1 Samuel 2:20 (KJV)

What does 1 Samuel 2:20 mean?

1 Samuel 2:20 describes Eli, the priest, blessing Elkanah and his wife after they visited the tabernacle, asking that the LORD would give them more children because they had given their son Samuel to serve God. The verse shows Eli’s recognition of their sacrifice and his prayer that God would reward them for dedicating Samuel.

Eli is speaking to Elkanah and his wife, Hannah, after they have brought Samuel to serve at the house of the LORD in Shiloh. The phrase “for the loan which is lent to the LORD” refers to Hannah’s earlier promise to dedicate Samuel to God’s service. Eli’s blessing is both a prayer and a recognition of their faithfulness, and the verse ends by noting that Elkanah and Hannah returned to their home.

The Hebrew behind 1 Samuel 2:20

• “Blessed” (בָּרַךְ, barakh): This word means to speak a good word over someone, often calling for God’s favor. Eli’s blessing here is a formal, priestly act, not just a casual wish.
• “Loan” (שְׁאֵלָה, she’elah) and “lent” (שָׁאַל, sha’al): Both words come from the same root, meaning “to ask” or “to request.” The text plays on the idea that Samuel was “asked” from God and then “given back” or “loaned” to God’s service, highlighting the intentionality of Hannah’s dedication.
• “Seed” (זֶרַע, zera’): This word means “offspring” or “descendants.” Eli’s prayer is specifically for more children, not just general blessing.

Why 1 Samuel 2:20 matters

• The verse clarifies that Hannah’s act of giving Samuel to the LORD was seen as a significant, sacrificial offering, not just a personal vow.
• Eli’s blessing connects the family’s faithfulness to God’s ongoing care, showing that acts of devotion are noticed and valued in the community.
• The play on words with “asked” and “loaned” ties back to Samuel’s name and story, emphasizing the theme of answered prayer and dedication in the larger narrative.