

Matthew Poole's Commentary on 1 Samuel 2:20

As their superior, and God’ s high priest, Eli blessed them in God’ s name, and they received his blessing by faith, which made it effectual, . Seed, i.e. a child, or rather children, as the event showed. For the loan which is lent to the Lord, or, for the petition, i.e. the thing desired, to wit, the child; which she, thy wife, asked of the Lord; or, for the Lord, as , to whom accordingly she hath given them. And therefore as she asked him not so much for herself, for she seldom sees him, as for the Lord, to whose service she hath wholly devoted him; so now I pray that God would give you other children, for both your comfort and enjoyment.

Trapp's Commentary on 1 Samuel 2:20

1 Samuel 2:20 And Eli blessed Elkanah and his wife, and said, The LORD give thee seed of this woman for the loan which is lent to the LORD. And they went unto their own home.Ver. 20. And Eli blessed Elkanah and his wife.] In the words of God, as being his high priest: and they took it so, and sped accordingly. Faith is effectual. For the loan which is lent to the Lord.] This is a periphrasis for Samuel; who being begged of God, was no less the fruit of his parents’ supplications, than of their bodies. The words may be rendered, "For the petition which he asked of the Lord": and these, saith Junius, are not the words of Eli to Elkanah, but of the author concerning Elkanah.

Ellicott's Commentary on 1 Samuel 2:20

(11-36) The Service of the boy Samuel in the Sanctuary—The Dissolute Life of the Sons of Eli—The Doom of the House of Ithamar.

Adam Clarke's Commentary on 1 Samuel 2:20

Verse 20. Eli blessed Elkanah] The natural place of this verse seems to be before the 11th; after which the 21st should come in; after the 21st, perhaps the 26th should come in. 1 Samuel 2:11; 1 Samuel 2:21; 1 Samuel 2:26. The subjects in this chapter seem very much entangled and confused by the wrong position of the verses.

Cambridge Bible on 1 Samuel 2:20

20. for the loan which is lent] Better as in the margin, in return for the petition which she asked for Jehovah: i.e. in place of Samuel, for whom she prayed in order to dedicate him to God. Cp. 1 Samuel 1:11; 1 Samuel 1:27-28, and note on 1 Samuel 2:28. unto their own home] Lit., “to his (Elkanah’s) place.” Cp. Genesis 18:33.

Whedon's Commentary on 1 Samuel 2:20

20. The Lord give thee seed… for the loan — Literally: May Jehovah establish unto thee a seed from this woman in the place of the one asked for, (that is, Samuel,) which was asked for of Jehovah, (by

Sermons on 1 Samuel 2:20

SermonDescription
Denis Lyle A Most Unlikely Evangelist by Denis Lyle Denis Lyle preaches about the story of a most unlikely evangelist, a little maid in Naaman's house, who despite being a captive, displayed unwavering faith, compassion, and confide
Billy Sunday Motherhood by Billy Sunday Billy Sunday emphasizes the profound impact of motherhood through the story of Moses' mother, who defied Pharaoh's decree to save her child. He illustrates her unwavering faith and
T. Austin-Sparks He Ever Lives to Make Intercession by T. Austin-Sparks In this sermon, the speaker discusses the inner turmoil and self-disclosure experienced by the disciples of Jesus during the events leading up to his crucifixion. The prophecy of S
George Warnock Love Never Faileth by George Warnock In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of truth and wisdom in our inner being. He quotes from Psalm 51, where David asks God to purify him and make him clean. The sp
Erlo Stegen Being Sanctified by Erlo Stegen In this sermon, the speaker discusses the complexity of the human body and argues against the idea that it could have come into existence without a creator. They use the example of
Don Courville On Eagles' Wings Pt 200 by Don Courville In this sermon, the speaker reflects on the true cost of Christmas and compares it to the immense cost that God paid to come into the world. The speaker emphasizes the sacrifice of
Favell Lee Mortimer Luke 2:33-35. the Words of Simeon to Mary. by Favell Lee Mortimer Favell Lee Mortimer delves into the profound encounter of Joseph, Mary, and Simeon, where Simeon prophesies about the destiny of Christ as a light to the Gentiles and the glory of

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