Opening Your Bible
Loading study tools and insights...
LOADING
Loading study tools and insights...
Loading study tools and insights...
1 Samuel 1:5 (BSB)
But to Hannah he would give a double portion, for he loved her even though the LORD had closed her womb.
THE HOLY BIBLE
ListenListen · Chapter audio
Hear this chapter read aloud — the verse you’re on highlights as the reading moves forward.
Chapter read aloud · verse highlights follow along
Scripture quotations (main text) are from the Berean Study Bible (BSB), © 2016, 2018 by Bible Hub. Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide. ESV® Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), ©2001 by Crossway, is used for comparison and word study only.
Bible Copyright & Permissions“But to Hannah he would give a double portion, for he loved her even though the LORD had closed her womb.” — 1 Samuel 1:5
In this moment, you're witnessing a deep and personal act of love. Hannah is a woman in a painful situation—she wants nothing more than to have children, but for reasons beyond her control, she's unable to. Yet, her husband, Elkanah, sees her pain. He responds with extraordinary care, giving her a double portion of food, a gesture that says, 'I see you, and I love you.' It’s not just about the food; it’s about the compassion behind it. You can feel the tension in the air—Hannah's heartbreak, Elkanah’s effort to comfort her, and the undeniable reality of her struggles. This verse is like a spotlight on the raw emotions of love and longing in a challenging situation.
This book was written by Samuel, who had an insider's view of the events. Samuel wanted to share the story of Israel's early leaders, and here he highlights Hannah’s plight to show that God cares deeply about individuals. Samuel's perspective matters because he himself was born from a similar story of prayer and longing. By including this detail about Elkanah’s double portion, he emphasizes the importance of compassion in tough relationships. It’s a reminder that love isn’t just a feeling; it’s an action, especially when the going gets tough.
Picture this: ancient Israel, a society where having children was crucial for legacy and stability. This was around 1100 BC, a time when families were everything, and women often faced social pressure based on their fertility. It was a tough world, and Hannah’s struggle wasn’t just a personal issue; it was a societal one. The timing of this moment matters because it sets the stage for understanding how God works through pain and love. It gives depth to Hannah’s story and shows the significance of Elkanah’s support amidst her heartbreak.
So, why should you care about this verse today? Because it speaks to the heart of what it means to love someone through their struggles. Maybe you’ve felt unseen or deeply hurt, like Hannah. Or perhaps you know someone who is going through a tough time. This verse reminds you that love can show up in the simplest yet most profound ways. It’s about recognizing pain and choosing to respond with kindness. You can bring this into your life by being that person who sees others, who acts with compassion, and who stands by loved ones in their hardest moments. It’s a beautiful call to action in a world that often feels disconnected.
Here’s how you can live out this verse this week: Take a moment to really listen to someone in your life who’s struggling. Maybe it’s a friend, a family member, or even a coworker. Offer them your time and attention—this could mean putting down your phone or asking them how they really are. If you can, find a way to show them you care—maybe it’s through a thoughtful gift or a meal, just like Elkanah did for Hannah. Your small act of kindness can make a huge difference in someone’s life. Remember, love is often found in the little things!
To appreciate this moment fully, let’s zoom out a bit. The story is unfolding in a time when family and lineage were everything. Hannah is one of Elkanah’s two wives, and the other wife, Peninnah, is constantly reminding her of her inability to conceive. The tension is thick! This verse comes at a pivotal moment, where Elkanah’s love shines amidst the chaos and pain. It’s more than just a family dinner; it’s a declaration of love in the face of societal pressure and personal heartache. After this, we see Hannah pour her heart out to God in desperation, setting the stage for her miraculous story. This moment of love is the catalyst for what happens next.
What does this verse teach you about the ways you can show love and support to someone who is hurting right now?
Keep reading the full 1 Samuel 1:5 study — free
Sign Up or Login Free