Question 1

What does 1 Samuel 2:19 mean?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 2

The Hebrew behind 1 Samuel 2:19

Accepted Answer

"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.

Question 3

Why 1 Samuel 2:19 matters

Accepted Answer

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.

1 Samuel 2:19 (KJV)