Old Testament
1 Samuel 2:21
The Clear Bible Translation matches the King James Version, written at a 10th-grade reading level in plain English
At a Glance
In this passage, we see a beautiful moment in Hannah's life.
- Author
- Traditionally attributed to Samuel, Nathan, and Gad
- Written
- Around 930 BC
- Genre
- Historical narrative
- Original Audience
- The Israelites of the early monarchy
And the LORD visited Hannah, so she became pregnant and gave birth to three sons and two daughters. Meanwhile, the boy Samuel grew up in the presence of the LORD.
And the LORD visited Hannah, so that she conceived, and bare three sons and two daughters. And the child Samuel grew before the LORD.
Verse Analysis
Plain-English insight for readers
In this passage, we see a beautiful moment in Hannah's life. After years of longing for a child, God answers her prayers. She not only conceives but gives birth to five children—three sons and two daughters. This shows God's faithfulness and generosity. While Hannah's family grows, we also learn about Samuel, her firstborn. He is growing up in a special relationship with God. This highlights the importance of nurturing faith in our children. Samuel's upbringing in the presence of the Lord sets the stage for his future role as a prophet. Hannah's story reminds us that patience and faith can lead to unexpected blessings. It encourages us to trust in God's timing and plan for our lives, even when we face challenges. Hannah's joy is a testament to the power of prayer and the fulfillment of promises. Her experience is a reminder that God sees our struggles and responds in ways that can exceed our expectations, bringing hope and joy into our lives and the lives of those around us.
Related Bible verses
How to apply 1 Samuel 2:21 to your life
Reflect on your own prayers and the areas where you seek God's intervention. Trust that He hears you and may respond in ways you can't imagine. Nurture your relationships with family and encourage their spiritual growth. Remember, patience can lead to wonderful outcomes in your life and the lives of others around you. Stay hopeful and faithful in your journey with God.
Curated for this public verse page. 1 Samuel Summary
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick, clear answers about this verse
What does 1 Samuel 2:21 teach about God's faithfulness?
1 Samuel 2:21 illustrates God's faithfulness by showing how He answered Hannah's prayers after years of longing for a child. This verse highlights that God not only fulfilled her desire for a son but blessed her with five children in total. It serves as a reminder that God is attentive to our prayers and can provide blessings beyond what we expect.
How does this verse relate to the importance of prayer?
This verse emphasizes the power of prayer in Hannah's life. Her persistent prayers led to God visiting her and granting her the desire of her heart. It encourages believers to remain steadfast in prayer, trusting that God hears and responds to our needs, often in ways that exceed our expectations.
What can we learn about raising children from this verse?
1 Samuel 2:21 highlights the significance of nurturing a child's spiritual growth. Samuel grew up in the presence of the Lord, indicating that a strong spiritual foundation is crucial for children. Parents are encouraged to foster an environment where faith is prioritized, helping their children develop a personal relationship with God.
What does Hannah's story teach us about patience?
Hannah's journey reflects the virtue of patience. After years of waiting and praying for a child, she ultimately received not just one but five children. Her story encourages us to trust in God's timing, reminding us that patience can lead to unexpected blessings and fulfillment of our desires.

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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