1 Samuel 1:25 (KJV)

What does 1 Samuel 1:25 mean?

1 Samuel 1:25 describes how a bull was killed as a sacrifice, and then the child Samuel was brought to Eli the priest. This verse shows the moment when Samuel’s parents, after making an offering, present their young son to serve at the tabernacle as they had promised to God.

Hannah and her husband Elkanah are fulfilling a vow Hannah made earlier: if God gave her a son, she would dedicate him to the Lord’s service. The verse takes place at the tabernacle in Shiloh, where Eli is the high priest. The act of sacrificing a bullock and bringing Samuel to Eli marks the formal giving of Samuel to God’s service, setting the stage for his lifelong ministry.

The Hebrew behind 1 Samuel 1:25

• "slew" (שָׁחַט, shachat): This word means to slaughter or kill, especially in the context of offering a sacrifice. It highlights that this was a ritual act, not just an ordinary killing of an animal.
• "bullock" (פַּר, par): This word refers specifically to a young bull, which was a significant and valuable animal for sacrifice. Offering a bullock showed the seriousness and costliness of the family's dedication.
• "brought" (בּוֹא, bo): This word means to bring or come. Here, it emphasizes the deliberate action of presenting Samuel to Eli, not just a casual meeting.
• "child" (נַעַר, na'ar): This word can mean a boy or youth, and in this context, it refers to Samuel as a young child, likely still quite small, which underscores the faith and trust involved in dedicating him so early.

Why 1 Samuel 1:25 matters

• This verse clarifies that Samuel’s dedication to God was accompanied by a costly sacrifice, showing the seriousness of his parents’ commitment.
• The verse connects Hannah’s private vow and prayer to a public act of faith, linking her personal story to the larger work God would do through Samuel.
• By mentioning Eli, the verse sets up the relationship between Samuel and the priesthood, which becomes central to the following chapters.