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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 2:5 The well-fed hire themselves out for food, but the starving hunger no more. The barren woman gives birth to seven, but she who has many sons pines away.</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/1_samuel/2-5.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/11/09_1Sa_02_05.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="1 Samuel 2:5 - Hannah's Prayer of Thanksgiving" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="The well-fed hire themselves out for food, but the starving hunger no more. The barren woman gives birth to seven, but she who has many sons pines away." /><script type="application/javascript" src="https://scripts.webcontentassessor.com/scripts/8a2459b64f9cac8122fc7f2eac4409c8555fac9383016db59c4c26e3d5b8b157"></script><script src='https://qd.admetricspro.com/js/biblehub/biblehub-layout-loader-revcatch.js'></script><script id='HyDgbd_1s' src='https://prebidads.revcatch.com/ads.js' type='text/javascript' async></script><script>(function(w,d,b,s,i){var cts=d.createElement(s);cts.async=true;cts.id='catchscript'; cts.dataset.appid=i;cts.src='https://app.protectsubrev.com/catch_rp.js?cb='+Math.random(); document.head.appendChild(cts); }) (window,document,'head','script','rc-anksrH');</script></head> <script async src="https://www.googletagmanager.com/gtag/js?id=G-LR4HSKRP2H"></script> <script> window.dataLayer = window.dataLayer || []; function gtag(){dataLayer.push(arguments);} gtag('js', new Date()); gtag('config', 'G-LR4HSKRP2H'); </script><body><div id="fx"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx2"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="30" scrolling="no" src="/vmenus/1_samuel/2-5.htm" align="left" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div><div id="blnk"></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable"><tr><td><div id="fx5"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx6"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="245" scrolling="no" src="/bmc/1_samuel/2-5.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable3"><tr><td><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center" id="announce"><tr><td><div id="l1"><div id="breadcrumbs"><a href="/">Bible</a> > <a href="/1_samuel/">1 Samuel</a> > <a href="/1_samuel/2.htm">Chapter 2</a> > Verse 5</div><div id="anc"><iframe src="/anc.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></div><div id="anc2"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/anc2.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></div><div id="ad1"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/ad5.htm" width="100%" height="48" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table><div id="movebox2"><table border="0" align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tr><td><div id="topheading"><a href="/1_samuel/2-4.htm" title="1 Samuel 2:4">◄</a> 1 Samuel 2:5 <a href="/1_samuel/2-6.htm" title="1 Samuel 2:6">►</a></div></tr></table></div><div align="center" class="maintable2"><table border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><div id="topverse"> <a href="#audio" class="clickchap2" title="Context and Audio Bible"> Audio </a> <a href="#crossref" class="clickchap2" title="Cross References"> Cross </a> <a href="#study" class="clickchap2" title="Study Bible"> Study </a> <a href="#commentary" class="clickchap2" title="Commentary"> Comm </a> <a href="#lexicon" class="clickchap2" title="Lexicon"> Heb </a> </div><div id="leftbox"><div class="padleft"><div class="vheadingv"><b>Verse</b><a href="/bsb/1_samuel/2.htm" class="clickchap" style="color:#001320" title="Click any translation name for full chapter">  (Click for Chapter)</a></div><div id="par"><span class="versiontext"><a href="/niv/1_samuel/2.htm">New International Version</a></span><br />Those who were full hire themselves out for food, but those who were hungry are hungry no more. She who was barren has borne seven children, but she who has had many sons pines away.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nlt/1_samuel/2.htm">New Living Translation</a></span><br />Those who were well fed are now starving, and those who were starving are now full. The childless woman now has seven children, and the woman with many children wastes away.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/esv/1_samuel/2.htm">English Standard Version</a></span><br />Those who were full have hired themselves out for bread, but those who were hungry have ceased to hunger. The barren has borne seven, but she who has many children is forlorn.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/bsb/1_samuel/2.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a></span><br />The well-fed hire themselves out for food, but the starving hunger no more. The barren woman gives birth to seven, but she who has many sons pines away.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/kjv/1_samuel/2.htm">King James Bible</a></span><br /><i>They that were</i> full have hired out themselves for bread; and <i>they that were</i> hungry ceased: so that the barren hath born seven; and she that hath many children is waxed feeble.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nkjv/1_samuel/2.htm">New King James Version</a></span><br /><i>Those who were</i> full have hired themselves out for bread, And the hungry have ceased <i>to hunger.</i> Even the barren has borne seven, And she who has many children has become feeble.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb_/1_samuel/2.htm">New American Standard Bible</a></span><br />“Those who were full hire themselves out for bread, But those who were hungry cease <i>to be hungry.</i> Even the infertile woman gives birth to seven, But she who has many children languishes.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb/1_samuel/2.htm">NASB 1995</a></span><br />&#8220Those who were full hire themselves out for bread, But those who were hungry cease to hunger. Even the barren gives birth to seven, But she who has many children languishes.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb77/1_samuel/2.htm">NASB 1977 </a></span><br />“Those who were full hire themselves out for bread, But those who were hungry cease <i>to hunger.</i> Even the barren gives birth to seven, But she who has many children languishes.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsb/1_samuel/2.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a></span><br />Those who were full hire themselves out for bread, But those who were hungry cease <i>to hunger</i>. Even the barren gives birth to seven, But she who has many children languishes.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/amp/1_samuel/2.htm">Amplified Bible</a></span><br />“Those who were full hire themselves out for bread, But those who were hungry cease [to hunger]. Even the barren [woman] gives birth to seven, But she who has many children withers away.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/csb/1_samuel/2.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />Those who are full hire themselves out for food, but those who are starving hunger no more. The woman who is childless gives birth to seven, but the woman with many sons pines away.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hcsb/1_samuel/2.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />Those who are full hire themselves out for food, but those who are starving hunger no more. The woman who is childless gives birth to seven, but the woman with many sons pines away. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/asv/1_samuel/2.htm">American Standard Version</a></span><br />They that were full have hired out themselves for bread; And they that were hungry have ceased to hunger: Yea, the barren hath borne seven; And she that hath many children languisheth.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cev/1_samuel/2.htm">Contemporary English Version</a></span><br />People who once had plenty to eat must now hire themselves out for only a piece of bread. But you give the hungry more than enough to eat. A woman did not have a child, and you gave her seven, but a woman who had many was left with none. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/erv/1_samuel/2.htm">English Revised Version</a></span><br />They that were full have hired out themselves for bread; and they that were hungry have ceased: yea, the barren hath borne seven; and she that hath many children languisheth.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gwt/1_samuel/2.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a></span><br />Those who were well-fed hire themselves out for a piece of bread, but those who were hungry hunger no more. Even the woman who was childless gives birth to seven children, but the mother of many children grieves all alone.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gnt/1_samuel/2.htm">Good News Translation</a></span><br />The people who once were well fed now hire themselves out to get food, but the hungry are hungry no more. The childless wife has borne seven children, but the mother of many is left with none. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/isv/1_samuel/2.htm">International Standard Version</a></span><br />Those who had an abundance of bread now hire themselves out, and those who were hungry hunger no more. While the barren woman gives birth to seven children, she who had many children languishes.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/net/1_samuel/2.htm">NET Bible</a></span><br />Those who are well-fed hire themselves out to earn food, but the hungry no longer lack. Even the barren woman gives birth to seven, but the one with many children withers away. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nheb/1_samuel/2.htm">New Heart English Bible</a></span><br />Those who were full have hired themselves out for bread. Those who were hungry are satisfied. Even the barren has borne seven, and she who has many children languishes.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wbt/1_samuel/2.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a></span><br />They that were full have hired out themselves for bread; and they that were hungry ceased: so that the barren hath borne seven; and she that hath many children is become feeble.<div class="vheading2"><b>Majority Text Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/msb/1_samuel/2.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a></span><br />The well-fed hire themselves out for food, but the starving hunger no more. The barren woman gives birth to seven, but she who has many sons pines away.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/web/1_samuel/2.htm">World English Bible</a></span><br />Those who were full have hired themselves out for bread. Those who were hungry are satisfied. Yes, the barren has borne seven. She who has many children languishes. <div class="vheading2"><b>Literal Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsv/1_samuel/2.htm">Literal Standard Version</a></span><br />The satiated hired themselves for bread, "" And the hungry have ceased. While the barren has borne seven, "" And she abounding with sons has languished.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/ylt/1_samuel/2.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a></span><br /> The satiated for bread hired themselves, And the hungry have ceased. While the barren hath borne seven, And she abounding with sons hath languished.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/slt/1_samuel/2.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a></span><br />And those filled with bread hired themselves out; and they hungering, ceased till the barren shall bring forth seven; and she multiplying sons languished.<div class="vheading2"><b>Catholic Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/drb/1_samuel/2.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a></span><br />They that were full before have hired out themselves for bread: and the hungry are filled, so that the barren hath borne many: and she that had many children is weakened. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cpdv/1_samuel/2.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a></span><br />Those who before were filled, have hired themselves out for bread. And the starving have been filled, so that the barren have given birth to many. But she who had borne many sons has become unable.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nabre/1_samuel/2.htm">New American Bible</a></span><br />The well-fed hire themselves out for bread, while the hungry no longer have to toil. The barren wife bears seven sons, while the mother of many languishes. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nrsvce/1_samuel/2.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a></span><br />Those who were full have hired themselves out for bread, but those who were hungry are fat with spoil. The barren has borne seven, but she who has many children is forlorn.<div class="vheading2"><b>Translations from Aramaic</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lamsa/1_samuel/2.htm">Lamsa Bible</a></span><br />Those who were full have hired out themselves for bread; and those who were hungry have food left over; the barren has given birth and is satisfied; and she who has many children is lonely.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hpbt/1_samuel/2.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a></span><br />And those filled with bread are sold and the hungry have more than enough! The barren woman has given birth and she is satisfied, and she who multiplied children is desolate!<div class="vheading2"><b>OT Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/jps/1_samuel/2.htm">JPS Tanakh 1917</a></span><br />They that were full have hired out themselves for bread; And they that were hungry have ceased; While the barren hath borne seven, She that had many children hath languished.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/sep/1_samuel/2.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a></span><br />They that were full of bread are brought low; and the hungry have forsaken the land; for the barren has born seven, and she that abounded in children has waxed feeble.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/parallel/1_samuel/2-5.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></span></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="audio" id="audio"></a><div class="vheadingv"><b>Audio Bible</b></div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/H8oQfYUMRZg?start=334" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><div class="vheadingv"><b>Context</b></div><span class="hdg"><a href="/bsb/1_samuel/2.htm">Hannah's Prayer of Thanksgiving</a></span><br>…<span class="reftext">4</span>The bows of the mighty are broken, but the feeble are equipped with strength. <span class="reftext">5</span><span class="highl"><a href="/hebrew/7649.htm" title="7649: śə·ḇê·‘îm (Adj-mp) -- Sated, satisfied, surfeited. From saba'; satiated.">The well-fed</a> <a href="/hebrew/7936.htm" title="7936: niś·kā·rū (V-Nifal-Perf-3cp) -- Or cakar; a primitive root (by prosthesis) to karah through the idea of temporary purchase; compare shakar); to hire.">hire themselves out</a> <a href="/hebrew/3899.htm" title="3899: bal·le·ḥem (Prep-b, Art:: N-ms) -- Bread, food. From lacham; food, especially bread, or grain.">for food,</a> <a href="/hebrew/7457.htm" title="7457: ū·rə·‘ê·ḇîm (Conj-w:: Adj-mp) -- Hungry. From ra'eb; hungry.">but the starving</a> <a href="/hebrew/2308.htm" title="2308: ḥā·ḏêl·lū (V-Qal-Perf-3cp) -- To cease. A primitive root; properly, to be flabby, i.e. desist; be lacking or idle.">hunger no more.</a> <a href="/hebrew/5704.htm" title="5704: ‘aḏ- (Prep) -- As far as, even to, up to, until, while. Properly, the same as ad; as far as, whether of space or time or degree."></a> <a href="/hebrew/6135.htm" title="6135: ‘ă·qā·rāh (Adj-fs) -- Barren. From aqar; sterile.">The barren woman</a> <a href="/hebrew/3205.htm" title="3205: yā·lə·ḏāh (V-Qal-Perf-3fs) -- A primitive root; to bear young; causatively, to beget; medically, to act as midwife; specifically, to show lineage.">gives birth to</a> <a href="/hebrew/7651.htm" title="7651: šiḇ·‘āh (Number-ms) -- Or shibrah; from shaba'; a primitive cardinal number; seven; also seven times; by implication, a week; by extension, an indefinite number.">seven,</a> <a href="/hebrew/7227.htm" title="7227: wə·rab·baṯ (Conj-w:: Adj-fsc) -- Much, many, great. By contracted from rabab; abundant.">but she who has many</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> <a href="/hebrew/535.htm" title="535: ’um·lā·lāh (V-Pual-Perf-3fs) -- To be weak, languish. A primitive root; to droop; by implication to be sick, to mourn.">pines away.</a> </span><span class="reftext">6</span>The LORD brings death and gives life; He brings down to Sheol and raises up.…<div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><span class="crossverse"><a href="/luke/1-53.htm">Luke 1:53</a></span><br />He has filled the hungry with good things, but has sent the rich away empty.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/psalms/107-9.htm">Psalm 107:9</a></span><br />For He satisfies the thirsty and fills the hungry with good things.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/job/5-15.htm">Job 5:15-16</a></span><br />He saves the needy from the sword in their mouth and from the clutches of the powerful. / So the poor have hope, and injustice shuts its mouth.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/psalms/34-10.htm">Psalm 34:10</a></span><br />Young lions go lacking and hungry, but those who seek the LORD lack no good thing.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/matthew/5-6.htm">Matthew 5:6</a></span><br />Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/isaiah/55-1.htm">Isaiah 55:1-2</a></span><br />“Come, all you who are thirsty, come to the waters; and you without money, come, buy, and eat! Come, buy wine and milk without money and without cost! / Why spend money on that which is not bread, and your labor on that which does not satisfy? Listen carefully to Me, and eat what is good, and your soul will delight in the richest of foods.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/psalms/113-7.htm">Psalm 113:7-9</a></span><br />He raises the poor from the dust and lifts the needy from the dump / to seat them with nobles, with the princes of His people. / He settles the barren woman in her home as a joyful mother to her children. Hallelujah!<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/proverbs/13-25.htm">Proverbs 13:25</a></span><br />A righteous man eats to his heart’s content, but the stomach of the wicked is empty.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/luke/6-21.htm">Luke 6:21</a></span><br />Blessed are you who hunger now, for you will be filled. Blessed are you who weep now, for you will laugh.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/isaiah/41-17.htm">Isaiah 41:17</a></span><br />The poor and needy seek water, but there is none; their tongues are parched with thirst. I, the LORD, will answer them; I, the God of Israel, will not forsake them.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/psalms/146-7.htm">Psalm 146:7</a></span><br />He executes justice for the oppressed and gives food to the hungry. The LORD sets the prisoners free,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/matthew/19-30.htm">Matthew 19:30</a></span><br />But many who are first will be last, and the last will be first.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/james/1-9.htm">James 1:9-10</a></span><br />The brother in humble circumstances should exult in his high position. / But the one who is rich should exult in his low position, because he will pass away like a flower of the field.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/ezekiel/34-29.htm">Ezekiel 34:29</a></span><br />And I will raise up for them a garden of renown, and they will no longer be victims of famine in the land or bear the scorn of the nations.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/philippians/4-12.htm">Philippians 4:12</a></span><br />I know how to live humbly, and I know how to abound. In any and every situation I have learned the secret of being filled and being hungry, of having plenty and having need.</div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div><p class="tsk2">They that were full have hired out themselves for bread; and they that were hungry ceased: so that the barren has born seven; and she that has many children is waxed feeble.</p><p class="hdg">full</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/psalms/34-10.htm">Psalm 34:10</a></b></br> The young lions do lack, and suffer hunger: but they that seek the LORD shall not want any good <i>thing</i>.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/luke/1-53.htm">Luke 1:53</a></b></br> He hath filled the hungry with good things; and the rich he hath sent empty away.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/luke/16-25.htm">Luke 16:25</a></b></br> But Abraham said, Son, remember that thou in thy lifetime receivedst thy good things, and likewise Lazarus evil things: but now he is comforted, and thou art tormented.</p><p class="hdg">the barren</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/1_samuel/1-20.htm">1 Samuel 1:20</a></b></br> Wherefore it came to pass, when the time was come about after Hannah had conceived, that she bare a son, and called his name Samuel, <i>saying</i>, Because I have asked him of the LORD.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/psalms/113-9.htm">Psalm 113:9</a></b></br> He maketh the barren woman to keep house, <i>and to be</i> a joyful mother of children. Praise ye the LORD.</p><p class="hdg">waxed feeble</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/1_samuel/1-6.htm">1 Samuel 1:6</a></b></br> And her adversary also provoked her sore, for to make her fret, because the LORD had shut up her womb.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/isaiah/54-1.htm">Isaiah 54:1</a></b></br> Sing, O barren, thou <i>that</i> didst not bear; break forth into singing, and cry aloud, thou <i>that</i> didst not travail with child: for more <i>are</i> the children of the desolate than the children of the married wife, saith the LORD.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/jeremiah/15-9.htm">Jeremiah 15:9</a></b></br> She that hath borne seven languisheth: she hath given up the ghost; her sun is gone down while <i>it was</i> yet day: she hath been ashamed and confounded: and the residue of them will I deliver to the sword before their enemies, saith the LORD.</p><div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/1_samuel/1-6.htm">Barren</a> <a href="/1_samuel/1-20.htm">Birth</a> <a href="/ruth/4-22.htm">Born</a> <a href="/ruth/4-15.htm">Borne</a> <a href="/ruth/2-14.htm">Bread</a> <a href="/ruth/4-14.htm">Cease</a> <a href="/judges/9-13.htm">Ceased</a> <a href="/1_samuel/1-5.htm">Children</a> <a href="/judges/9-4.htm">Hire</a> <a href="/judges/18-4.htm">Hired</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/32-24.htm">Hunger</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/8-3.htm">Hungry</a> <a href="/nahum/1-4.htm">Languishes</a> <a href="/1_samuel/1-2.htm">Mother</a> <a href="/ruth/2-9.htm">Need</a> <a href="/1_samuel/1-25.htm">Offering</a> <a href="/ezekiel/27-6.htm">Pines</a> <a href="/ruth/3-18.htm">Rest</a> <a href="/ruth/2-21.htm">Servants</a> <a href="/ruth/4-15.htm">Seven</a> <a href="/1_samuel/1-19.htm">Themselves</a> <a href="/judges/6-5.htm">Wasted</a> <a href="/judges/1-28.htm">Waxed</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/2_kings/2-19.htm">Barren</a> <a href="/1_samuel/2-21.htm">Birth</a> <a href="/1_samuel/4-20.htm">Born</a> <a href="/1_samuel/4-20.htm">Borne</a> <a href="/1_samuel/2-36.htm">Bread</a> <a href="/1_samuel/7-8.htm">Cease</a> <a href="/1_samuel/25-9.htm">Ceased</a> <a href="/1_samuel/2-20.htm">Children</a> <a href="/1_kings/5-6.htm">Hire</a> <a href="/2_samuel/10-6.htm">Hired</a> <a href="/2_chronicles/32-11.htm">Hunger</a> <a href="/2_samuel/17-29.htm">Hungry</a> <a href="/psalms/119-81.htm">Languishes</a> <a href="/1_samuel/2-19.htm">Mother</a> <a href="/1_samuel/2-8.htm">Need</a> <a href="/1_samuel/2-13.htm">Offering</a> <a href="/isaiah/33-9.htm">Pines</a> <a href="/1_samuel/3-5.htm">Rest</a> <a href="/1_samuel/2-27.htm">Servants</a> <a href="/1_samuel/6-1.htm">Seven</a> <a href="/1_samuel/3-13.htm">Themselves</a> <a href="/2_samuel/13-39.htm">Wasted</a> <a href="/2_samuel/3-1.htm">Waxed</a><div class="vheading2">1 Samuel 2</div><span class="reftext">1. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/1_samuel/2-1.htm">Hannah's song in thankfulness</a></span><br><span class="reftext">12. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/1_samuel/2-12.htm">The sin of Eli's sons</a></span><br><span class="reftext">18. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/1_samuel/2-18.htm">Samuel's ministry</a></span><br><span class="reftext">20. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/1_samuel/2-20.htm">by Eli's blessing Hannah is more fruitful</a></span><br><span class="reftext">22. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/1_samuel/2-22.htm">Eli reproves his sons</a></span><br><span class="reftext">27. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/1_samuel/2-27.htm">A prophecy against Eli's house</a></span><br></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><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div><br /><br /> <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> <br /><br /> </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/2.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/2.htm" title="Chapter summary and Study">Chapter </a></tr></table></div><b>The well-fed hire themselves out for food</b><br>This phrase highlights a reversal of fortunes, a common theme in biblical literature. It reflects the idea that those who were once prosperous and self-sufficient find themselves in need. This can be seen as a divine intervention where God humbles the proud and exalts the humble. The concept is echoed in the Magnificat (<a href="/luke/1-53.htm">Luke 1:53</a>), where Mary praises God for filling the hungry with good things and sending the rich away empty. This reversal serves as a reminder of God's sovereignty and justice, emphasizing that material wealth is not a guarantee of security.<p><b>But the starving hunger no more</b><br>This part of the verse speaks to God's provision and care for those in need. It reflects the biblical theme of God as a provider, as seen in the provision of manna for the Israelites in the wilderness (Exodus 16). The transformation from hunger to satisfaction symbolizes spiritual fulfillment and divine blessing. It also foreshadows the teachings of Jesus, who declared Himself the Bread of Life, promising that those who come to Him will never hunger (<a href="/john/6-35.htm">John 6:35</a>).<p><b>The barren woman gives birth to seven</b><br>In the ancient Near Eastern context, barrenness was often seen as a curse or a sign of divine disfavor. The birth of seven children, a number symbolizing completeness and perfection in the Bible, represents a complete reversal of this condition. This phrase can be connected to the story of Hannah, the mother of Samuel, who was initially barren but was blessed by God with a son after fervent prayer (1 Samuel 1). It also prefigures the miraculous births in the Bible, such as that of Isaac to Sarah and John the Baptist to Elizabeth, highlighting God's power to bring life where there was none.<p><b>But she who has many sons pines away</b><br>This phrase contrasts the previous one, illustrating the theme of reversal once more. In the cultural context, having many sons was considered a sign of blessing and strength. However, this statement suggests that even those who seem secure in their blessings can experience loss and decline. It serves as a warning against complacency and pride, reminding believers that true security and blessing come from God alone. This idea is echoed in the story of Job, who lost his children and possessions but remained faithful to God, ultimately being restored (Job 1-42).<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <b><a href="/topical/h/hannah.htm">Hannah</a></b><br>The mother of Samuel, who was initially barren but prayed fervently to God for a child. Her prayer and subsequent song of thanksgiving form the context of this verse.<br><br>2. <b><a href="/topical/e/elkanah.htm">Elkanah</a></b><br>Hannah's husband, who had another wife, Peninnah, who had children while Hannah was barren.<br><br>3. <b><a href="/topical/p/peninnah.htm">Peninnah</a></b><br>Elkanah's other wife, who had many children and often provoked Hannah because of her barrenness.<br><br>4. <b><a href="/topical/s/samuel.htm">Samuel</a></b><br>The son of Hannah, dedicated to the Lord, who would become a significant prophet and judge in Israel.<br><br>5. <b><a href="/topical/s/shiloh.htm">Shiloh</a></b><br>The place where the tabernacle was located and where Hannah prayed for a son.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><b><a href="/topical/g/god's_sovereignty_in_reversals.htm">God's Sovereignty in Reversals</a></b><br>God has the power to reverse human circumstances, turning lack into abundance and sorrow into joy. This is evident in Hannah's transformation from barrenness to motherhood.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/f/faith_and_prayer.htm">Faith and Prayer</a></b><br>Hannah's account encourages believers to persist in prayer and faith, trusting that God hears and responds to the cries of His people.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/h/humility_and_dependence_on_god.htm">Humility and Dependence on God</a></b><br>The verse contrasts self-sufficiency with dependence on God, reminding us that true fulfillment comes from Him, not from our own efforts.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/g/god's_justice_and_provision.htm">God's Justice and Provision</a></b><br>The verse illustrates God's justice in providing for the needy and humbling the proud, encouraging believers to trust in His provision.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/h/hope_for_the_hopeless.htm">Hope for the Hopeless</a></b><br>The transformation of the barren woman into a joyful mother serves as a message of hope for those facing seemingly impossible situations.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_1_samuel_2.htm">Top 10 Lessons from 1 Samuel 2</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/how_to_reconcile_1_chr_14_8-17_and_2_sam_5.htm">1 Chronicles 14:8-17 - How do we reconcile any discrepancies between this account of David's battles with the Philistines and the parallel text in 2 Samuel 5?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/why_does_elhanan_kill_goliath's_brother.htm">1 Chronicles 20:5: Why does this text say Elhanan killed Goliath's brother, whereas 2 Samuel 21:19 seems to conflict about who killed Goliath?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/israel's_fighting_men_count.htm">How many fighting men were in Israel? (2 Samuel 24:9 vs. 1 Chronicles 21:5)</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/why_does_king_david_deceive_and_kill.htm">Why does King David, described elsewhere as righteous (1 Kings 15:5), resort to deceit and murder in 2 Samuel 11:14-17?</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/ellicott/1_samuel/2.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div>(5) <span class= "bld">They that were full.</span>--Another image to illustrate the vicissitudes of human affairs is sketched, one very familiar to the dwellers among the cornfields and vineyards of Canaan.<p><span class= "bld">The barren hath born seven.</span>--Here the thought of the inspired singer reverts to herself, and the imagery is drawn from the story of her own life. Seven children are mentioned as the full number of the Divine blessing in children (see <a href="/ruth/4-15.htm" title="And he shall be to you a restorer of your life, and a nourisher of your old age: for your daughter in law, which loves you, which is better to you than seven sons, has born him.">Ruth 4:15</a>; <a href="/jeremiah/15-9.htm" title="She that has borne seven languishes: she has given up the ghost; her sun is gone down while it was yet day: she has been ashamed and confounded: and the residue of them will I deliver to the sword before their enemies, said the LORD.">Jeremiah 15:9</a>). There is a curious Jewish legend which relates how for each boy child that was born to Hannah, two of Peninnah's died.<p><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/commentaries/1_samuel/2-5.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a></span><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Hebrew</div><span class="word">The well-fed</span><br /><span class="heb">שְׂבֵעִ֤ים</span> <span class="translit">(śə·ḇê·‘îm)</span><br /><span class="parse">Adjective - masculine plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_7649.htm">Strong's 7649: </a> </span><span class="str2">Sated, satisfied, surfeited</span><br /><br /><span class="word">hire themselves out</span><br /><span class="heb">נִשְׂכָּ֔רוּ</span> <span class="translit">(niś·kā·rū)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Nifal - Perfect - third person common plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_7936.htm">Strong's 7936: </a> </span><span class="str2">To hire</span><br /><br /><span class="word">for food,</span><br /><span class="heb">בַּלֶּ֙חֶם֙</span> <span class="translit">(bal·le·ḥem)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition-b, Article | Noun - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3899.htm">Strong's 3899: </a> </span><span class="str2">Food, bread, grain</span><br /><br /><span class="word">but the starving</span><br /><span class="heb">וּרְעֵבִ֖ים</span> <span class="translit">(ū·rə·‘ê·ḇîm)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Adjective - masculine plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_7457.htm">Strong's 7457: </a> </span><span class="str2">Hungry</span><br /><br /><span class="word">hunger no more.</span><br /><span class="heb">חָדֵ֑לּוּ</span> <span class="translit">(ḥā·ḏêl·lū)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Qal - Perfect - third person common plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_2308.htm">Strong's 2308: </a> </span><span class="str2">To be flabby, desist, be lacking, idle</span><br /><br /><span class="word">The barren woman</span><br /><span class="heb">עֲקָרָה֙</span> <span class="translit">(‘ă·qā·rāh)</span><br /><span class="parse">Adjective - feminine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_6135.htm">Strong's 6135: </a> </span><span class="str2">Sterile</span><br /><br /><span class="word">gives birth to</span><br /><span class="heb">יָלְדָ֣ה</span> <span class="translit">(yā·lə·ḏāh)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Qal - Perfect - third person feminine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3205.htm">Strong's 3205: </a> </span><span class="str2">To bear young, to beget, medically, to act as midwife, to show lineage</span><br /><br /><span class="word">seven,</span><br /><span class="heb">שִׁבְעָ֔ה</span> <span class="translit">(šiḇ·‘āh)</span><br /><span class="parse">Number - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_7651.htm">Strong's 7651: </a> </span><span class="str2">Seven, seven times, a week, an indefinite number</span><br /><br /><span class="word">but she who has many</span><br /><span class="heb">וְרַבַּ֥ת</span> <span class="translit">(wə·rab·baṯ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Adjective - feminine singular construct<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_7227.htm">Strong's 7227: </a> </span><span class="str2">Much, many, great</span><br /><br /><span class="word">sons</span><br /><span class="heb">בָּנִ֖ים</span> <span class="translit">(bā·nîm)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - masculine plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_1121.htm">Strong's 1121: </a> </span><span class="str2">A son</span><br /><br /><span class="word">pines away.</span><br /><span class="heb">אֻמְלָֽלָה׃</span> <span class="translit">(’um·lā·lāh)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Pual - Perfect - third person feminine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_535.htm">Strong's 535: </a> </span><span class="str2">To droop, to be sick, to mourn</span><br /><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/1_samuel/2-5.htm">1 Samuel 2:5 NIV</a><br /><a href="/nlt/1_samuel/2-5.htm">1 Samuel 2:5 NLT</a><br /><a href="/esv/1_samuel/2-5.htm">1 Samuel 2:5 ESV</a><br /><a href="/nasb/1_samuel/2-5.htm">1 Samuel 2:5 NASB</a><br /><a href="/kjv/1_samuel/2-5.htm">1 Samuel 2:5 KJV</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="//bibleapps.com/1_samuel/2-5.htm">1 Samuel 2:5 BibleApps.com</a><br /><a href="//bibliaparalela.com/1_samuel/2-5.htm">1 Samuel 2:5 Biblia Paralela</a><br /><a href="//holybible.com.cn/1_samuel/2-5.htm">1 Samuel 2:5 Chinese Bible</a><br /><a href="//saintebible.com/1_samuel/2-5.htm">1 Samuel 2:5 French Bible</a><br /><a href="/catholic/1_samuel/2-5.htm">1 Samuel 2:5 Catholic Bible</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/1_samuel/2-5.htm">OT History: 1 Samuel 2:5 Those who were full have hired themselves (1Sa iSam 1 Sam i sa) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/1_samuel/2-4.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="1 Samuel 2:4"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="1 Samuel 2:4" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/1_samuel/2-6.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="1 Samuel 2:6"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="1 Samuel 2:6" /></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>