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So Hannah rose up after they had finished eating and drinking in Shiloh. Now Eli the priest was sitting on his seat by the doorpost of Yahweh’s temple. 10 She was in bitterness of soul, and prayed to Yahweh, weeping bitterly. 11 She vowed a vow, and said, “Yahweh of Armies, if you will indeed look at the affliction of your servant and remember me, and not forget your servant, but will give to your servant a boy, then I will give him to Yahweh all the days of his life, and no razor shall come on his head.”

12 As she continued praying before Yahweh, Eli saw her mouth. 13 Now Hannah spoke in her heart. Only her lips moved, but her voice was not heard. Therefore Eli thought she was drunk. 14 Eli said to her, “How long will you be drunk? Get rid of your wine!”

15 Hannah answered, “No, my lord, I am a woman of a sorrowful spirit. I have not been drinking wine or strong drink, but I poured out my soul before Yahweh. 16 Don’t consider your servant a wicked woman; for I have been speaking out of the abundance of my complaint and my provocation.”

17 Then Eli answered, “Go in peace; and may the God[a] of Israel grant your petition that you have asked of him.”

18 She said, “Let your servant find favor in your sight.” So the woman went her way and ate; and her facial expression wasn’t sad any more.

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Footnotes

  1. 1:17 The Hebrew word rendered “God” is “אֱלֹהִ֑ים” (Elohim).

Hannah got up after they ate and drank at Shiloh.[a] Eli the priest was sitting on a chair by the doorpost of the Lord’s tabernacle.(A) 10 Deeply hurt, Hannah prayed to the Lord and wept with many tears.(B) 11 Making a vow,(C) she pleaded, “Lord of Hosts, if You will take notice of Your servant’s affliction,(D) remember and not forget me, and give Your servant a son,[b] I will give him to the Lord all the days of his life, and his hair will never be cut.”[c](E)

12 While she continued praying in the Lord’s presence, Eli watched her lips. 13 Hannah was praying silently,[d](F) and though her lips were moving, her voice could not be heard. Eli thought she was drunk 14 and scolded her, “How long are you going to be drunk?(G) Get rid of your wine!”

15 “No, my lord,” Hannah replied. “I am a woman with a broken heart. I haven’t had any wine or beer; I’ve been pouring out my heart before the Lord.(H) 16 Don’t think of me as a wicked woman;(I) I’ve been praying from the depth of my anguish and resentment.”(J)

17 Eli responded, “Go in peace,(K) and may the God of Israel grant the petition you’ve requested from Him.”(L)

18 “May your servant find favor with you,”(M) she replied. Then Hannah went on her way; she ate and no longer looked despondent.[e](N)

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Footnotes

  1. 1 Samuel 1:9 LXX adds and presented herself before the Lord
  2. 1 Samuel 1:11 Lit a seed of men
  3. 1 Samuel 1:11 Lit and no razor will go up on his head
  4. 1 Samuel 1:13 Lit praying to her heart
  5. 1 Samuel 1:18 Lit and her face was not to her again