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<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "//www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="//www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><head><meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=utf-8" /><meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width, initial-scale=1" /><title>1 Samuel 1:8 "Hannah, why are you crying?" her husband Elkanah asked. "Why won't you eat? Why is your heart so grieved? Am I not better to you than ten sons?"</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/1_samuel/1-8.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/3/09_1Sa_01_08.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="1 Samuel 1:8 - Elkanah and His Wives" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="Hannah, why are you crying? her husband Elkanah asked. Why won't you eat? Why is your heart so grieved? 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Why don&#8217t you eat? Why are you downhearted? Don&#8217t I mean more to you than ten sons?&#8221 <a href="/nlt/1_samuel/1.htm">New Living Translation</a> “Why are you crying, Hannah?” Elkanah would ask. “Why aren’t you eating? Why be downhearted just because you have no children? You have me—isn’t that better than having ten sons?” <a href="/esv/1_samuel/1.htm">English Standard Version</a> And Elkanah, her husband, said to her, “Hannah, why do you weep? And why do you not eat? And why is your heart sad? Am I not more to you than ten sons?” <a href="/bsb/1_samuel/1.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a> “Hannah, why are you crying?” her husband Elkanah asked. “Why won’t you eat? Why is your heart so grieved? Am I not better to you than ten sons?” <a href="/kjv/1_samuel/1.htm">King James Bible</a> 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? <a href="/nkjv/1_samuel/1.htm">New King James Version</a> Then Elkanah her husband said to her, “Hannah, why do you weep? Why do you not eat? And why is your heart grieved? Am I not better to you than ten sons?” <a href="/nasb_/1_samuel/1.htm">New American Standard Bible</a> Then Elkanah her husband would say to her, “Hannah, why do you weep, and why do you not eat, and why is your heart sad? Am I not better to you than ten sons?” <a href="/nasb/1_samuel/1.htm">NASB 1995</a> Then Elkanah her husband said to her, &#8220Hannah, why do you weep and why do you not eat and why is your heart sad? Am I not better to you than ten sons?&#8221 <a href="/nasb77/1_samuel/1.htm">NASB 1977 </a> Then Elkanah her husband said to her, “Hannah, why do you weep and why do you not eat and why is your heart sad? Am I not better to you than ten sons?” <a href="/lsb/1_samuel/1.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a> Then Elkanah her husband said to her, “Hannah, why do you weep and why do you not eat and why is your heart sad? Am I not better to you than ten sons?” <a href="/amp/1_samuel/1.htm">Amplified Bible</a> Then Elkanah her husband said to her, “Hannah, why do you cry and why do you not eat? Why are you so sad and discontent? Am I not better to you than ten sons?” <a href="/csb/1_samuel/1.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a> “Hannah, why are you crying? ” her husband, Elkanah, would ask. “Why won’t you eat? Why are you troubled? Am I not better to you than ten sons? ” <a href="/hcsb/1_samuel/1.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a> &#8220Hannah, why are you crying?&#8221 her husband Elkanah asked. &#8220Why won&#8217t you eat? Why are you troubled? Am I not better to you than 10 sons?&#8221 <a href="/asv/1_samuel/1.htm">American Standard Version</a> And Elkanah her husband said unto 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? <a href="/cev/1_samuel/1.htm">Contemporary English Version</a> So Elkanah asked, "Hannah, why are you crying? Why won't you eat? Why do you feel so bad? Don't I mean more to you than ten sons?" <a href="/erv/1_samuel/1.htm">English Revised Version</a> And Elkanah her husband said unto 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? <a href="/gwt/1_samuel/1.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a> Her husband Elkanah would ask her, "Hannah, why are you crying? Why haven't you eaten? Why are you so downhearted? Don't I mean more to you than ten sons?" <a href="/gnt/1_samuel/1.htm">Good News Translation</a> Her husband Elkanah would ask her, "Hannah, why are you crying? Why won't you eat? Why are you always so sad? Don't I mean more to you than ten sons?" <a href="/isv/1_samuel/1.htm">International Standard Version</a> Elkanah her husband told her, "Hannah, why are you crying and why don't you eat? Why are you upset? Am I not better to you than ten sons?" <a href="/msb/1_samuel/1.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a> ?Hannah, why are you crying?? her husband Elkanah asked. ?Why won?t you eat? Why is your heart so grieved? Am I not better to you than ten sons?? <a href="/net/1_samuel/1.htm">NET Bible</a> Finally her husband Elkanah said to her, "Hannah, why do you weep and not eat? Why are you so sad? Am I not better to you than ten sons?" <a href="/nheb/1_samuel/1.htm">New Heart English Bible</a> And her husband Elkanah said to her, "Hannah, why are you weeping? And why are you not eating? And why are you so sad? Am I not better to you than ten sons?" <a href="/wbt/1_samuel/1.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a> 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? <a href="/web/1_samuel/1.htm">World English Bible</a> Elkanah her husband said to her, “Hannah, why do you weep? Why don’t you eat? Why is your heart grieved? Am I not better to you than ten sons?” <div class="vheading2">Literal Translations</div><a href="/lsv/1_samuel/1.htm">Literal Standard Version</a> And her husband Elkanah says to her, “Hannah, why do you weep? And why do you not eat? And why is your heart afflicted? Am I not better to you than ten sons?” <a href="/ylt/1_samuel/1.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a> And Elkanah her husband saith to her, 'Hannah, why weepest thou? and why dost thou not eat? and why is thy heart afflicted? am I not better to thee than ten sons?' <a href="/slt/1_samuel/1.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a> And Elkanah her man will say to her, Hannah, why wilt thou weep? and why wilt thou not eat? and why will thy heart break? am I not good to thee above ten sons?<div class="vheading2">Catholic Translations</div><a href="/drb/1_samuel/1.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a> Then Elcana her husband said to her: Anna, why weepest thou? and why dost thou not eat? And why dost thou afflict thy heart? Am not I better to thee than ten children? <a href="/cpdv/1_samuel/1.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a> Therefore, her husband Elkanah said to her: “Hannah, why are you weeping? And why do you not eat? And for what reason do you afflict your heart? Am I not better to you than ten sons?” <a href="/nabre/1_samuel/1.htm">New American Bible</a> Elkanah, her husband, would say to her: “Hannah, why are you weeping? Why are you not eating? Why are you so miserable? Am I not better for you than ten sons?” <a href="/nrsvce/1_samuel/1.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a> Her husband Elkanah said to her, “Hannah, why do you weep? Why do you not eat? Why is your heart sad? Am I not more to you than ten sons?”<div class="vheading2">Translations from Aramaic</div><a href="/lamsa/1_samuel/1.htm">Lamsa Bible</a> Then Hilkanah her husband said to her, Why do you weep? And why do you not eat? And why is your heart grieved? Behold, am I not better to you than ten sons? <a href="/hpbt/1_samuel/1.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a> And Halqanah her husband said to her: “Khanna, why are you weeping, and why have you not been eating, and why is your heart sad? Behold, I am better for you than ten sons”<div class="vheading2">OT Translations</div><a href="/jps/1_samuel/1.htm">JPS Tanakh 1917</a> And Elkanah her husband said unto 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?' <a href="/sep/1_samuel/1.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a> And Helkana her husband said to her, Anna: and she said to him, Here am I, my lord: and he said to her, What ails thee that thou weepest? and why dost thou not eat? and why does thy heart smite thee? am I not better to thee than ten children? <a href="/parallel/1_samuel/1-8.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="audio" id="audio"></a><div class="vheadingv">Audio Bible</div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/H8oQfYUMRZg?start=73" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe> <div class="vheadingv">Context</div><a href="/bsb/1_samuel/1.htm">Elkanah and His Wives</a> …7And this went on year after year. Whenever Hannah went up to the house of the LORD, her rival taunted her until she wept and would not eat. 8<a href="/hebrew/2584.htm" title="2584: ḥan·nāh (N-proper-fs) -- Mother of Samuel. From chanan; favored; Channah, an Israelitess.">“Hannah,</a> <a href="/hebrew/4100.htm" title="4100: lā·meh (Interrog) -- What? how? anything. ">why</a> <a href="/hebrew/1058.htm" title="1058: ṯiḇ·kî (V-Qal-Imperf-2fs) -- To weep, bewail. A primitive root; to weep; generally to bemoan.">are you crying?”</a> <a href="/hebrew/376.htm" title="376: ’î·šāh (N-msc:: 3fs) -- Man. Contracted for 'enowsh; a man as an individual or a male person; often used as an adjunct to a more definite term.">her husband</a> <a href="/hebrew/511.htm" title="511: ’el·qā·nāh (N-proper-ms) -- From 'el and qanah; God has obtained; Elkanah, the name of several Israelites.">Elkanah</a> <a href="/hebrew/559.htm" title="559: way·yō·mer (Conj-w:: V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms) -- To utter, say. A primitive root; to say.">asked.</a> <a href="/hebrew/lāh (Prep:: 3fs) -- "></a> <a href="/hebrew/4100.htm" title="4100: wə·lā·meh (Conj-w:: Interrog) -- What? how? anything. ">“Why</a> <a href="/hebrew/3808.htm" title="3808: lō (Adv-NegPrt) -- Not. Or lowi; or loh; a primitive particle; not; by implication, no; often used with other particles.">won’t you</a> <a href="/hebrew/398.htm" title="398: ṯō·ḵə·lî (V-Qal-Imperf-2fs) -- To eat. A primitive root; to eat.">eat?</a> <a href="/hebrew/4100.htm" title="4100: wə·lā·meh (Conj-w:: Interrog) -- What? how? anything. ">Why</a> <a href="/hebrew/3824.htm" title="3824: lə·ḇā·ḇêḵ (N-msc:: 2fs) -- Inner man, mind, will, heart. From labab; the heart; used also like leb.">is your heart</a> <a href="/hebrew/3415.htm" title="3415: yê·ra‘ (V-Qal-Imperf-3ms) -- To quiver. A primitive root; properly, to be broken up i.e. to fear.">so grieved?</a> <a href="/hebrew/595.htm" title="595: ’ā·nō·ḵî (Pro-1cs) -- I. Sometimes; a primitive pro. I.">Am I</a> <a href="/hebrew/3808.htm" title="3808: hă·lō·w (Adv-NegPrt) -- Not. Or lowi; or loh; a primitive particle; not; by implication, no; often used with other particles.">not</a> <a href="/hebrew/2896.htm" title="2896: ṭō·wḇ (Adj-ms) -- Pleasant, agreeable, good.">better</a> <a href="/hebrew/lāḵ (Prep:: 2fs) -- ">to you</a> <a href="/hebrew/6235.htm" title="6235: mê·‘ă·śā·rāh (Prep-m:: Number-ms) -- Ten. Masculine of term aasarah; from asar; ten.">than ten</a> <a href="/hebrew/1121.htm" title="1121: bā·nîm (N-mp) -- Son. From banah; a son, in the widest sense (like 'ab, 'ach, etc.).">sons?”</a> <div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div> <a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><a href="/genesis/30-1.htm">Genesis 30:1-2</a> When Rachel saw that she was not bearing any children for Jacob, she envied her sister. “Give me children, or I will die!” she said to Jacob. / Jacob became angry with Rachel and said, “Am I in the place of God, who has withheld children from you?” <a href="/ruth/4-13.htm">Ruth 4:13</a> So Boaz took Ruth, and she became his wife. And when he had relations with her, the LORD enabled her to conceive, and she gave birth to a son. <a href="/genesis/25-21.htm">Genesis 25:21</a> Later, Isaac prayed to the LORD on behalf of his wife, because she was barren. And the LORD heard his prayer, and his wife Rebekah conceived. <a href="/genesis/29-31.htm">Genesis 29:31</a> When the LORD saw that Leah was unloved, He opened her womb; but Rachel was barren. <a href="/luke/1-7.htm">Luke 1:7</a> But they had no children, because Elizabeth was barren, and they were both well along in years. <a href="/luke/1-25.htm">Luke 1:25</a> “The Lord has done this for me. In these days He has shown me favor and taken away my disgrace among the people.” <a href="/genesis/16-1.htm">Genesis 16:1-2</a> Now Abram’s wife Sarai had borne him no children, but she had an Egyptian maidservant named Hagar. / So Sarai said to Abram, “Look now, the LORD has prevented me from bearing children. Please go to my maidservant; perhaps I can build a family by her.” And Abram listened to the voice of Sarai. <a href="/judges/13-2.htm">Judges 13:2-3</a> Now there was a man from Zorah named Manoah, from the clan of the Danites, whose wife was barren and had no children. / The angel of the LORD appeared to the woman and said to her, “It is true that you are barren and have no children; but you will conceive and give birth to a son. <a href="/genesis/21-1.htm">Genesis 21:1-2</a> Now the LORD attended to Sarah as He had said, and the LORD did for Sarah what He had promised. / So Sarah conceived and bore a son to Abraham in his old age, at the very time God had promised. <a href="/psalms/113-9.htm">Psalm 113:9</a> He settles the barren woman in her home as a joyful mother to her children. Hallelujah! <a href="/2_kings/4-14.htm">2 Kings 4:14-17</a> So he asked, “Then what should be done for her?” “Well, she has no son,” Gehazi replied, “and her husband is old.” / “Call her,” said Elisha. So Gehazi called her, and she stood in the doorway. / And Elisha declared, “At this time next year, you will hold a son in your arms.” “No, my lord,” she said. “Do not lie to your maidservant, O man of God.” ... <a href="/luke/1-36.htm">Luke 1:36-37</a> Look, even Elizabeth your relative has conceived a son in her old age, and she who was called barren is in her sixth month. / For no word from God will ever fail.” <a href="/genesis/30-22.htm">Genesis 30:22-23</a> Then God remembered Rachel. He listened to her and opened her womb, / and she conceived and gave birth to a son. “God has taken away my shame,” she said. <a href="/isaiah/54-1.htm">Isaiah 54:1</a> “Shout for joy, O barren woman, who bears no children; break forth in song and cry aloud, you who have never travailed; because more are the children of the desolate woman than of her who has a husband,” says the LORD. <a href="/matthew/19-26.htm">Matthew 19:26</a> Jesus looked at them and said, “With man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible.”</div> <a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div>Then said Elkanah her husband to her, Hannah, why weep you? and why eat you not? and why is your heart grieved? am not I better to you than ten sons?why weepest<a href="/2_samuel/12-16.htm">2 Samuel 12:16,17</a> David therefore besought God for the child; and David fasted, and went in, and lay all night upon the earth… <a href="/2_kings/8-12.htm">2 Kings 8:12</a> And Hazael said, Why weepeth my lord? And he answered, Because I know the evil that thou wilt do unto the children of Israel: their strong holds wilt thou set on fire, and their young men wilt thou slay with the sword, and wilt dash their children, and rip up their women with child.<a href="/job/6-14.htm">Job 6:14</a> To him that is afflicted pity should be shewed from his friend; but he forsaketh the fear of the Almighty.am not<a href="/ruth/4-15.htm">Ruth 4:15</a> And he shall be unto thee a restorer of thy life, and a nourisher of thine old age: for thy daughter in law, which loveth thee, which is better to thee than seven sons, hath born him.<a href="/psalms/43-4.htm">Psalm 43:4</a> Then will I go unto the altar of God, unto God my exceeding joy: yea, upon the harp will I praise thee, O God my God.<a href="/isaiah/54-1.htm">Isaiah 54:1,6</a> Sing, O barren, thou that didst not bear; break forth into singing, and cry aloud, thou that didst not travail with child: for more are the children of the desolate than the children of the married wife, saith the LORD… <div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/ruth/1-21.htm">Afflicted</a> <a href="/ruth/4-15.htm">Better</a> <a href="/1_samuel/1-7.htm">Eat</a> <a href="/genesis/2-17.htm">Eatest</a> <a href="/1_samuel/1-4.htm">Elkanah</a> <a href="/1_samuel/1-4.htm">Elka'nah</a> <a href="/1_samuel/1-7.htm">Hannah</a> <a href="/ruth/3-7.htm">Heart</a> <a href="/ruth/2-11.htm">Husband</a> <a href="/joshua/4-21.htm">Mean</a> <a href="/judges/11-38.htm">Sad</a> <a href="/ruth/4-2.htm">Ten</a> <a href="/judges/20-41.htm">Troubled</a> <a href="/ruth/1-14.htm">Weep</a> <a href="/john/20-15.htm">Weepest</a> <a href="/1_samuel/1-7.htm">Weeping</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/1_samuel/5-6.htm">Afflicted</a> <a href="/1_samuel/9-2.htm">Better</a> <a href="/1_samuel/1-18.htm">Eat</a> <a href="/1_kings/21-5.htm">Eatest</a> <a href="/1_samuel/1-19.htm">Elkanah</a> <a href="/1_samuel/1-19.htm">Elka'nah</a> <a href="/1_samuel/1-9.htm">Hannah</a> <a href="/1_samuel/1-13.htm">Heart</a> <a href="/1_samuel/1-22.htm">Husband</a> <a href="/1_samuel/4-6.htm">Mean</a> <a href="/1_samuel/1-18.htm">Sad</a> <a href="/1_samuel/6-19.htm">Ten</a> <a href="/1_samuel/1-15.htm">Troubled</a> <a href="/1_samuel/2-33.htm">Weep</a> <a href="/john/20-13.htm">Weepest</a> <a href="/1_samuel/1-10.htm">Weeping</a><div class="vheading2">1 Samuel 1</div>1. <a href="/1_samuel/1-1.htm">Elkanah, a Levite, having two wives, worships yearly at Shiloh</a> 4. <a href="/1_samuel/1-4.htm">He cherishes Hannah, though barren, and provoked by Peninnah</a> 9. <a href="/1_samuel/1-9.htm">Hannah in grief prays for a child</a> 12. <a href="/1_samuel/1-12.htm">Eli first rebuking her, afterwards blesses her</a> 19. <a href="/1_samuel/1-19.htm">Hannah, having born Samuel, stays at home till he is weaned</a> 24. <a href="/1_samuel/1-24.htm">She presents him, according to her vow, to the Lord</a> </div></div><div id="mdd"><div align="center"><div class="bot2"><table align="center" width="100%"><tr><td><div align="center"> <script id="3d27ed63fc4348d5b062c4527ae09445"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=51ce25d5-1a8c-424a-8695-4bd48c750f35&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script> <script id="b817b7107f1d4a7997da1b3c33457e03"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=cb0edd8b-b416-47eb-8c6d-3cc96561f7e8&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div>  <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div> <ins class="adsbygoogle" style="display:inline-block;width:200px;height:200px" data-ad-client="ca-pub-3753401421161123" data-ad-slot="3592799687"></ins> <script> (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); </script> </div> </td></tr></table></div></div></div><div id="combox"><div class="padcom"><a name="study" id="study"></a><div class="vheading"><table width="100%"><tr><td width="99%" valign="top"><a href="/study/1_samuel/1.htm">Study Bible</a></td><td width="1%" valign="top"><a href="/study/1_samuel/" title="Book Summary and Study">Book ◦</a> <a href="/study/chapters/1_samuel/1.htm" title="Chapter summary and Study">Chapter </a></tr></table></div>Hannah, why are you crying? Elkanah's question to Hannah highlights her deep emotional distress. In the cultural context of ancient Israel, a woman's worth was often tied to her ability to bear children. Hannah's barrenness would have been a source of great shame and sorrow. This question reflects Elkanah's concern but also his lack of understanding of the depth of Hannah's pain. The Bible often portrays God as attentive to the cries of the heartbroken, as seen in <a href="/psalms/34-18.htm">Psalm 34:18</a>, which states that the Lord is close to the brokenhearted.her husband Elkanah asked. Elkanah is depicted as a caring husband who loves Hannah despite her inability to bear children. His role as a Levite and a man of faith is significant, as he regularly worships and sacrifices at Shiloh. His concern for Hannah's well-being is evident, yet he may not fully grasp the cultural and personal implications of her barrenness. Elkanah's character can be compared to other biblical figures who show compassion, such as Boaz in the Book of Ruth.Why won’t you eat? In ancient Near Eastern culture, feasting was a communal activity, often associated with religious festivals and family gatherings. Hannah's refusal to eat indicates her deep sorrow and possibly her participation in a form of fasting, a practice seen throughout Scripture as a means of seeking God's intervention (e.g., <a href="/esther/4-16.htm">Esther 4:16</a>). Her abstention from food underscores the intensity of her grief and her focus on prayer.Why is your heart so grieved? The heart in biblical terms often represents the center of emotions and will. Hannah's grief is not just emotional but spiritual, as she longs for a child to fulfill her role as a mother. Her grief can be seen as a precursor to her fervent prayer in the temple, where she pours out her soul to God (<a href="/1_samuel/1-10.htm">1 Samuel 1:10-11</a>). This mirrors the biblical theme of God responding to the cries of His people, as seen in the stories of Hagar (<a href="/genesis/21-16.htm">Genesis 21:16-19</a>) and the Israelites in Egypt (<a href="/exodus/3-7.htm">Exodus 3:7</a>).Am I not better to you than ten sons? Elkanah's question reveals his attempt to console Hannah by emphasizing his love and devotion to her. The reference to "ten sons" signifies completeness and abundance, as the number ten often symbolizes in Scripture. However, Elkanah's question also highlights a misunderstanding of Hannah's cultural and personal longing for children. This phrase can be compared to the biblical theme of God's sufficiency, where God's presence and love are portrayed as more fulfilling than earthly desires (<a href="/psalms/73-25.htm">Psalm 73:25-26</a>).<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <a href="/topical/e/elkanah.htm">Elkanah</a> A devout man from the hill country of Ephraim, Elkanah is the husband of Hannah and Peninnah. He is portrayed as a loving husband, particularly towards Hannah, despite her barrenness. 2. <a href="/topical/h/hannah.htm">Hannah</a> One of Elkanah's wives, Hannah is deeply distressed due to her inability to bear children. Her account is central to the account, highlighting themes of faith, prayer, and divine intervention. 3. <a href="/topical/p/peninnah.htm">Peninnah</a> Elkanah's other wife, who has children. She often provokes Hannah, exacerbating her distress over her barrenness. 4. <a href="/topical/r/ramah.htm">Ramah</a> The hometown of Elkanah and his family, located in the hill country of Ephraim. It serves as the setting for much of the early account. 5. <a href="/topical/s/shiloh.htm">Shiloh</a> The religious center where the tabernacle was located during this period. Elkanah and his family would travel here annually to worship and sacrifice to the LORD.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><a href="/topical/u/understanding_emotional_distress.htm">Understanding Emotional Distress</a> Elkanah's questions to Hannah reveal a lack of understanding of her deep emotional pain. This highlights the importance of empathy and sensitivity in relationships, especially when dealing with issues of grief and unfulfilled desires. <a href="/topical/v/value_beyond_circumstances.htm">Value Beyond Circumstances</a> Elkanah's statement, "Am I not better to you than ten sons?" suggests that he sees his love as a source of comfort. This can remind us that our worth and joy should not solely depend on our circumstances or what we lack. <a href="/topical/t/the_role_of_supportive_relationships.htm">The Role of Supportive Relationships</a> While Elkanah's attempt to comfort Hannah may fall short, it underscores the importance of supportive relationships in times of distress. We are called to bear one another's burdens and offer genuine support. <a href="/topical/t/turning_to_god_in_distress.htm">Turning to God in Distress</a> Hannah's account ultimately points to the power of turning to God in prayer when faced with deep sorrow. It encourages believers to seek God's presence and peace in times of trouble.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_1_samuel_1.htm">Top 10 Lessons from 1 Samuel 1</a> <a href="/q/contradictions_in_1_samuel_4_on_eli's_sons.htm">Are there any contradictions between 1 Samuel 4 and other biblical accounts regarding the fate of Eli's sons or the Ark's movements?</a> <a href="/q/what_defines_the_heart.htm">What defines the heart?</a> <a href="/q/why_did_hannah_conceive_after_infertility.htm">How can Hannah’s sudden pregnancy in 1 Samuel 1:5, 20 be explained given her long-term infertility? </a> <a href="/q/why_does_1_sam_8_conflict_with_2_sam_7.htm">Why does 1 Samuel 8 conflict with later passages that seem to affirm kingship, such as 2 Samuel 7?</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/ellicott/1_samuel/1.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div>(8) Than ten sons.--Merely a round number to express many. The simple narration evidently came from Hannah, who, no doubt, in after years loved to dwell on her past sorrowful life, contrasted with her present strange blessedness as mother of the Restorer of the people. <a href="/commentaries/1_samuel/1-8.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a> <a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Hebrew</div>“Hannah, חַנָּה֙ (ḥan·nāh) Noun - proper - feminine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_2584.htm">Strong's 2584: </a> Hannah -- mother of Samuel why לָ֣מֶה (lā·meh) Interrogative <a href="/hebrew/strongs_4100.htm">Strong's 4100: </a> What?, what!, indefinitely what are you crying?” תִבְכִּ֗י (ṯiḇ·kî) Verb - Qal - Imperfect - second person feminine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_1058.htm">Strong's 1058: </a> To weep, to bemoan her husband אִישָׁ֗הּ (’î·šāh) Noun - masculine singular construct | third person feminine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_376.htm">Strong's 376: </a> A man as an individual, a male person Elkanah אֶלְקָנָ֣ה (’el·qā·nāh) Noun - proper - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_511.htm">Strong's 511: </a> Elkanah -- 'God has created', the name of several Israelites asked. וַיֹּ֨אמֶר (way·yō·mer) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_559.htm">Strong's 559: </a> To utter, say “Why וְלָ֙מֶה֙ (wə·lā·meh) Conjunctive waw | Interrogative <a href="/hebrew/strongs_4100.htm">Strong's 4100: </a> What?, what!, indefinitely what won't you לֹ֣א (lō) Adverb - Negative particle <a href="/hebrew/strongs_3808.htm">Strong's 3808: </a> Not, no eat? תֹֽאכְלִ֔י (ṯō·ḵə·lî) Verb - Qal - Imperfect - second person feminine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_398.htm">Strong's 398: </a> To eat Why וְלָ֖מֶה (wə·lā·meh) Conjunctive waw | Interrogative <a href="/hebrew/strongs_4100.htm">Strong's 4100: </a> What?, what!, indefinitely what is your heart לְבָבֵ֑ךְ (lə·ḇā·ḇêḵ) Noun - masculine singular construct | second person feminine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_3824.htm">Strong's 3824: </a> Inner man, mind, will, heart so grieved? יֵרַ֣ע (yê·ra‘) Verb - Qal - Imperfect - third person masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_3415.htm">Strong's 3415: </a> To be broken up, to fear Am I אָֽנֹכִי֙ (’ā·nō·ḵî) Pronoun - first person common singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_595.htm">Strong's 595: </a> I not הֲל֤וֹא (hă·lō·w) Adverb - Negative particle <a href="/hebrew/strongs_3808.htm">Strong's 3808: </a> Not, no better ט֣וֹב (ṭō·wḇ) Adjective - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_2896.htm">Strong's 2896: </a> Pleasant, agreeable, good to you לָ֔ךְ (lāḵ) Preposition | second person feminine singular <a href="/hebrew/.htm">Strong's Hebrew</a> than ten מֵעֲשָׂרָ֖ה (mê·‘ă·śā·rāh) Preposition-m | Number - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_6235.htm">Strong's 6235: </a> Ten sons?” בָּנִֽים׃ (bā·nîm) Noun - masculine plural <a href="/hebrew/strongs_1121.htm">Strong's 1121: </a> A son <div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/1_samuel/1-8.htm">1 Samuel 1:8 NIV</a> <a href="/nlt/1_samuel/1-8.htm">1 Samuel 1:8 NLT</a> <a href="/esv/1_samuel/1-8.htm">1 Samuel 1:8 ESV</a> <a href="/nasb/1_samuel/1-8.htm">1 Samuel 1:8 NASB</a> <a href="/kjv/1_samuel/1-8.htm">1 Samuel 1:8 KJV</a> <a href="//bibleapps.com/1_samuel/1-8.htm">1 Samuel 1:8 BibleApps.com</a> <a href="//bibliaparalela.com/1_samuel/1-8.htm">1 Samuel 1:8 Biblia Paralela</a> <a href="//holybible.com.cn/1_samuel/1-8.htm">1 Samuel 1:8 Chinese Bible</a> <a href="//saintebible.com/1_samuel/1-8.htm">1 Samuel 1:8 French Bible</a> <a href="/catholic/1_samuel/1-8.htm">1 Samuel 1:8 Catholic Bible</a> <a href="/1_samuel/1-8.htm">OT History: 1 Samuel 1:8 Elkanah her husband said to her Hannah (1Sa iSam 1 Sam i sa) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/1_samuel/1-7.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="1 Samuel 1:7"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="1 Samuel 1:7" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/1_samuel/1-9.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="1 Samuel 1:9"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="1 Samuel 1:9" /></a></div><div id="botleft"><a href="#" onmouseover='botleft.src="/botleftgif.png"' onmouseout='botleft.src="/botleft.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botleft.png" name="botleft" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="botright"><a href="#" onmouseover='botright.src="/botrightgif.png"' onmouseout='botright.src="/botright.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botright.png" name="botright" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="bot"><iframe width="100%" height="1500" scrolling="no" src="/botmenubhnew2.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></div></td></tr></table></div></body></html>