1 Samuel 1:23 Meaning and Explanation
“And Elkanah her husband said unto her, Do what seemeth thee good; tarry until thou have weaned him; only the LORD establish his word. So the woman abode, and gave her son suck until she weaned him.”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →Elkanah agrees, praying the Lord would establish His word, and Hannah stays to nurse Samuel until he is weaned.
What Does 1 Samuel 1:23 Mean?
Elkanah supports Hannah's plan, telling her to do what seems good and to stay until the child is weaned. He adds a brief prayer, that the LORD would establish His word. So Hannah remains at home and nurses Samuel until the time comes to bring him to Shiloh.
Elkanah's prayer shows a household leaning together on God's faithfulness. He does not cling to the child but commits the whole matter to the Lord, asking that God confirm His own purposes. Here is a marriage united in surrender, husband and wife agreed in giving their son to God. Their shared trust models how families can hold their dearest blessings with open hands, asking above all that the Lord's word stand firm. What God has spoken, He will surely accomplish.
Frequently Asked Questions About 1 Samuel 1:23
What does 1 Samuel 1:23 mean?
Elkanah agrees, praying the Lord would establish His word, and Hannah stays to nurse Samuel until he is weaned.