Old Testament

1 Samuel 1:15

The Clear Bible Translation matches the King James Version, written at a 10th-grade reading level in plain English

At a Glance

Hannah was deeply troubled and felt overwhelmed by her sorrow.

Author
Traditionally attributed to Samuel, Nathan, and Gad
Written
Around 930 BC
Genre
Historical narrative
Original Audience
The Israelites of the early monarchy
CBTClear Bible Translation

Hannah replied, "No, my lord, I am a woman with a sorrowful spirit. I haven't had any wine or strong drink; I have been pouring out my soul before the LORD."

KJVKing James Version

And Hannah answered and said, No, my lord, I am a woman of a sorrowful spirit: I have drunk neither wine nor strong drink, but have poured out my soul before the LORD.

Verse Analysis

Plain-English insight for readers

Hannah was deeply troubled and felt overwhelmed by her sorrow. She wanted to express her pain and desperation to God, so she approached the temple to pray. When she spoke to Eli, the priest, she clarified that her emotional state was not due to alcohol. Instead, she was earnestly seeking God’s help, pouring out her heart and soul in prayer. This moment highlights the importance of being honest about our feelings and seeking divine support in times of distress. Hannah's sincerity and vulnerability show that it’s okay to bring our struggles to God without pretense. Her story encourages us to be open about our pain and to trust that God hears our cries. In her honesty, we see a powerful example of faith and the need for connection with the divine during our hardest moments. Hannah's experience reminds us that God is always ready to listen, no matter how heavy our hearts may feel as we seek His presence and guidance in our lives. Her journey is a testament to the strength found in vulnerability.

Key themes

Related topics

sorrow, prayer, honesty

How to apply 1 Samuel 1:15 to your life

When you feel overwhelmed by sorrow, remember that it's okay to express your feelings honestly. Take time to pray and pour out your heart to God. Sharing your struggles can lead to healing and a deeper connection with the divine. Trust that you are not alone in your pain, and seek support from others as well. Your vulnerability can be a source of strength and hope for you and those around you.

Curated for this public verse page. 1 Samuel Summary

Frequently Asked Questions

Quick, clear answers about this verse

What does Hannah's prayer in 1 Samuel 1:15 teach us about expressing sorrow?

Hannah's prayer illustrates the importance of being open and honest about our feelings of sorrow. She approached God with her pain, showing that it's acceptable to bring our struggles to Him without pretense. This teaches us that expressing our emotions in prayer can be a vital step toward healing and finding comfort in God's presence.

How can I relate to Hannah's experience of sorrow and prayer?

Hannah's experience resonates with many who face deep sorrow or distress. Like her, you can find solace in prayer by pouring out your heart to God. This act of vulnerability can help you process your emotions and seek divine support. Remember, you are not alone in your struggles, and God is always ready to listen.

Why did Hannah clarify she wasn't drinking alcohol in her prayer?

Hannah clarified that she wasn't drinking alcohol to emphasize that her emotional state was genuine and not influenced by substances. This distinction highlights her sincerity in seeking God's help and reinforces the idea that our struggles can be approached with clarity and honesty, free from misconceptions.

What can we learn from Hannah's vulnerability in her prayer?

Hannah's vulnerability teaches us that it's okay to be honest about our pain and struggles. Her willingness to express her sorrow openly encourages us to seek God in our difficult moments. This openness can foster a deeper connection with the divine and remind us that vulnerability can be a source of strength and healing.

The Book of 1 Samuel
Book Summary

The Book of 1 Samuel

1 Samuel 1: The Birth of Samuel

The book opens during the time of the judges, introducing a man named Elkanah with two wives, Hannah and Peninnah. While Peninnah has children, Hannah is barren and is cruelly taunted by her rival. During their annual pilgrimage to the sanctuary at Shiloh, the deeply distressed Hannah prays silently to the Lord, weeping and vowing that if God will give her a son, she will dedicate him to the Lord's service for his entire life as a Nazirite. Eli, the high priest, sees her lips moving and initially mistakes her for a drunken woman, but after she explains her sorrowful prayer, he blesses her, saying, "Go in peace: and the God of Israel grant thee thy petition."

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