1 Samuel 2:26The child Samuel grew on, and increased in favor both with Yahweh, and also with men.
The setting
Shiloh, Israel, ~1100 BC. While Eli's sons spiral downward, young Samuel serves faithfully at the tabernacle, growing in maturity...
The emotion here: relief and joy watching one child flourish while others fail
The original word
gadol (גָּדַל) — to grow up, become great, but implies healthy development in all areas
Why it matters
Samuel was the last of the judges and first of the prophets, bridging two eras
Read with care
What most readers miss in 1 Samuel 2:26
This verse is sandwiched between stories of Eli's failures — Samuel thrives despite the toxic environment around him
Common misconceptionPeople think good kids automatically come from good environments, but Samuel grew up around Eli's corrupt sons. Character can develop even in difficult circumstances.
The thread continues
Verses that echo 1 Samuel 2:26
Bible Genome reading
1 Samuel 2:26 — Bible Genome reading
Emotional genome
1 Samuel 2:26 comes from the book of 1 Samuel, written during the judges period. These words are attributed to Narrator. The dominant emotion in this verse is joyful, with a comfort power of 70% and a tone that is celebratory. It belongs to the narrative genre of biblical literature. Key themes include growth, divine favor, character. Notable phrases: Samuel grew; favor with Yahweh and men.
Emotionally similar
Verses that meet the same joyful
“For to us a child is born. To us a son is given; and the government will be on his shoulders. His name will be called Wonderful, Counselor, …”
— Isaiah 9:6
“For as in Adam all die, so also in Christ all will be made alive.”
— 1 Corinthians 15:22
“"Death, where is your sting? Hades, where is your victory?"”
— 1 Corinthians 15:55
“Rejoice always.”
— 1 Thessalonians 5:16
“Therefore if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old things have passed away. Behold, all things have become new.”
— 2 Corinthians 5:17
Your reflection
What does 1 Samuel 2:26 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 "joyful"
Delivered to your inbox right now. Free.