1 Samuel 2:19 (KJV)

What does 1 Samuel 2:19 mean?

1 Samuel 2:19 describes how Samuel’s mother made him a small coat each year and brought it to him when she traveled with her husband to offer the yearly sacrifice. This verse highlights a mother’s ongoing care for her son, even as he served at the tabernacle away from home.

Hannah, Samuel’s mother, had dedicated her son to serve God at a young age, so he lived at the sanctuary in Shiloh. Each year, as the family made their religious pilgrimage, Hannah would bring a new little coat for Samuel, showing her continued love and involvement in his life despite the distance.

The Hebrew behind 1 Samuel 2:19

• "mother" (אֵם, ’em): This word emphasizes the personal and nurturing relationship Hannah maintained with Samuel, even after dedicating him to God’s service.
• "little" (קָטֹן, qaton): The word for "little" here points to Samuel’s young age, underlining his vulnerability and the special attention his mother gave to his needs.
• "coat" (מְעִיל, me‘il): This term refers to a specific type of outer garment, often associated with priests or people of importance, suggesting Hannah’s care was both practical and symbolic as Samuel grew in his role.

Why 1 Samuel 2:19 matters

• This verse shows that Hannah’s dedication of Samuel was not a one-time act; she continued to care for him, balancing her faithfulness to God with her motherly love.
• The yearly gift of a coat highlights the ongoing connection between Samuel and his family, even as he lived apart from them in service to God.
• The detail about the coat helps set the stage for Samuel’s growing role in Israel’s spiritual life, as the garment is later associated with prophetic and priestly authority.