And the child Samuel grew on, and was in favour both with the LORD, and also with men.

1 SAMUEL 2:26KJV
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1 Samuel 2:26 (KJV)

What does 1 Samuel 2:26 mean?

1 Samuel 2:26 describes how the boy Samuel continued to grow and was well-liked by both the LORD and by people around him. The verse highlights Samuel’s positive reputation and spiritual development as he served at the tabernacle.

This verse sits in the story of young Samuel, who was dedicated to God by his mother Hannah and served under Eli the priest. While the sons of Eli were behaving badly, Samuel was growing up in a way that pleased both God and the community. The verse sets Samuel apart as someone whose life was marked by steady growth and favor.

The Hebrew behind 1 Samuel 2:26

  • "child" (נַעַר, na‘ar): This word refers to a young boy or youth, emphasizing Samuel’s age and the fact that his character was already being noticed even as a child.
  • "grew" (גָּדֵל, gadal): This word means to grow or become great, pointing not just to physical growth but also to Samuel’s increasing maturity and importance.
  • "favour" (טוֹב, tov): This word is often translated as "goodness" or "favor," and here it means Samuel was seen as good or pleasing, both by God and by people.

Why 1 Samuel 2:26 matters

  • The verse draws a clear contrast between Samuel and Eli’s sons, who were corrupt, showing that Samuel’s life was moving in a different, positive direction.
  • The mention of favor with both God and people echoes later descriptions of Jesus (Luke 2:52), highlighting a pattern of God’s approval and human respect in the lives of those He chooses.
  • This verse reassures the reader that even in difficult or corrupt times, someone can still grow in goodness and be recognized for it by both God and others.

Where else these words appear

“grew” Hebrew H1432 · used in 4 verses

  • Genesis 26:13 And the man waxed great, and went forward, and grew until he became very great:
  • 2 Chronicles 17:12 And Jehoshaphat waxed great exceedingly; and he built in Judah castles, and cities of store.
  • Ezekiel 16:26 Thou hast also committed fornication with the Egyptians thy neighbours, great of flesh; and hast increased thy whoredoms, to provoke me to anger.

“Samuel” Hebrew H8050 · used in 120 verses

  • Numbers 34:20 And of the tribe of the children of Simeon, Shemuel the son of Ammihud.
  • 1 Samuel 9:17 And when Samuel saw Saul, the LORD said unto him, Behold the man whom I spake to thee of! this same shall reign over my people.
  • 1 Samuel 15:22 And Samuel said, Hath the LORD as great delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices, as in obeying the voice of the LORD? Behold, to obey is better than sacrifice, and to hearken than the fat of rams.