BibleWord.ai› Bible› 1 Samuel› Chapter 1› Verse 23

1 Samuel 1:23

Old Testament Historical ASV (1901)

What does 1 Samuel 1:23 say?

The American Standard Version records this verse as: “And Elkanah her husband said unto her, Do what seemeth thee good; tarry until thou have weaned him; only Jehovah establish his word. So the woman tarried and gave her son suck, until she weaned him.” Read the surrounding verses and the named sources below before drawing broader conclusions.

The verse

And Elkanah her husband said unto her, Do what seemeth thee good; tarry until thou have weaned him; only Jehovah establish his word. So the woman tarried and gave her son suck, until she weaned him.
1 Samuel 1:23 — American Standard Version

Context — 1 Samuel 1

American Standard Version (1901) — public domain. Click any verse for its study page.
20And it came to pass, when the time was come about, that Hannah conceived, and bare a son; and she called his name Samuel, [saying], Because I have asked him of Jehovah.
21And the man Elkanah, and all his house, went up to offer unto Jehovah the yearly sacrifice, and his vow.
22But Hannah went not up; for she said unto her husband, [I will not go up] until the child be weaned; and then I will bring him, that he may appear before Jehovah, and there abide for ever.
23And Elkanah her husband said unto her, Do what seemeth thee good; tarry until thou have weaned him; only Jehovah establish his word. So the woman tarried and gave her son suck, until she weaned him.
24And when she had weaned him, she took him up with her, with three bullocks, and one ephah of meal, and a bottle of wine, and brought him unto the house of Jehovah in Shiloh: and the child was young.
25And they slew the bullock, and brought the child to Eli.
26And she said, Oh, my lord, as thy soul liveth, my lord, I am the woman that stood by thee here, praying unto Jehovah.
← 1 Samuel 1:221 Samuel 1:24 →
← Full Chapter 1 1 Samuel Overview

What do historical commentaries say?

John Gill's Exposition
John Gill (1697–1771) · Exposition of the Old and New Testament · 18th-century historical commentary
“And Elkanah her husband said unto her, do what seemeth thee good, etc.] He spake like a kind and indulgent husband, knowing that she would not thereby break any law of God; and it might be more for her own health, and the health of the child, to stay longer: tarry till thou have weaned him; when he would be more fit for the journey, and to be left behind: only the Lord establish his word; which some understand of the prophecy of Eli that God would grant her request, which being delivered under the direction of the Spirit of God, is called his word; but this was already fulfilled, and established by Hannah’s bearing a son: or the word “his” refers not to the Lord, but to Samuel, and so may…”
Read attributed excerpt →
Wesley's Explanatory Notes
John Wesley (1703–1791) · Explanatory Notes upon the New Testament and Old Testament notes · 18th-century historical commentary
“His word - His matter or thing; the business concerning the child, what thou hast vowed concerning him, that be may grow up, and be accepted and employed by God in his Service. 1 Kings (1 Samuel) 1:24”
Read attributed excerpt →
Tyndale Open Study Notes
Tyndale House Publishers · Tyndale Open Study Notes · Modern study notes
“1:23 Elkanah could have overridden Hannah’s promise (Num 30:12-14), but instead he affirmed and supported it.”
Read attributed excerpt →
Treasury of Scriptural Knowledge
R. A. Torrey and contributors · The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge · Cross-reference reference work
“Do what: Num 30:7-11 the Lord: Sa2 7:25; Isa 44:26 son suck: Gen 21:7, Gen 21:8; Psa 22:9; Mat 24:19; Luk 11:27 1 Kings (1 Samuel) 1:24”
Read attributed excerpt →
Keil & Delitzsch
C. F. Keil & F. Delitzsch · Commentary on the Old Testament · 19th-century historical commentary
“Elkanah expressed his approval of Hannah's decision, and added, "only the Lord establish His word," i.e., fulfil it. By "His word" we are not to understand some direct revelation from God respecting the birth and destination of Samuel, as the Rabbins suppose, but in all probability the word of Eli the high priest to Hannah, "The God of Israel grant thy petition" ( Sa1 1:17), which might be regarded by the parents of Samuel after his birth as a promise from Jehovah himself, and therefore might naturally excite the wish and suggest the prayer that the Lord would graciously fulfil the further hopes, which the parents cherished in relation to the son whom they had dedicated to the Lord by a vow.…”
Read attributed excerpt →

Related study paths

Read 1 Samuel 1 in contextBrowse Hebrew word studiesOpen this verse in the study reader

Sources and verification