Keraia
1 Samuel 2

1 Samuel 2:1

Hannah’s Prayer of Thanksgiving · 1 Samuel 2:1–11
Read 1 Samuel 2

Translations

Modern
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.
Traditional
And Hannah prayed, and said, My heart rejoiceth in the Lord, mine horn is exalted in the Lord: my mouth is enlarged over mine enemies; because I rejoice in thy salvation.
Literal
And Hannah prayed and said, “My heart rejoices in YHWH; My horn is exalted in YHWH. My mouth is wide over my enemies, for I rejoice in Your salvation.
Latin
Exultavit cor meum in Domino, et exaltatum est cornu meum in Deo meo; dilatatum est os meum super inimicos meos: quia lætata sum in salutari tuo.

Original

Hebrew
English
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.

Notes

1 Samuel 2:1

my horn is exalted: Literally has lifted my horn; see also 1 Samuel 2:10. The horn of a strong animal, like an ox or bull, was a symbol of strength. It was raised in victory after defeating an enemy (see also 1 Kings 22:11).

1 Samuel 2:1–10

Hannah’s Prayer of Praise celebrates Samuel's dedication to serving God. It highlights God's:

Like Mary’s Song of Praise in Luke 1:46–55, Hannah’s prayer emphasizes God bringing down the rich and powerful and lifting up the poor and oppressed (1 Samuel 2:7–8; Luke 1:52–53). David’s prayer in 2 Samuel 22 is another beautiful statement of God’s saving power for his chosen king (1 Samuel 2:10). God will bring down the rich, unrighteous rulers (like Eli, Saul, or Herod). Leaders who follow God's will like Samuel, David or Jesus will be lifted up to a higher position or status.

Parallels

Luke 1:46–56

People

Hannah: The mother of the prophet Samuel

Glossary

Hannah Joy Magnificat Phinehas Priests and Levites Salvation Samuel (Person) Samuel, Books of First and Second

Topics

All Christians should be As Missionaries: Hannah Barrenness: A Reproach Character of the Renewed Heart: Joyful in God Hannah: Her Hymn of Praise Heart: Renewed: Be Joyful Horns: (Exalting) of Increase of Power and Glory Israel: Under the Judges: Led by Eli for Forty Years Joy of Hannah, when Samuel Was Born Joy: Holy: Hannah Joy: Unclassified Scriptures Relating To Poetry: Lyrics, Sacred: Hannah's Song Praise of Hannah Psalms of Hannah, in Thankfulness for a Son Samuel: His Mother's Song of Thanksgiving Satire: Hannah's Song of Exultation Over Peninnah Women: As Poets: Hannah