1 Samuel 1:26
New International Version
and she said to him, “Pardon me, my lord. As surely as you live, I am the woman who stood here beside you praying to the LORD.

New Living Translation
“Sir, do you remember me?” Hannah asked. “I am the very woman who stood here several years ago praying to the LORD.

English Standard Version
And she said, “Oh, my lord! As you live, my lord, I am the woman who was standing here in your presence, praying to the LORD.

Berean Standard Bible
“Please, my lord,” said Hannah, “as surely as you live, my lord, I am the woman who stood here beside you praying to the LORD.

Berean Literal Bible
And she said, “Please, my lord, as your soul lives, my lord, I am the woman who stood by you in this place praying to YHWH.

King James Bible
And she said, Oh my lord, as thy soul liveth, my lord, I am the woman that stood by thee here, praying unto the LORD.

New King James Version
And she said, “O my lord! As your soul lives, my lord, I am the woman who stood by you here, praying to the LORD.

New American Standard Bible
And she said, “Pardon me, my lord! As your soul lives, my lord, I am the woman who stood here beside you, praying to the LORD.

NASB 1995
She said, “Oh, my lord! As your soul lives, my lord, I am the woman who stood here beside you, praying to the LORD.

NASB 1977
And she said, “Oh, my lord! As your soul lives, my lord, I am the woman who stood here beside you, praying to the LORD.

Legacy Standard Bible
And she said, “Oh, my lord! As your soul lives, my lord, I am the woman who stood here beside you, praying to Yahweh.

Amplified Bible
Hannah said, “Oh, my lord! As [surely as] your soul lives, my lord, I am the woman who stood beside you here, praying to the LORD.

Berean Annotated Bible
“Please, my lord, said Hannah, “as surely as you live, my lord, I am the woman who stood here beside you praying to the LORD {YHWH}.

Christian Standard Bible
“Please, my lord,” she said, “as surely as you live, my lord, I am the woman who stood here beside you praying to the LORD.

Holman Christian Standard Bible
“Please, my lord,” she said, “as sure as you live, my lord, I am the woman who stood here beside you praying to the LORD.

American Standard Version
And she said, Oh, my lord, as thy soul liveth, my lord, I am the woman that stood by thee here, praying unto Jehovah.

Contemporary English Version
"Sir," Hannah said, "a few years ago I stood here beside you and asked the LORD

English Revised Version
And she said, Oh my lord, as thy soul liveth, my lord, I am the woman that stood by thee here, praying unto the LORD.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
"Sir," Hannah said, "as sure as you live, I'm the woman who stood here next to you and prayed to the LORD.

Good News Translation
Hannah said to him, "Excuse me, sir. Do you remember me? I am the woman you saw standing here, praying to the LORD.

International Standard Version
Hannah said, "Sir, as surely as you are alive, I'm the woman who stood before you here praying to the LORD.

NET Bible
She said, "Just as surely as you are alive, my lord, I am the woman who previously stood here with you in order to pray to the LORD.

New Heart English Bible
She said, "Oh, my lord, as your soul lives, my lord, I am the woman who stood by you here, praying to the LORD.

Webster's Bible Translation
And she said, O my lord, as thy soul liveth, my lord, I am the woman that stood by thee here, praying to the LORD.
Majority Text Translations
Majority Standard Bible
“Please, my lord,” said Hannah, “as surely as you live, my lord, I am the woman who stood here beside you praying to the LORD.

World English Bible
She said, “Oh, my lord, as your soul lives, my lord, I am the woman who stood by you here, praying to Yahweh.
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
and she says, “O my lord, your soul lives! My lord, I [am] the woman who stood with you in this [place], to pray to YHWH;

Berean Literal Bible
And she said, “Please, my lord, as your soul lives, my lord, I am the woman who stood by you in this place praying to YHWH.

Young's Literal Translation
and she saith, 'O, my lord, thy soul liveth! my lord, I am the woman who stood with thee in this place, to pray unto Jehovah;

Smith's Literal Translation
And she will say, With leave, my lord, thy soul living, my lord, I the woman standing with thee in here to pray to Jehovah.
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
And Anna said: I beseech thee, my lord, as thy soul liveth, my lord: I am that woman who stood before thee here praying to the Lord.

Catholic Public Domain Version
And Hannah said: “I beg you, my lord, as your soul lives, my lord: I am that woman, who stood before you here, praying to the Lord.

New American Bible
Then Hannah spoke up: “Excuse me, my lord! As you live, my lord, I am the woman who stood here near you, praying to the LORD.

New Revised Standard Version
And she said, “Oh, my lord! As you live, my lord, I am the woman who was standing here in your presence, praying to the LORD.
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
Then Hannah said to Eli, I beseech you, my lord, as your soul lives, my lord, I am the woman that stood by you here, praying to the LORD for this boy.

Peshitta Holy Bible Translated
And Khanna said to Eli: “I beg of you, my Lord, your soul is living, my Lord, I am the same woman who was standing with you here praying before LORD JEHOVAH for this boy
OT Translations
JPS Tanakh 1917
And she said: 'Oh, my lord, as thy soul liveth, my lord, I am the woman that stood by thee here, praying unto the LORD.

Brenton Septuagint Translation
And she said, I pray thee, my lord, as thy soul liveth, I am the woman that stood in thy presence with thee while praying to the Lord.

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
The Birth of Samuel
25And when they had slaughtered the bull, they brought the boy to Eli. 26“Please, my lord,” said Hannah, “as surely as you live, my lord, I am the woman who stood here beside you praying to the LORD. 27I prayed for this boy, and since the LORD has granted me what I asked of Him,…

Cross References
“Please, my lord,”

Genesis 44:18
Then Judah approached Joseph and said, “Sir, please let your servant speak personally to my lord. Do not be angry with your servant, for you are equal to Pharaoh himself.

1 Samuel 25:24
She fell at his feet and said, “My lord, may the blame be on me alone, but please let your servant speak to you; hear the words of your servant.

Ruth 2:13
“My lord,” she said, “may I continue to find favor in your eyes, for you have comforted and spoken kindly to your maidservant, though I am not like one of your servant girls.”
said Hannah,

1 Samuel 2:1
At that time Hannah prayed: “My heart rejoices in the LORD; my horn is exalted in the LORD. My mouth speaks boldly against my enemies, for I rejoice in Your salvation.

1 Samuel 2:10
Those who oppose the LORD will be shattered. He will thunder from heaven against them. The LORD will judge the ends of the earth and will give power to His king. He will exalt the horn of His anointed.”

Luke 1:46
Then Mary said: “My soul magnifies the Lord,
“as surely as you live, my lord,

1 Samuel 25:26
Now, my lord, as surely as the LORD lives and you yourself live, since the LORD has held you back from bloodshed and from avenging yourself with your own hand, may your enemies and those who seek harm for my lord be like Nabal.

2 Kings 4:30
And the mother of the boy said, “As surely as the LORD lives and as you yourself live, I will not leave you.” So he got up and followed her.

2 Kings 2:2
and Elijah said to Elisha, “Please stay here, for the LORD has sent me on to Bethel.” But Elisha replied, “As surely as the LORD lives and as you yourself live, I will not leave you.” So they went down to Bethel.
I am the woman who stood here beside you

2 Kings 8:5
And Gehazi was telling the king how Elisha had brought the dead back to life. Just then the woman whose son Elisha had revived came to appeal to the king for her house and her land. So Gehazi said, “My lord the king, this is the woman, and this is the son Elisha restored to life.”

Esther 5:1-2
On the third day, Esther put on her royal robes and stood in the inner court of the palace across from the king’s quarters. The king was sitting on his royal throne in the royal courtroom, facing the entrance. / As soon as the king saw Queen Esther standing in the court, she found favor in his sight. The king extended the gold scepter in his hand toward Esther, and she approached and touched the tip of the scepter.

Ruth 3:9
“Who are you?” he asked. “I am your servant Ruth,” she replied. “Spread the corner of your garment over me, for you are a kinsman-redeemer.”
praying to the LORD.

Daniel 9:3
So I turned my attention to the Lord God to seek Him by prayer and petition, with fasting, sackcloth, and ashes.

2 Samuel 7:27
For You, O LORD of Hosts, the God of Israel, have revealed this to Your servant when You said, ‘I will build a house for you.’ Therefore Your servant has found the courage to offer this prayer to You.

1 Kings 8:28-30
Yet regard the prayer and plea of Your servant, O LORD my God, so that You may hear the cry and the prayer that Your servant is praying before You today. / May Your eyes be open toward this temple night and day, toward the place of which You said, ‘My Name shall be there,’ so that You may hear the prayer that Your servant prays toward this place. / Hear the plea of Your servant and of Your people Israel when they pray toward this place. May You hear from heaven, Your dwelling place. May You hear and forgive.
Genesis 21:1-2
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.


Treasury of Scripture

And she said, Oh my lord, as your soul lives, my lord, I am the woman that stood by you here, praying to the LORD.

as thy soul

1 Samuel 17:55
And when Saul saw David go forth against the Philistine, he said unto Abner, the captain of the host, Abner, whose son is this youth? And Abner said, As thy soul liveth, O king, I cannot tell.

1 Samuel 20:3
And David sware moreover, and said, Thy father certainly knoweth that I have found grace in thine eyes; and he saith, Let not Jonathan know this, lest he be grieved: but truly as the LORD liveth, and as thy soul liveth, there is but a step between me and death.

Genesis 42:15
Hereby ye shall be proved: By the life of Pharaoh ye shall not go forth hence, except your youngest brother come hither.

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Live Making Prayer Praying Presence Soul Standing Stood Surely
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Live Making Prayer Praying Presence Soul Standing Stood Surely
1 Samuel 1
1. Elkanah, a Levite, having two wives, worships yearly at Shiloh
4. He cherishes Hannah, though barren, and provoked by Peninnah
9. Hannah in grief prays for a child
12. Eli first rebuking her, afterwards blesses her
19. Hannah, having born Samuel, stays at home till he is weaned
24. She presents him, according to her vow, to the Lord












“Please, my lord,”
Hannah addresses Eli, the high priest, with respect, acknowledging his authority and position. This reflects the cultural norms of ancient Israel, where titles and respect for religious leaders were significant. The use of "lord" here is a term of respect, not divinity.

“said Hannah,”
Hannah is a central figure in this narrative, known for her deep faith and fervent prayer. Her story sets the stage for the birth of Samuel, a pivotal prophet in Israel's history. Her character is often seen as a model of piety and perseverance in prayer.

“as surely as you live, my lord,”
This phrase is an oath, emphasizing the sincerity and truthfulness of her words. Oaths were common in biblical times to affirm the seriousness of a statement. It underscores the gravity of her previous vow to God regarding her son.

“I am the woman who stood here beside you”
Hannah reminds Eli of her previous presence and prayer at the temple. This reference to her past action highlights her persistence and faithfulness. It also serves as a narrative link to earlier in the chapter, where she was mistaken for being drunk due to her intense prayer.

“praying to the LORD.”
Hannah's prayer was directed to Yahweh, the covenant God of Israel. Her prayer was not just a request for a child but a vow to dedicate that child to God's service. This act of devotion is significant, as it leads to the birth of Samuel, who would become a major figure in Israel's history. Her prayer life is often compared to other biblical figures who sought God earnestly, such as David and Daniel.

Persons / Places / Events
1. Hannah
A devout woman of faith, Hannah is the mother of Samuel. She is known for her fervent prayer to God for a child, which she made at the tabernacle in Shiloh.

2. Eli
The high priest at Shiloh, Eli initially misunderstood Hannah's prayerful demeanor but later blessed her, leading to the birth of Samuel.

3. Shiloh
The religious center of Israel at the time, where the tabernacle and the Ark of the Covenant were located. It is the setting for Hannah's prayer and vow to God.

4. The LORD
The covenant God of Israel, to whom Hannah prays and dedicates her son Samuel.

5. Samuel
The son of Hannah, who becomes a significant prophet and judge in Israel, anointing the first two kings of Israel, Saul and David.
Teaching Points
The Power of Persistent Prayer
Hannah's account teaches us the importance of persistent and heartfelt prayer. Despite her initial barrenness, she continued to seek the LORD earnestly, demonstrating faith and patience.

Faith in God's Timing
Hannah's experience reminds us that God's timing is perfect. Her faith was rewarded in due time, encouraging us to trust in God's plan even when answers are delayed.

Dedication to God
Hannah's vow to dedicate Samuel to the LORD's service is a powerful example of commitment and surrender. It challenges us to consider how we can dedicate our own lives and resources to God's purposes.

Misunderstandings in Spiritual Life
Eli's initial misunderstanding of Hannah's prayerful state serves as a reminder that spiritual fervor can sometimes be misinterpreted. It encourages us to approach others with grace and seek understanding.
Bible Study Questions and Answers
1. What is the meaning of 1 Samuel 1:26?

2. How does Hannah's faith in 1 Samuel 1:26 inspire your prayer life today?

3. What does Hannah's dedication teach about fulfilling vows to God?

4. How does 1 Samuel 1:26 connect with other biblical examples of answered prayers?

5. In what ways can you demonstrate gratitude to God like Hannah did?

6. How can Hannah's persistence in prayer influence your approach to challenges?

7. What is the significance of Hannah's vow in 1 Samuel 1:26?

8. How does 1 Samuel 1:26 demonstrate faith in God's promises?

9. Why is Hannah's dedication of Samuel important in biblical history?

10. What are the top 10 Lessons from 1 Samuel 1?

11. How did Hannah's faith lead to Samuel's birth?

12. How could David and Abishai enter Saul's camp and take his spear and water jug unnoticed by 3,000 soldiers? (1 Samuel 26:7-12)

13. Does attributing Hannah's childlessness and eventual conception to divine intervention (1 Samuel 1:5, 19-20) conflict with modern medical understanding?

14. How can Hannah's sudden pregnancy in 1 Samuel 1:5, 20 be explained given her long-term infertility?
What Does 1 Samuel 1:26 Mean
“Please, my lord,”

• A posture of humble respect toward Eli, the high priest, even after he had earlier misread her grief (1 Samuel 1:14).

• Scripture consistently commends honoring those in authority—“Honor the king” (1 Peter 2:17); “Let every person be subject to the governing authorities” (Romans 13:1–2).

• Hannah models gracious speech like that urged in Proverbs 15:1, showing that submission and dignity can coexist.


“said Hannah,”

• The narrative spotlights her voice; the one who once poured out silent tears (1 Samuel 1:13) now speaks openly.

• Personal testimony matters: “Come and listen, all you who fear God, and I will declare what He has done for my soul” (Psalm 66:16).

• Her words fulfill Psalm 40:10—she does not hide God’s faithfulness in her heart but proclaims it.


“as surely as you live, my lord,”

• A customary oath formula underscoring truthfulness (Ruth 3:13; 1 Samuel 20:3).

• She calls Eli to recall a living, breathing witness to God’s work—himself.

• Jesus encourages simple truth-telling without empty vows (Matthew 5:37); Hannah’s phrase shows sincerity, not manipulation.


“I am the woman”

• Identity reclaimed: the barren petitioner is now the blessed mother (compare Genesis 21:1-2 with Sarah).

• God often magnifies His strength through the weak (1 Corinthians 1:27).

• Her statement echoes the Samaritan woman’s candid confession in John 4:29, turning personal history into a platform for praise.


“who stood here beside you”

• She points to the exact spot, anchoring Eli’s memory and affirming the reality of answered prayer (1 Samuel 1:12).

• Persistence in standing before the Lord mirrors Moses at the tent of meeting (Exodus 33:9-11).

• Physical nearness to God’s house did not guarantee blessing; heartfelt faith did (Psalm 24:3-4).


“praying to the LORD.”

• Prayer is the hinge of the entire chapter—Hannah asked, and God answered (1 Samuel 1:19-20).

• “I sought the LORD, and He answered me” (Psalm 34:4) encapsulates her story.

James 5:16 reminds believers that “the prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective,” a truth Hannah’s life now illustrates.


summary

Each phrase in 1 Samuel 1:26 reveals a facet of Hannah’s faith journey: respectful humility, bold testimony, solemn sincerity, transformed identity, remembered perseverance, and God-centered prayer. Together they showcase how the Lord hears and honors those who approach Him with reverent, believing hearts.

(26) O my lord, as thy soul liveth.--"This oath is peculiar to the Books of Samuel, in which it occurs six times, and to the Books of Kings, in which, however, it is found only once. The similar oath, as Pharaoh liveth (by the life of Pharaoh), occurs in Genesis 42:15; and as the Lord liveth is found almost exclusively in the books of which Judges is the first and 2 Kings the last, being especially frequent in the Books of Samuel. This accords with the fact of the age of the Judges and Saul being characteristically the age of vows."--Speaker's Commentary.



Parallel Commentaries ...


Hebrew
“Please,
בִּ֣י (bî)
Preposition | first person common singular
Strong's 994: Oh that!, with leave, if it please

my lord,”
אֲדֹנִ֔י (’ă·ḏō·nî)
Noun - masculine singular construct | first person common singular
Strong's 113: Sovereign, controller

said [Hannah],
וַתֹּ֙אמֶר֙ (wat·tō·mer)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person feminine singular
Strong's 559: To utter, say

“as surely as you
נַפְשְׁךָ֖ (nap̄·šə·ḵā)
Noun - feminine singular construct | second person masculine singular
Strong's 5315: A soul, living being, life, self, person, desire, passion, appetite, emotion

live,
חֵ֥י (ḥê)
Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 2416: Alive, raw, fresh, strong, life

my lord,
אֲדֹנִ֑י (’ă·ḏō·nî)
Noun - masculine singular construct | first person common singular
Strong's 113: Sovereign, controller

I
אֲנִ֣י (’ă·nî)
Pronoun - first person common singular
Strong's 589: I

am the woman
הָאִשָּׁ֗ה (hā·’iš·šāh)
Article | Noun - feminine singular
Strong's 802: Woman, wife, female

who stood
הַנִּצֶּ֤בֶת (han·niṣ·ṣe·ḇeṯ)
Article | Verb - Nifal - Participle - feminine singular
Strong's 5324: To take one's stand, stand

here
בָּזֶ֔ה (bā·zeh)
Preposition-b | Pronoun - masculine singular
Strong's 2088: This, that

beside
עִמְּכָה֙ (‘im·mə·ḵāh)
Preposition | second person masculine singular
Strong's 5973: With, equally with

you praying
לְהִתְפַּלֵּ֖ל (lə·hiṯ·pal·lêl)
Preposition-l | Verb - Hitpael - Infinitive construct
Strong's 6419: To judge, to intercede, pray

to
אֶל־ (’el-)
Preposition
Strong's 413: Near, with, among, to

the LORD.
יְהוָֽה׃ (Yah·weh)
Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 3068: LORD -- the proper name of the God of Israel


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OT History: 1 Samuel 1:26 She said Oh my lord as your (1Sa iSam 1 Sam i sa)
1 Samuel 1:25
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