1 samuel 2:5 - 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.
Select Bible Verse
Filter Categories
A
B
C
D
E
F
G
H
I
J
K
L
M
N
O
P
R
S
T
U
V
W
What does "1 samuel 2:5" mean?
This verse from 1 Samuel 2:5 is part of Hannah's prayer/song after she dedicates her son Samuel to God. It's a powerful statement about God's ability to reverse fortunes and upend expectations. Here's a breakdown of the possible meanings:
"Those who were full have hired themselves out for bread." This refers to people who were once wealthy and prosperous now being reduced to poverty and having to work for basic sustenance. Their situation has dramatically changed for the worse.
"Those who were hungry are satisfied." Conversely, those who were previously poor and lacked basic needs are now abundantly provided for. This indicates a reversal of their former condition.
"Yes, the barren has borne seven." This likely alludes to Hannah herself. She was barren and longed for a child. God answered her prayer and blessed her with Samuel. The "seven" can be interpreted in two ways: 1. As a hyperbolic expression of "many" children, implying that the formerly barren woman becomes incredibly fertile. 2. As a future fulfillment, as Hannah did, in fact, have several more children after Samuel (1 Samuel 2:21).
"She who has many children languishes." This contrasts sharply with the barren woman's newfound fruitfulness. It suggests that those who had previously enjoyed the blessing of many children may now experience a decline or hardship. The word "languish" means to become weak or feeble, or to suffer neglect. It implies that their strength or status is diminished.
Overall Meaning
The verse encapsulates the central theme of Hannah's prayer: God's power to reverse human circumstances. It highlights God's sovereignty and his ability to:
Humble the proud: The wealthy are brought low.
Exalt the humble: The hungry are satisfied, and the barren woman is blessed.
Remind us of his power: It subverts expectations and demonstrates that human status is not permanent or guaranteed.
Possible Interpretations
Literally: This verse could describe actual social and economic changes in a community. God sometimes actively changes the circumstances of people and nations.
Spiritually: It's a broader statement about the nature of God's justice and how he regards the humble and oppressed.
Messianic Prophecy: Some see this verse as a possible foreshadowing of Mary's Magnificat (Luke 1:46-55), where she also praises God for "bringing down rulers from their thrones and lifting up the humble." It could point to a new order brought by Christ, where traditional power structures are challenged.
Ultimately, this verse is a powerful reminder that our circumstances are not fixed and that God has the power to change them. It's an encouragement to the humble, a warning to the proud, and a testament to God's sovereign control over all things.
1 samuel 2:5 - 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.
What does "1 samuel 2:5" mean?
This verse from 1 Samuel 2:5 is part of Hannah's prayer/song after she dedicates her son Samuel to God. It's a powerful statement about God's ability to reverse fortunes and upend expectations. Here's a breakdown of the possible meanings:
"Those who were full have hired themselves out for bread." This refers to people who were once wealthy and prosperous now being reduced to poverty and having to work for basic sustenance. Their situation has dramatically changed for the worse.
"Those who were hungry are satisfied." Conversely, those who were previously poor and lacked basic needs are now abundantly provided for. This indicates a reversal of their former condition.
"Yes, the barren has borne seven." This likely alludes to Hannah herself. She was barren and longed for a child. God answered her prayer and blessed her with Samuel. The "seven" can be interpreted in two ways: 1. As a hyperbolic expression of "many" children, implying that the formerly barren woman becomes incredibly fertile. 2. As a future fulfillment, as Hannah did, in fact, have several more children after Samuel (1 Samuel 2:21).
"She who has many children languishes." This contrasts sharply with the barren woman's newfound fruitfulness. It suggests that those who had previously enjoyed the blessing of many children may now experience a decline or hardship. The word "languish" means to become weak or feeble, or to suffer neglect. It implies that their strength or status is diminished.
Overall Meaning
The verse encapsulates the central theme of Hannah's prayer: God's power to reverse human circumstances. It highlights God's sovereignty and his ability to:
Humble the proud: The wealthy are brought low.
Exalt the humble: The hungry are satisfied, and the barren woman is blessed.
Remind us of his power: It subverts expectations and demonstrates that human status is not permanent or guaranteed.
Possible Interpretations
Literally: This verse could describe actual social and economic changes in a community. God sometimes actively changes the circumstances of people and nations.
Spiritually: It's a broader statement about the nature of God's justice and how he regards the humble and oppressed.
Messianic Prophecy: Some see this verse as a possible foreshadowing of Mary's Magnificat (Luke 1:46-55), where she also praises God for "bringing down rulers from their thrones and lifting up the humble." It could point to a new order brought by Christ, where traditional power structures are challenged.
Ultimately, this verse is a powerful reminder that our circumstances are not fixed and that God has the power to change them. It's an encouragement to the humble, a warning to the proud, and a testament to God's sovereign control over all things.