1 Samuel 1:23Elkanah her husband said to her, "Do what seems good to you. Wait until you have weaned him; only may Yahweh establish his word." So the woman waited and nursed her son, until she weaned him.
The setting
Ramah, Israel, ~1100 BC. Elkanah gently supports his wife's vow, though it means losing their son. She nurses Samuel, knowing each day brings them closer to separation...
The emotion here: tenderly protective while personally costly
The original word
qum (קום) — to establish, make firm, literally 'cause to stand'
Why it matters
Ancient Hebrew fathers had legal authority to void their wives' vows, but Elkanah chose not to
Read with care
What most readers miss in 1 Samuel 1:23
Elkanah could have legally canceled Hannah's vow but chose to honor it, knowing it would cost him his son
Common misconceptionThis looks like passive husband going along with wife's plan. Actually, Elkanah is actively choosing to honor God's claim on his family despite personal loss.
The thread continues
Verses that echo 1 Samuel 1:23
Bible Genome reading
1 Samuel 1:23 — Bible Genome reading
Emotional genome
1 Samuel 1:23 comes from the book of 1 Samuel, written during the judges period. These words are attributed to Elkanah. The dominant emotion in this verse is resting, with a comfort power of 70% and a tone that is tender. It belongs to the dialogue genre of biblical literature. Key themes include support, blessing, trust. Notable phrases: Do what seems good; may Yahweh establish. This verse is a prayer.
Emotionally similar
Verses that meet the same resting
“Love is patient and is kind; love doesn't envy. Love doesn't brag, is not proud,”
— 1 Corinthians 13:4
“When Jesus therefore had received the vinegar, he said, "It is finished." He bowed his head, and gave up his spirit.”
— John 19:30
“Yahweh is my shepherd: I shall lack nothing.”
— Psalms 23:1
“Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me. Your rod and your staff, they comfor…”
— Psalms 23:4
“"Be still, and know that I am God. I will be exalted among the nations. I will be exalted in the earth."”
— Psalms 46:10
Your reflection
What does 1 Samuel 1:23 mean to you, today?
A short note. A question. A prayer. Saved privately to your Soul Garden, dated, and tied to this verse forever.
Speak your heart →Get 3 verses for "resting"
Delivered to your inbox right now. Free.