In brief
Hannah is one of Elkanah’s two wives. She has no child, while Peninnah, the other wife, does. In bitterness of soul, she prays to Yahweh in tears and vows to give him a son. God answers her prayer: she gives birth to Samuel, whom she names that way because she asked for him from Yahweh. She keeps her promise by lending him to Yahweh, then celebrates God in a prayer of praise. She is remembered as a woman of prayer and faithfulness.
What does the name Hannah, mother of Samuel mean?
Her name is generally linked to the Hebrew meaning “grace” or “favor.” The Bible does not explain it for her, but it explains the name of her son: she calls him Samuel, saying, “Because I have asked him of Yahweh” (1 Samuel 1:20).
The story of Hannah, mother of Samuel
A woman without children
1 Samuel 1:1-8Elkanah has two wives, Hannah and Peninnah. Peninnah has children, but Hannah has none. Every year, the family goes up to worship Yahweh at Shiloh. Hannah’s situation plunges her into deep sorrow, and her rival provokes her. Elkanah tries to console her, but Hannah’s pain remains.
The prayer and the vow
1 Samuel 1:9-18At Shiloh, Hannah prays to Yahweh “in bitterness of soul,” weeping. She makes a vow: if God gives her a son, she will give him to Yahweh all the days of his life. The priest Eli first thinks she is drunk, then understands and blesses her. Hannah goes on her way, and her face is no longer sad.
The birth of Samuel
1 Samuel 1:19-20God remembers Hannah. When the time comes, she conceives and bears a son, whom she names Samuel, saying, “Because I have asked him of Yahweh.” The name keeps the memory of the answered prayer and reminds us that this child is a gift received from God.
A promise kept
1 Samuel 1:24-28When the child is weaned, Hannah brings him to Eli at Shiloh. She reminds him, “I prayed for this child, and Yahweh has given me my petition which I asked of him.” She declares that, as long as he lives, he is given to Yahweh, and he worships Yahweh there.
Hannah’s song
1 Samuel 2:1-10, 21Hannah prays and says, “My heart exults in Yahweh! My horn is exalted in Yahweh.” She proclaims that there is no rock like our God. Later, Yahweh visits Hannah, who bears three more sons and two daughters, while the young Samuel grows up before Yahweh.
What Hannah, mother of Samuel teaches us
- We can pour out our hearts before God with honesty, even in bitterness and tears.
- God hears the prayer of those who suffer, and he remembers them.
- What God gives in answer to prayer, we give back to him with gratitude, as Hannah does with Samuel.
- Praise can be born after the trial, and it speaks of God’s holiness and faithfulness.
Key verses
“In bitterness of soul, and prayed to Yahweh, weeping bitterly.” Hannah hides nothing from God: her pain becomes a prayer.
“I prayed for this child, and Yahweh has given me my petition which I asked of him.” Hannah recognizes that her son is God’s answer.
“There is no one as holy as Yahweh, for there is no one besides you, nor is there any rock like our God.” Hannah’s praise confesses God’s holiness after the answer.
Frequently asked questions
Who was Hannah, mother of Samuel?
Hannah was one of Elkanah’s two wives. Barren, she prayed to Yahweh in tears, made a vow, then gave birth to Samuel. She then dedicated him to Yahweh, and she sang a song of praise (1 Samuel 2).
What does the name Hannah mean?
Her name is generally linked to the Hebrew meaning “grace” or “favor,” though the Bible does not explain it. It does explain the name of her son: she calls him Samuel, saying, “Because I have asked him of Yahweh” (1 Samuel 1:20).
Where can I find the story of Hannah in the Bible?
The story of Hannah is found at the beginning of the first book of Samuel. Chapter 1 tells of her distress, her prayer and the birth of Samuel. Chapter 2 gives her song of praise and the children she had afterward.