1 Samuel 1:20 (KJV)

What does 1 Samuel 1:20 mean?

1 Samuel 1:20 tells how, after a period of waiting, Hannah became pregnant and gave birth to a son, whom she named Samuel, because she had asked God for him. The verse highlights that Samuel’s birth was a direct answer to Hannah’s prayer to the LORD.

Hannah is the main figure in this part of the story, and she had been deeply distressed because she could not have children. Earlier in the chapter, she prayed earnestly at the temple, asking the LORD for a son and promising to dedicate him to God’s service. This verse marks the fulfillment of that prayer, showing both God’s response and Hannah’s gratitude by naming her son Samuel, which reflects her request to God.

The Hebrew behind 1 Samuel 1:20

• שְׁמוּאֵל (Shĕmū’ēl, “Samuel”): This name is often understood as “heard by God” or “asked of God,” which ties directly to Hannah’s statement that she asked him of the LORD. The name itself is a reminder of Hannah’s prayer and God’s answer.
• שָׁאַל (sha’al, “asked”): The word for “asked” is used by Hannah to explain why she chose the name Samuel. This word connects her personal experience of prayer with the child’s identity.
• יְהוָה (YHWH, “the LORD”): Hannah specifically says she asked “of the LORD,” using God’s personal name, which emphasizes her direct relationship and trust in the God of Israel.

Why 1 Samuel 1:20 matters

• This verse clarifies that Samuel’s birth is not just a happy event but a fulfillment of a specific prayer, highlighting the theme of God responding to heartfelt requests.
• The naming of Samuel is significant; it is not just a family tradition but a testimony to God’s involvement in Hannah’s life, making the child’s very name a story in itself.
• This moment sets up the rest of Samuel’s story, showing that his life and role as a prophet begin with God’s direct intervention and a mother’s faith.