Shmuel A (Book of 1 Samuel)

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3:02 h Judaism

The Jewish Publication Society of America Version (JPS) of the Tanakh (the Hebrew Bible) was the first Bible translation published by the Jewish Publication Society of America and the first translation of the Tanakh into English by a committee of Jews. The full publication title is The Holy Scriptures According to the Masoretic Text: A New Translation with the Aid of Previous Versions and with Constant Consultation of Jewish Authorities. The Book of Samuel forms part of the narrative history of Israel in the Nevi'im. According to Jewish tradition, the book was written by Samuel, with additions by the prophets Gad and Nathan.

Shmuel A
(Book of 1 Samuel)

שְׁמוּאֵל א

Nevi’im - נביאים

Shmuel A - Chapter 1

Now there was a certain man of Ramathaim-zophim, of the hill-country of Ephraim, and his name was Elkanah, the son of Jeroham, the son of Elihu, the son of Tohu, the son of Zuph, an Ephraimite.

And he had two wives: the name of the one was Hannah, and the name of the other Peninnah; and Peninnah had children, but Hannah had no children.

And this man went up out of his city from year to year to worship and to sacrifice unto the LORD of hosts in Shiloh. And the two sons of Eli, Hophni and Phinehas, were there priests unto the LORD.

And it came to pass upon a day, when Elkanah sacrificed, that he gave to Peninnah his wife, and to all her sons and her daughters, portions; but unto Hannah he gave a double portion; for he loved Hannah, but the LORD had shut up her womb.

And her rival vexed her sore, to make her fret, because the LORD had shut up her womb.

And as he did so year by year, when she went up to the house of the LORD, so she vexed her; therefore she wept, and would not eat.

And Elkanah her husband said unto her: ‘Hannah, why weepest thou? and why eatest thou not? and why is thy heart grieved? am not I better to thee than ten sons?’ So Hannah rose up after they had eaten in Shiloh, and after they had drunk — now Eli the priest sat upon his seat by the door-post of the temple of the LORD; and she was in bitterness of soul — and prayed unto the LORD, and wept sore.

And she vowed a vow, and said: ‘O LORD of hosts, if Thou wilt indeed look on the affliction of Thy handmaid, and remember me, and not forget Thy handmaid, but wilt give unto Thy handmaid a man-child, then I will give him unto the LORD all the days of his life, and there shall no razor come upon his head.’

And it came to pass, as she prayed long before the LORD, that Eli watched her mouth.

Now Hannah, she spoke in her heart; only her lips moved, but her voice could not be heard; therefore, Eli thought she had been drunken.

And Eli said unto her: ‘How long wilt thou be drunken? put away thy wine from thee.’

And Hannah answered and said: ‘No, my lord, I am a woman of a sorrowful spirit; I have drunk neither wine nor strong drink, but I poured out my soul before the LORD.

Count not thy handmaid for a wicked woman: for out of the abundance of my complaint and my vexation have I spoken hitherto.’

Then Eli answered and said: ‘Go in peace, and the God of Israel grant thy petition that thou hast asked of Him.’