Translations
Modern
“Do what you think is best,” her husband Elkanah replied, “and stay here until you have weaned him. Only may the LORD confirm His word.” So Hannah stayed and nursed her son until she had weaned him.
Traditional
And Elkanah her husband said unto her, Do what seemeth thee good; tarry until thou have weaned him; only the Lord establish his word. So the woman abode, and gave her son suck until she weaned him.
Literal
And Elkanah her husband said to her, “Do what is good in your eyes. Wait until you have weaned him. Only let YHWH establish His word.” And the woman stayed and nursed her son until she had weaned him.
Latin
Et ait ei Elcana vir suus: Fac quod bonum tibi videtur, et mane donec ablactes eum: precorque ut impleat Dominus verbum suum. Mansit ergo mulier, et lactavit filium suum, donec amoveret eum a lacte.
Original
Hebrew
English
“Do what you think is best,” her husband Elkanah replied, “and stay here until you have weaned him. Only may the LORD confirm His word.” So Hannah stayed and nursed her son until she had weaned him.
Notes
Elkanah could have canceled Hannah’s promise (see Numbers 30:12–14). But he chose to affirm and support it instead.
Theme notes and profiles
People
Elkanah: The father of the prophet Samuel
Glossary
Eli Hannah Joshua, Book of Moses Nurse Phinehas Samuel, Books of First and Second Shiloh Vow, Vows
Topics
Elkanah: Father of Samuel; a Descendant of the Preceding Hannah: Samuel Born To, Dedicated Him to God, Leaves Him at the Temple