Old Testament
1 Samuel 1:15
Read the Bible in clear, modern English—easy to understand, faithful to the meaning, and written for everyday readers.
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."
Compare translations
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.
What 1 Samuel 1:15 means
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.
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
Learn the Bible through its people and places
Get to know the people in Scripture through illustrated stories, and explore the places where they lived and traveled.
Illustrated scene from Samuel's story: Hannah's Prayer (1 Samuel 1:1–18)
Meet the people of the Bible
Follow their lives in order, with illustrated scenes and Bible passages that tell their stories.
Samuel
Photo: Photochrom print, Library of Congress Prints and Photographs Division (LCCN 2002724987). License: Public domain in the United States; Library of Congress states no known restrictions on publication. Source. Location: Hebron, West Bank; print preserved by the Library of Congress. Resized for the web.
Explore the places of the Bible
See where biblical events happened, why each place matters, and what archaeology helps us understand.
Hebron
Where Abraham lived and buried Sarah, and where David was first made king.
Get full access with one subscription
Explore the people and places of the Bible. Read summaries of every book, with images and clear explanations covering every chapter. Access all these features and our Bible study tools with one subscription.
See PlansAsk AI about 1 Samuel 1:15
Ask a question about this verse and get a clear answer, with Bible references you can read for yourself.
Every Bible book, explained chapter by chapter
Explore summaries of every book of the Bible, with images and easy-to-understand explanations covering every chapter.
Keep studying 1 Samuel 1:15
Related Bible verses
At a Glance — the Book of 1 Samuel
- Author
- Traditionally attributed to Samuel, Nathan, and Gad
- Written
- Around 930 BC
- Genre
- Historical narrative
- Original Audience
- The Israelites of the early monarchy
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.
Daily Verse — straight to your inbox
A verse and a 2-sentence plain-English explanation, every morning. Free. Unsubscribe anytime.