1 Samuel 2:5
1 Samuel 2:5 in Multiple Translations
The well-fed hire themselves out for food, but the starving hunger no more. The barren woman gives birth to seven, but she who has many sons pines away.
They that were full have hired out themselves for bread; and they that were hungry ceased: so that the barren hath born seven; and she that hath many children is waxed feeble.
They that were full have hired out themselves for bread; And they that were hungry have ceased to hunger: Yea, the barren hath borne seven; And she that hath many children languisheth.
Those who were full are offering themselves as servants for bread; those who were in need are at rest; truly, she who had no children has become the mother of seven; and she who had a family is wasted with sorrow.
Those who used to have plenty of food now have to work to earn a crust, while those who used to be hungry now have become fat. The woman who was childless now has seven children, while the woman with many children fades away.
They that were full, are hired foorth for bread, and the hungrie are no more hired, so that the barren hath borne seuen: and shee that had many children, is feeble.
The satiated for bread hired themselves, And the hungry have ceased. While the barren hath borne seven, And she abounding with sons hath languished.
Those who were full have hired themselves out for bread. Those who were hungry are satisfied. Yes, the barren has borne seven. She who has many children languishes.
They that were full have hired out themselves for bread; and they that were hungry ceased: so that the barren hath borne seven; and she that hath many children is become feeble.
They that were full before have hired out themselves for bread: and the hungry are filled, so that the barren hath borne many: and she that had many children is weakened.
Many people who previously had plenty to eat, now have to work for other people to earn money to buy food, but many who were always hungry are not hungry any more. The woman who did not have any children before, now has given birth to many/seven children, and the woman who had many children before, now is very lonely because they have all died.
Berean Amplified Bible — 1 Samuel 2:5
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 2:5 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
שְׂבֵעִ֤ים
בַּ/לֶּ֨חֶם֙
נִשְׂכָּ֔רוּ
וּ/רְעֵבִ֖ים
חָדֵ֑לּוּ
עַד
עֲקָרָה֙
יָלְדָ֣ה
שִׁבְעָ֔ה
וְ/רַבַּ֥ת
בָּנִ֖ים
אֻמְלָֽלָה
שְׂבֵעִ֤ים
sâbêaʻ
H7649
sated
Adj
בַּ/לֶּ֨חֶם֙
lechem
H3899
food
Prep | N-cs
נִשְׂכָּ֔רוּ
sâkar
H7936
to hire
V-Niphal-Perf-3cp
וּ/רְעֵבִ֖ים
râʻêb
H7457
hungry
Conj | Adj
חָדֵ֑לּוּ
châdal
H2308
to cease
V-Qal-Perf-3cp
עַד
ʻad
H5704
till
Prep
עֲקָרָה֙
ʻâqâr
H6135
barren
Adj
יָלְדָ֣ה
yâlad
H3205
to beget
V-Qal-Perf-3fs
שִׁבְעָ֔ה
shebaʻ
H7651
seven
Adj
וְ/רַבַּ֥ת
rab
H7227
many
Conj | Adj
בָּנִ֖ים
bên
H1121
son
N-mp
אֻמְלָֽלָה
ʼâmal
H535
to weaken
V-K-Perf-3fs
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — 1 Samuel 2:5
שְׂבֵעִ֤ים
sâbêaʻ
H7649
"sated"
Adj
This word means being sated or satisfied, either in a good or bad way. It can describe being full from eating or having too much of something. The KJV translates it as full or satisfied.
Definition: 1) sated, satisfied, surfeited 1a) sated, abounding, satisfied 1b) surfeited (bad sense)
Usage: Occurs in 10 OT verses. KJV: full (of), satisfied (with). See also: Genesis 25:8; Job 10:15; Proverbs 19:23.
בַּ/לֶּ֨חֶם֙
lechem
H3899
"food"
Prep | N-cs
This Hebrew word refers to food, especially bread or grain. It's used throughout the Bible to describe meals, sacrifices, and daily life, highlighting the importance of food in ancient Israelite culture.
Definition: : food(eating) 1) bread, food, grain 1a) bread 1a1) bread 1a2) bread-corn 1b) food (in general)
Usage: Occurs in 277 OT verses. KJV: (shew-) bread, [idiom] eat, food, fruit, loaf, meat, victuals. See also: Genesis 3:19; 1 Samuel 20:34; Psalms 14:4.
נִשְׂכָּ֔רוּ
sâkar
H7936
"to hire"
V-Niphal-Perf-3cp
To hire someone or be hired, as seen in the story of Jacob hiring himself out to Laban in Genesis 29. This word is about working for pay. It appears in various forms, such as earning wages or rewarding someone.
Definition: 1) to hire 1a) (Qal) to hire
Usage: Occurs in 18 OT verses. KJV: earn wages, hire (out self), reward, [idiom] surely. See also: Genesis 30:16; 2 Chronicles 24:12; Proverbs 26:10.
וּ/רְעֵבִ֖ים
râʻêb
H7457
"hungry"
Conj | Adj
A person who is hungry is described by this Hebrew word, which appears in books like Deuteronomy and Amos. Hunger can be a physical or emotional state, and the Bible addresses both aspects.
Definition: 1) hungry 1a) hungry 1b) hungry man (subst) 1c) of failing strength (fig)
Usage: Occurs in 20 OT verses. KJV: hunger bitten, hungry. See also: 1 Samuel 2:5; Psalms 146:7; Psalms 107:5.
חָדֵ֑לּוּ
châdal
H2308
"to cease"
V-Qal-Perf-3cp
To cease means to stop or end something, like when God told the Israelites to cease work on the Sabbath in Exodus 20:10. It can also mean to be idle or lacking. In the Bible, it is often used to describe a change in action or behavior.
Definition: 1) to stop, cease, desist, forego, cease to be, leave undone, forbear 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to cease, come to an end 1a2) to cease, leave off
Usage: Occurs in 56 OT verses. KJV: cease, end, fall, forbear, forsake, leave (off), let alone, rest, be unoccupied, want. See also: Genesis 11:8; 2 Chronicles 18:14; Psalms 36:4.
עַד
ʻad
H5704
"till"
Prep
This Hebrew word means until or as far as, describing a point in time or space. It's used in the Bible to set boundaries or limits, like in Exodus when describing the Israelites' journey.
Definition: prep 1) as far as, even to, until, up to, while, as far as 1a) of space 1a1) as far as, up to, even to 1b) in combination 1b1) from...as far as, both...and (with 'min' -from) 1c) of time 1c1) even to, until, unto, till, during, end 1d) of degree 1d1) even to, to the degree of, even like conj 2) until, while, to the point that, so that even Aramaic equivalent: ad (עַד "till" H5705)
Usage: Occurs in 1128 OT verses. KJV: against, and, as, at, before, by (that), even (to), for(-asmuch as), (hither-) to, [phrase] how long, into, as long (much) as, (so) that, till, toward, until, when, while, ([phrase] as) yet. See also: Genesis 3:19; Exodus 32:20; Numbers 23:24.
עֲקָרָה֙
ʻâqâr
H6135
"barren"
Adj
Means sterile or barren, describing someone unable to have children, as seen in the story of Hannah in 1 Samuel 1:6-8. This word is used to describe a woman who cannot bear children. It appears in the Bible to convey a sense of longing for a child.
Definition: barren, sterile
Usage: Occurs in 11 OT verses. KJV: ([idiom] male or female) barren (woman). See also: Genesis 11:30; Judges 13:2; Psalms 113:9.
יָלְדָ֣ה
yâlad
H3205
"to beget"
V-Qal-Perf-3fs
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means to give birth or beget a child, like when Eve gave birth to Cain in Genesis 4:1. It can also mean to help someone give birth, like a midwife. This word is used in many KJV translations, including Genesis and Isaiah.
Definition: 1) to bear, bringforth, beget, gender, travail 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to bear, bring forth 1a1a) of child birth 1a1b) of distress (simile) 1a1c) of wicked (behaviour) 1a2) to beget 1b) (Niphal) to be born 1c) (Piel) 1c1) to cause or help to bring forth 1c2) to assist or tend as a midwife 1c3) midwife (participle) 1d) (Pual) to be born 1e) (Hiphil) 1e1) to beget (a child) 1e2) to bear (fig. -of wicked bringing forth iniquity) 1f) (Hophal) day of birth, birthday (infinitive) 1g) (Hithpael) to declare one's birth (pedigree)
Usage: Occurs in 403 OT verses. KJV: bear, beget, birth(-day), born, (make to) bring forth (children, young), bring up, calve, child, come, be delivered (of a child), time of delivery, gender, hatch, labour, (do the office of a) midwife, declare pedigrees, be the son of, (woman in, woman that) travail(-eth, -ing woman). See also: Genesis 3:16; Genesis 30:19; 2 Samuel 21:22.
שִׁבְעָ֔ה
shebaʻ
H7651
"seven"
Adj
This word means the number seven, which was considered a special or sacred number. It can also mean seven times or a week, and is used in the Bible to describe completeness or perfection. The KJV translates it as seven or sevenfold.
Definition: 1) seven (cardinal number) 1a) as ordinal number 1b) in combination-17, 700 etc Aramaic equivalent: shiv.ah (שִׁבְעָה "seven" H7655)
Usage: Occurs in 344 OT verses. KJV: ([phrase] by) seven(-fold),-s, (-teen, -teenth), -th, times). Compare H7658 (שִׁבְעָנָה). See also: Genesis 4:24; Leviticus 23:15; 2 Samuel 21:6.
וְ/רַבַּ֥ת
rab
H7227
"many"
Conj | Adj
This Hebrew word means a chief or captain, someone in charge. It is used in 2 Samuel 23:19 to describe a great and powerful man. The idea is one of leadership and authority.
Definition: adj 1) much, many, great 1a) much 1b) many 1c) abounding in 1d) more numerous than 1e) abundant, enough 1f) great 1g) strong 1h) greater than adv 1i) much, exceedingly
Usage: Occurs in 443 OT verses. KJV: (in) abound(-undance, -ant, -antly), captain, elder, enough, exceedingly, full, great(-ly, man, one), increase, long (enough, (time)), (do, have) many(-ifold, things, a time), (ship-)master, mighty, more, (too, very) much, multiply(-tude), officer, often(-times), plenteous, populous, prince, process (of time), suffice(-lent). See also: Genesis 6:5; 1 Kings 11:1; Psalms 3:2.
בָּנִ֖ים
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.
אֻמְלָֽלָה
ʼâmal
H535
"to weaken"
V-K-Perf-3fs
To weaken or be weak is the meaning of this verb, which can also imply being sick or mourning. In Psalm 6:2, David asks God to heal him, as his bones are weak. The term describes a state of physical or emotional exhaustion.
Definition: 1) to be weak, to droop, to languish, to be exhausted 1a) (Qal) pass participle (of the heart) 1a1) to be weak 1a2) to droop 1b) (Pulal) 1b1) to be or grow feeble 1b2) to languish
Usage: Occurs in 14 OT verses. KJV: languish, be weak, wax feeble. See also: 1 Samuel 2:5; Jeremiah 15:9; Isaiah 16:8.
Study Notes — 1 Samuel 2:5
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- 1 Samuel 2:5 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on 1 Samuel 2:5
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on 1 Samuel 2:5
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on 1 Samuel 2:5
- Trapp's Commentary on 1 Samuel 2:5
- Ellicott's Commentary on 1 Samuel 2:5
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on 1 Samuel 2:5
- Cambridge Bible on 1 Samuel 2:5
- Barnes' Notes on 1 Samuel 2:5
- Whedon's Commentary on 1 Samuel 2:5
- Sermons on 1 Samuel 2:5
Context — Hannah’s Prayer of Thanksgiving
3Do not boast so proudly, or let arrogance come from your mouth, for the LORD is a God who knows, and by Him actions are weighed.
4The bows of the mighty are broken, but the feeble are equipped with strength.
5The well-fed hire themselves out for food, but the starving hunger no more. The barren woman gives birth to seven, but she who has many sons pines away.
6The LORD brings death and gives life; He brings down to Sheol and raises up. 7The LORD sends poverty and wealth; He humbles and He exalts.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Jeremiah 15:9 | The mother of seven will grow faint; she will breathe her last breath. Her sun will set while it is still day; she will be disgraced and humiliated. And the rest I will put to the sword in the presence of their enemies,” declares the LORD. |
| 2 | Luke 1:53 | He has filled the hungry with good things, but has sent the rich away empty. |
| 3 | Psalms 113:9 | He settles the barren woman in her home as a joyful mother to her children. Hallelujah! |
| 4 | Psalms 34:10 | Young lions go lacking and hungry, but those who seek the LORD lack no good thing. |
| 5 | Luke 16:25 | But Abraham answered, ‘Child, remember that during your lifetime you received your good things, while Lazarus received bad things. But now he is comforted here, while you are in agony. |
| 6 | 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. |
| 7 | 1 Samuel 1:6 | Because the LORD had closed Hannah’s womb, her rival would provoke her and taunt her viciously. |
| 8 | 1 Samuel 1:20 | So 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.” |
| 9 | Galatians 4:27 | For it is written: “Rejoice, O barren woman, who bears no children; break forth and cry aloud, you who have never travailed; because more are the children of the desolate woman than of her who has a husband.” |
1 Samuel 2:5 Summary
[This verse is saying that sometimes, the people who seem to have the most are actually missing out on what's truly important, while those who seem to have the least are actually being filled and satisfied by God, as seen in Matthew 5:6, which says that those who hunger and thirst for righteousness will be filled.]
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean when it says 'the well-fed hire themselves out for food' in 1 Samuel 2:5?
This phrase suggests that those who have an abundance of resources may still feel a deep sense of emptiness or longing, leading them to seek more, as seen in Ecclesiastes 5:10, which says that one who loves money will never be satisfied with money.
How can a barren woman give birth to seven, as mentioned in 1 Samuel 2:5?
This is a reference to the miraculous and sovereign work of God, who can bring life and fruitfulness in unexpected ways, as seen in the story of Hannah, the mother of Samuel, who was barren but prayed for a child and was given one by God, as recorded in 1 Samuel 1:1-28.
What is the main point of 1 Samuel 2:5?
The main point of this verse is to highlight the sovereignty and wisdom of God, who can reverse circumstances and bring about unexpected outcomes, as also seen in Psalm 75:7, which says that God is the one who brings people up and puts them down.
How does this verse relate to our everyday lives?
This verse reminds us that our circumstances are not always a reflection of God's favor or blessing, and that He can work in unexpected ways to bring about His purposes, as seen in Romans 8:28, which says that all things work together for good to those who love God.
Reflection Questions
- What are some areas in my life where I feel like I have abundance, but still feel empty or unfulfilled?
- How can I trust God to work in unexpected ways in my life, even when my circumstances seem difficult or impossible?
- What are some ways that I can reflect the sovereignty and wisdom of God in my own life and decisions?
- How can I cultivate a sense of humility and dependence on God, recognizing that He is the one who brings about all things, as seen in Proverbs 3:5-6?
Gill's Exposition on 1 Samuel 2:5
They that are full have hired out themselves for bread,.... Such as have been full of the good things of this life have been stripped of all, and reduced to such circumstances as to be obliged to
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on 1 Samuel 2:5
They that were full have hired out themselves for bread; and they that were hungry ceased: so that the barren hath born seven; and she that hath many children is waxed feeble.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on 1 Samuel 2:5
Have hired themselves out for bread, through extreme necessity, into which they are fallen from their greatest plenty. It is the same thing which is expressed both in divers metaphors in the foregoing and following verses, and properly in the latter branch of this verse. Ceased, i.e. ceased to be such, to wit, hungry; the hungry failed; there was none of them hungry or indigent. Seven, i.e. many, as seven is oft used. She speaks in the prophetic style, the past time for the future; for though she had actually born but one, yet she had a confident persuasion that she should have more, which was grounded either upon some particular assurance from God, or rather upon the prayer or prediction of Eli; which, though it be mentioned after this song, , yet in all probability was spoken before it, even upon the parents’ presentation of the child to Eli, , it not being likely that she would sing this song in Eli’ s presence, or before he had given his answer to her speech delivered , there being nothing more frequent than such transpositions in Scripture. And the experience she had of the strange and speedy accomplishment of his former prophecy made her confidently expect the same issue from the latter. She that hath many children, i.e. Peninnah. Is waxed feeble; either because she was now past child-bearing, and impotent for procreation; or because divers of her children, which were her strength and her glory, were dead, as the Hebrew doctors relate.
Trapp's Commentary on 1 Samuel 2:5
1 Samuel 2:5 [They that were] full have hired out themselves for bread; and [they that were] hungry ceased: so that the barren hath born seven; and she that hath many children is waxed feeble.Ver. 5. And they that were hungry ceased.] Nimirum famelici esse, to be still hungry; they were "filled with good things," as Luke 1:53. Is waxed feeble.] Weak for prolification; or having luctuosam faecunditatem, as Jerome saith of Laeta, who had born many children, but with this she had buried them.
Ellicott's Commentary on 1 Samuel 2:5
(5) They that were full.—Another image to illustrate the vicissitudes of human affairs is sketched, one very familiar to the dwellers among the cornfields and vineyards of Canaan. The barren hath born seven.—Here the thought of the inspired singer reverts to herself, and the imagery is drawn from the story of her own life. Seven children are mentioned as the full number of the Divine blessing in children (see Rth 4:15; Jeremiah 15:9). There is a curious Jewish legend which relates how for each boy child that was born to Hannah, two of Peninnah’s died.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on 1 Samuel 2:5
Verse 5. They that were full] All the things mentioned in these verses frequently happen in the course of the Divine providence; and indeed it is the particular providence of God that Hannah seems more especially to celebrate through the whole of this simple yet sublime ode.
Cambridge Bible on 1 Samuel 2:5
5. ceased] i.e. are at rest: need toil no more: or, cease to be hungry. seven] A perfect family. Cp. Rth 4:15. is waxed feeble] By the loss of her children. Cp. Jeremiah 15:9.
Barnes' Notes on 1 Samuel 2:5
See an instance in 1 Samuel 2:36. See, too, in Ezekiel 13:19, another example of hire paid in bread. Ceased - i. e. were at rest, did no work.
Whedon's Commentary on 1 Samuel 2:5
5. Full ones — Those who are usually sated with an abundance of food. With bread are hired, or, hire themselves out for bread. They are glad if, by toil even, they can get but their daily food.
Sermons on 1 Samuel 2:5
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
(Through the Bible) 1 Samuel 1-10 by Chuck Smith | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of the spirit of God coming upon a person's life and anointing them. He highlights the significance of having a heart turned |
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5) Our Father in Heaven Gives Us Wisdom (Kannada) by Zac Poonen | This sermon emphasizes the importance of seeking wisdom from God through prayer, highlighting the necessity of faith and humility. It discusses how asking for wisdom is crucial as |
|
God Waits for Us to Be Empty by Watchman Nee | Watchman Nee emphasizes that God desires us to be continuously empty in order to be filled with the Holy Spirit. He illustrates this through the story of a woman who had only a pot |
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(2 Samuel) Doing Things God's Way by David Guzik | In this sermon, the speaker discusses the story of Uzzah and the Ark of the Covenant. Uzzah reaches out to steady the Ark when it hits a rock, but God strikes him down for his erro |
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Breaking Barrenness by E.A. Adeboye | E.A. Adeboye preaches on the story of Hannah from 1 Samuel, highlighting how she turned her barrenness into fruitfulness through faith, sacrifice, and aligning her motives with God |
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2006 Heart-Cry - Journal Reading and Message by Paul Washer | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the goodness of God and His plans for believers. He encourages young men to seek and avail themselves of God's promises through prayer and pe |
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Life of Elijah - Part 3 by Major Ian Thomas | In this sermon, the speaker shares stories of individuals who were at the end of their rope and on the verge of quitting. However, in these moments of despair, God showed His kindn |