1 Samuel 1:10 (KJV)

What does 1 Samuel 1:10 mean?

1 Samuel 1:10 describes Hannah as deeply troubled in her spirit, pouring out her heart in prayer to the LORD and crying intensely. The verse shows the depth of her emotional pain and her earnestness as she seeks help from God.

In this scene, Hannah is at the tabernacle in Shiloh, silently praying because she is unable to have children and feels great sorrow. The verse highlights her "bitterness of soul," meaning a deep inner anguish, and shows that her prayer is not casual but comes from a place of real suffering and longing. This moment sets the stage for the story of Samuel’s birth and God’s response to heartfelt prayer.

The Hebrew behind 1 Samuel 1:10

• The word for "bitterness" is מָרָה (marah), often understood as intense grief or distress, not just mild sadness. This emphasizes how deeply Hannah is hurting.
• "Soul" is נֶפֶשׁ (nefesh), which refers to the whole inner being or life of a person. Hannah’s pain is not just physical or emotional, but reaches the core of who she is.
• "Prayed" is פָּלַל (palal), which means to intercede or plead earnestly. Hannah’s prayer is active and intense, not a routine or formal recitation.
• "Wept" is בָּכָה (bakah), meaning to cry or sob, and the repetition ("wept sore") underlines the strength of her emotion.

Why 1 Samuel 1:10 matters

• This verse clears up any idea that biblical prayer is always calm or formal; it shows that God hears prayers that come from deep pain and honesty.
• The focus on Hannah’s inner struggle helps readers understand the seriousness of her situation and the significance of her later vow and God’s answer.
• The verse connects Hannah’s personal suffering to the larger story of Israel, as her prayer leads to the birth of Samuel, a key figure in Israel’s history.