1 Samuel 1:14 Meaning and Explanation
“And Eli said unto her, How long wilt thou be drunken? put away thy wine from thee.”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →Eli rebukes Hannah, telling her to stop being drunk and put away her wine.
What Does 1 Samuel 1:14 Mean?
Acting on his mistaken assumption, Eli rebukes Hannah sharply, telling her to put away her wine. The priest who should have discerned her devotion instead accuses her of drunkenness in the house of the Lord. It is a painful misreading at a tender moment.
This scene exposes how even those in spiritual authority can fail to see what God sees. Eli judges by appearance and gets it wrong, while Hannah's heart is right before God. Scripture warns against judging by outward appearance, for the Lord looks on the heart, a theme that will echo through this very book. Hannah, unjustly accused while pouring out her soul, foreshadows the many faithful ones, and ultimately Christ Himself, who were misunderstood yet held fast to God.
Frequently Asked Questions About 1 Samuel 1:14
What does 1 Samuel 1:14 mean?
Eli rebukes Hannah, telling her to stop being drunk and put away her wine.