Definition: Then said Elkanah her husband to 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?

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from 1 Samuel 1:8. It's a really interesting and poignant passage about a woman's feelings and her perspective. Here’s the explanation in simpler terms: The Basic Idea: This verse is about a woman feeling incredibly lonely and desperate after giving birth to a baby boy. She’s questioning if it was better to have only one child than this new, vulnerable life. It’s a moment of intense emotional turmoil. Let's unpack it piece by piece: “Then said Elkanah her husband to her, Hannah, why weepest thou? and why eatest thou not?” – This is Elkanah, her husband, speaking to her. He’s asking why she’s upset. It's a gentle but serious inquiry. “Weepest thou?” means "Are you sad?" "Eatest thou not?" means "Are you content?" “[am] not I better to thee than ten sons?” – This is the core of the verse and where it gets really powerful. Hannah is saying, “I’m happier with this one child than all ten!” It's a huge statement of her feelings. It’s suggesting that she feels a deeper connection, a stronger love, and a greater sense of fulfillment when she's focused on one person. What does it mean? The verse speaks to the idea of unconditional love and devotion . It suggests a profound feeling of being completely absorbed by this one child – perhaps because she feels like her son is the only thing that truly matters to her. It’s about prioritizing someone over everything else. Context is Key: This verse is part of a larger story about Hannah's life and her relationship with God. It highlights her devotion and her willingness to sacrifice for her son, even when it seems difficult. In short, this verse shows a woman experiencing intense emotional depth – loneliness, despair, and a powerful sense of affection – when she’s faced with the reality of having only one child. --- Do you want me to: Explain another part of the passage? Discuss the symbolism behind this verse (like it being about devotion)? Give you some context for why this story is significant in the Bible?