Women of the Bible · Old Testament
The Story of Hannah
Also: Hana (Kiswahili)
Mother of Samuel, who prayed for a son and dedicated him to the LORD.
Editorial text in English. Scripture is quoted from the version you choose; references stay the same in every version.
Introduction
Hannah, a wife of Elkanah, was childless. At Shiloh she prayed in deep distress and vowed to give a son to the LORD. 1 Samuel 1:1–11
She bore Samuel, brought him to Eli at the house of the LORD, and prayed a song of praise. She later had three more sons and two daughters. 1 Samuel 1:20–281 Samuel 2:1–101 Samuel 2:21
Told in: 1 Samuel
Life at a glance
- Husband
- Elkanah 1 Samuel 1:1–2
- Son
- Samuel, and later other sons and daughters 1 Samuel 1:201 Samuel 2:21
Only what Scripture records. Where the Bible is silent, nothing is filled in.
Follow the life of Hannah
Events in the order Scripture presents them. Expand an event to read its passage here, or open the chapter in the reader.
Prayer at Shiloh
Provoked by her rival, Hannah weeps and prays silently; Eli thinks she is drunk, then blesses her.
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Places named: Shiloh
Samuel is born and given to the LORD
Hannah bears Samuel and, when he is weaned, brings him to Eli, as she vowed.
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People: Samuel
Hannah's song
Hannah praises the LORD who humbles and exalts, raises the poor, and guards his faithful ones.
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Supporting passage: 1 Samuel 2:18–21
Family and relationships
- SamuelSon1 Samuel 1:20
- ElkanahHusband1 Samuel 1:8
Books associated with Hannah
- 1 Samuel Their story appears here
A book named after someone is not necessarily written by them. Authorship traditions are shown as traditions.
Themes and study
Study prompts written by BibleKenya editors. They are not Scripture.
Prayer
- What does Hannah's song (1 Samuel 2:1-10) say about God?
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