They that were full have hired out themselves for bread; and they that were hungry ceased: so that the barren hath born seven; and she that hath many children is waxed feeble.

1 SAMUEL 2:5KJV
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1 Samuel 2:5 (KJV)

What does 1 Samuel 2:5 mean?

1 Samuel 2:5 describes a dramatic reversal of fortunes: those who once had plenty now have to work for food, while the hungry are satisfied; the woman who could not have children now has many, and the one with many children has become weak. The verse highlights how circumstances can completely change, often in unexpected ways.

This verse is part of Hannah’s prayer after God granted her a son, Samuel. Hannah is speaking to God, expressing gratitude and awe at how God can overturn human situations. The verse uses vivid contrasts—full versus hungry, barren versus fruitful—to show that God is able to lift up the lowly and humble the proud, a theme running through her entire prayer.

The Hebrew behind 1 Samuel 2:5

  • "Full" (שָׂבֵעַ, saveaʿ) means satisfied or having plenty. Here, it refers to people who once had abundance but now must work for basic needs, emphasizing the reversal.
  • "Barren" (עֲקָרָה, ʿaqarah) means a woman unable to have children. In this context, it highlights Hannah’s own experience and the surprising change in her life.
  • "Seven" (שִׁבְעָה, shivʿah) is often used in Hebrew as a symbol of completeness or fullness, not always a literal number. It suggests the barren woman is now completely blessed with children.
  • "Feeble" (אֻמְלָל, umlal) means weak or exhausted. The woman who once had many children is now worn out, further stressing the reversal theme.

Why 1 Samuel 2:5 matters

  • This verse clears up the idea that status and circumstances are permanent; it shows that what seems secure can change, and what seems hopeless can be restored.
  • The verse is central to Hannah’s prayer, which sets the tone for the whole book by showing God’s power to upend human expectations.
  • It connects Hannah’s personal story to a broader truth about God’s character—He cares for the humble and can bring about unexpected blessings or challenges.

Where else these words appear

“full” Hebrew H7649 · used in 10 verses

  • Genesis 25:8 Then Abraham gave up the ghost, and died in a good old age, an old man, and full of years; and was gathered to his people.
  • 1 Chronicles 29:28 And he died in a good old age, full of days, riches, and honour: and Solomon his son reigned in his stead.
  • Job 42:17 So Job died, being old and full of days.

“barren” Hebrew H6135 · used in 11 verses

  • Genesis 11:30 But Sarai was barren; she had no child.
  • Exodus 23:26 There shall nothing cast their young, nor be barren, in thy land: the number of thy days I will fulfil.
  • Judges 13:3 And the angel of the LORD appeared unto the woman, and said unto her, Behold now, thou art barren, and bearest not: but thou shalt conceive, and bear a son.

“feeble” Hebrew H535 · used in 14 verses

  • Isaiah 16:8 For the fields of Heshbon languish, and the vine of Sibmah: the lords of the heathen have broken down the principal plants thereof, they are come even unto Jazer, they wandered through the wilderness: her branches are stretched out, they are gone over the sea.
  • Isaiah 33:9 The earth mourneth and languisheth: Lebanon is ashamed and hewn down: Sharon is like a wilderness; and Bashan and Carmel shake off their fruits.
  • Ezekiel 16:30 How weak is thine heart, saith the Lord GOD, seeing thou doest all these things, the work of an imperious whorish woman;

“out” Hebrew H7936 · used in 18 verses

  • Genesis 30:16 And Jacob came out of the field in the evening, and Leah went out to meet him, and said, Thou must come in unto me; for surely I have hired thee with my son's mandrakes. And he lay with her that night.
  • 2 Kings 7:6 For the Lord had made the host of the Syrians to hear a noise of chariots, and a noise of horses, even the noise of a great host: and they said one to another, Lo, the king of Israel hath hired against us the kings of the Hittites, and the kings of the Egyptians, to come upon us.
  • Nehemiah 6:12 And, lo, I perceived that God had not sent him; but that he pronounced this prophecy against me: for Tobiah and Sanballat had hired him.