But Hannah went not up; for she said unto her husband, I will not go up until the child be weaned, and then I will bring him, that he may appear before the LORD, and there abide for ever.

1 SAMUEL 1:22KJV
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1 Samuel 1:22 (KJV)

What does 1 Samuel 1:22 mean?

1 Samuel 1:22 explains that Hannah chose not to go up to the house of the LORD with her husband because she wanted to wait until her child, Samuel, was weaned. She told her husband that after Samuel was weaned, she would bring him to appear before the LORD and leave him there permanently.

In this verse, Hannah is speaking to her husband, Elkanah, about her decision to stay home with their young son. The setting is after Samuel’s birth, and Hannah is fulfilling her vow to dedicate Samuel to God’s service. The verse highlights Hannah’s commitment and the practical steps she takes to prepare Samuel for a life devoted to the LORD.

The Hebrew behind 1 Samuel 1:22

  • "Weaned" (גָּמַל, gamal) means to finish nursing or to be old enough to eat solid food. In ancient Israel, this could be around three years old, showing Hannah’s careful timing in fulfilling her vow.
  • "Abide" (יָשַׁב, yashav) means to stay, dwell, or remain. Hannah’s plan was not just a visit; she intended for Samuel to live at the house of the LORD permanently.
  • "For ever" (עַד־עוֹלָם, ad-olam) is often understood as "for all time" or "permanently." In this context, it stresses the seriousness and lasting nature of Hannah’s promise.

Why 1 Samuel 1:22 matters

  • This verse clarifies that Hannah’s dedication of Samuel was not a symbolic act but a real, lifelong commitment, as shown by her intent for him to "abide for ever."
  • The verse shows the importance of timing and preparation in fulfilling vows, as Hannah waits until Samuel is ready before bringing him to the LORD.
  • It connects to the wider story by setting up Samuel’s unique upbringing in the house of the LORD, which shapes his future as a prophet and leader in Israel.

Where else these words appear

“Hannah” Hebrew H2584 · used in 11 verses

  • 1 Samuel 1:2 And he had two wives; the name of the one was Hannah, and the name of the other Peninnah: and Peninnah had children, but Hannah had no children.
  • 1 Samuel 1:9 So Hannah rose up after they had eaten in Shiloh, and after they had drunk. Now Eli the priest sat upon a seat by a post of the temple of the LORD.
  • 1 Samuel 1:19 And they rose up in the morning early, and worshipped before the LORD, and returned, and came to their house to Ramah: and Elkanah knew Hannah his wife; and the LORD remembered her.

“weaned” Hebrew H1580 · used in 32 verses

  • Genesis 21:8 And the child grew, and was weaned: and Abraham made a great feast the same day that Isaac was weaned.
  • 1 Kings 11:20 And the sister of Tahpenes bare him Genubath his son, whom Tahpenes weaned in Pharaoh's house: and Genubath was in Pharaoh's household among the sons of Pharaoh.
  • Psalms 142:7 Bring my soul out of prison, that I may praise thy name: the righteous shall compass me about; for thou shalt deal bountifully with me.

“for” Hebrew H5704 · used in 97 verses

  • Genesis 3:19 In the sweat of thy face shalt thou eat bread, till thou return unto the ground; for out of it wast thou taken: for dust thou art, and unto dust shalt thou return.
  • 1 Samuel 20:23 And as touching the matter which thou and I have spoken of, behold, the LORD be between thee and me for ever.
  • Job 38:11 And said, Hitherto shalt thou come, but no further: and here shall thy proud waves be stayed?