Bible Strands
1 Samuel 2:7
The LORD sends poverty and wealth; He humbles and He exalts.
Berean Standard Bible
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Study note
Setting — Hannah speaks this prayer in the temple, contrasting God’s sovereign control over life and death with His direct authority over human status and material condition.
The words — The Hebrew מוֹרִישׁ (mo.Rish) means [is] making poor, paired with מַעֲשִׁיר (ma.'a.Shir) meaning [is] making rich. מַשְׁפִּיל (mash.Pil) and מְרוֹמֵם (me.ro.Mem) literally denote [he is] bringing low and [is] exalting.
The thread — This theme of divine reversal appears in Psalm 75:7 where God brings down one and exalts another, Job 5:11 which sets the lowly on high, and Deuteronomy 8:17 which warns against claiming self-made wealth.
Why it lands — The text states that Yahweh alone determines poverty and wealth, humility and exaltation, requiring the reader to abandon claims of self-sufficiency and acknowledge divine sovereignty over human standing.
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
The Lord maketh poor, and maketh rich: he bringeth low, and lifteth up.
Cross-references
- Psalms 75:7 but it is God who judges; He brings down one and exalts another.
- Deuteronomy 8:17 You might say in your heart, “The power and strength of my hands have made this wealth for me.”
- Job 5:11 He sets the lowly on high, so that mourners are lifted to safety.
- Job 1:21 saying: “Naked I came from my mother’s womb, and naked I will return. The LORD gave, and the LORD has taken away. Blessed be the name of the LORD.”
- James 4:10 Humble yourselves before the Lord, and He will exalt you.
- James 1:9 The brother in humble circumstances should exult in his high position.
- Isaiah 2:12 For the Day of the LORD of Hosts will come against all the proud and lofty, against all that is exalted—it will be humbled—
- Psalms 102:10 because of Your indignation and wrath, for You have picked me up and cast me aside.