1 Samuel 1:5 (KJV)

What does 1 Samuel 1:5 mean?

1 Samuel 1:5 describes how Elkanah gave Hannah a special portion of food because he loved her, even though the LORD had prevented her from having children. This verse highlights both Elkanah’s affection for Hannah and her deep sorrow over being childless.

In this scene, Elkanah is dividing portions at a sacrificial meal among his family. Hannah is his beloved wife, but she cannot have children, which was a source of great distress in that culture. The verse sets up the tension in Hannah’s life and shows Elkanah’s attempt to comfort her, even as her situation remains unchanged.

The Hebrew behind 1 Samuel 1:5

• אפַּיִם (’afayim, transliterated as "’afayim" from the tag H639, usually meaning "nose" or "anger") is translated here as "worthy" in “a worthy portion.” This is unusual; the phrase likely means "a double portion" or "a special portion," emphasizing Elkanah’s extra care for Hannah.
• מָנָה (manah, H4490) means "portion." In this context, it refers to the share of food given to each family member at the sacrificial meal, showing honor or affection.
• סָגַר (sagar, H5462) means "shut up" or "closed." The verse says the LORD had "shut up her womb," making it clear that Hannah’s inability to have children was not accidental but attributed directly to God’s action.

Why 1 Samuel 1:5 matters

• This verse clarifies that Hannah’s childlessness was not due to any fault of her own but was understood as something God had allowed, which shapes how readers view her later prayers and actions.
• The detail about Elkanah giving Hannah a special portion shows his love and attempts to support her, even though he cannot change her situation, highlighting the emotional dynamics in their family.
• The verse sets up the emotional and spiritual struggle that will drive the rest of Hannah’s story, especially her heartfelt prayer in the following verses.