1 Samuel 1:24 (KJV)

What does 1 Samuel 1:24 mean?

1 Samuel 1:24 describes how, after Hannah had finished nursing her son Samuel, she brought him to the house of the LORD in Shiloh along with offerings of three bulls, an ephah of flour, and a bottle of wine. The verse notes that Samuel was still very young when Hannah fulfilled her vow to dedicate him to God’s service.

This verse takes place after Hannah’s prayer for a child was answered. Hannah herself brings Samuel, along with significant offerings, to the sanctuary at Shiloh as an act of gratitude and obedience. The mention of Samuel’s young age highlights Hannah’s faithfulness in giving him to God soon after he was weaned, not waiting until he was older.

The Hebrew behind 1 Samuel 1:24

• "Weaned" (גָּמַל, gamal): This word refers to the time when a child stops nursing. In ancient Israel, this could be around three years old, showing how young Samuel was when Hannah brought him to Shiloh.
• "Ephah" (אֵיפָה, ephah): An ephah was a substantial measure of flour, about 22 liters or 6 gallons. This detail emphasizes the generosity and seriousness of Hannah’s offering.
• "House" (בַּיִת, bayit): This word refers to the sanctuary or dwelling place of the LORD at Shiloh, not a private home. It underscores that Samuel was being brought to a sacred place for service.
• "Child" and "young" (נַעַר, na'ar): The same Hebrew word is used for both "child" and "young" in this verse, stressing Samuel’s tender age and vulnerability at the time of his dedication.

Why 1 Samuel 1:24 matters

• This verse clarifies that Hannah kept her promise to God as soon as Samuel was weaned, not delaying his dedication.
• The specific offerings listed show that Hannah’s act was both a sacrifice and a celebration, reflecting deep gratitude and reverence.
• The setting at Shiloh connects this event to Israel’s central place of worship before the temple was built, highlighting the importance of Samuel’s role in Israel’s spiritual history.