1 Samuel 1:8 Made Simple

KJV ORIGINAL

Then said Elkanah her husband to her, Hannah, why weepest thou? and why eatest thou not? and why is thy heart grieved? am not I better to thee than ten sons?

Close to the original. Clear modern English.

✦ MADE SIMPLE

Then her husband Elkanah said to her, 'Hannah, why are you crying? Why won't you eat? Why is your heart so sad? Aren't I worth more to you than ten sons?'

⚡ THE BOTTOM LINE

Elkanah is trying to comfort his heartbroken wife Hannah by reminding her of his love, though he doesn't fully understand the depth of her pain over being childless.

📚 Historical Context

In ancient Israel, a woman's value and security were largely tied to her ability to bear children, especially sons who could carry on the family name and provide for aging parents. Hannah was one of Elkanah's two wives, but unlike his other wife Peninnah, she was unable to have children, which brought her deep shame and grief in that culture.

Explore Similar Verses

1 Samuel 1:19

Early in the morning, they got up and worshipped before the LORD, then returned home to Ramah. Elkanah was intimate with his wife Hannah, and the LORD remembered her.

1 Samuel 1:23

And Elkanah her husband said to her, 'Do whatever seems right to you; wait until you have weaned him; may the LORD keep his word.' So the woman stayed home and nursed her son until she weaned him.

1 Samuel 2:20

And Eli blessed Elkanah and his wife, saying, 'May the LORD give you more children through this woman in return for the child you have given to the LORD.' Then they went back to their own home.

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📚 Historical Context

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