Bible Strands
1 Samuel 1:10
In her bitter distress, Hannah prayed to the LORD and wept with many tears.
Berean Standard Bible
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Study note
Setting — Hannah stands in Shiloh after a meal and addresses the LORD while Eli the priest observes from the temple doorway. This moment follows her physical rising and precedes her spoken vow.
The words — מָרַת נָפֶשׁ (marat nefesh) literally renders "bitter of soul," describing her internal state, while וַתִּתְפַּלֵּל (vatitpallel) denotes the active verb "and she prayed."
The thread — The phrase "bitterness of soul" appears in Job 7:11 and Job 10:1, and the pattern of earnest, anguished prayer echoes in Luke 22:44.
Why it lands — The text records Hannah's prayer and weeping as factual events before any interpreter infers theological meaning. It requires the reader to observe how distress directly triggers direct address to Yahweh rather than avoidance.
Drafted by a language model from the text, its original words and its cross-references, then checked against them. It can still be wrong: open the verse in the app to report it.
The Hebrew words
King James Version
And she was in bitterness of soul, and prayed unto the Lord, and wept sore.
Cross-references
- Job 7:11 Therefore I will not restrain my mouth; I will speak in the anguish of my spirit; I will complain in the bitterness of my soul.
- Job 10:1 “I loathe my own life; I will express my complaint and speak in the bitterness of my soul.
- Luke 22:44 And in His anguish, He prayed more earnestly, and His sweat became like drops of blood falling to the ground.
- Psalms 91:15 When he calls out to Me, I will answer him; I will be with him in trouble. I will deliver him and honor him.
- Hebrews 5:7 During the days of Jesus’ earthly life, He offered up prayers and petitions with loud cries and tears to the One who could save Him from death, and He was heard because of His reverence.
- Judges 21:2 So the people came to Bethel and sat there before God until evening, lifting up their voices and weeping bitterly.
- Isaiah 54:6 For the LORD has called you back, like a wife deserted and wounded in spirit, like the rejected wife of one’s youth,” says your God.
- Job 9:18 He does not let me catch my breath, but overwhelms me with bitterness.
- Psalms 50:15 Call upon Me in the day of trouble; I will deliver you, and you will honor Me.”
- Isaiah 38:15 What can I say? He has spoken to me, and He Himself has done this. I will walk slowly all my years because of the anguish of my soul.