At The Temple
We discussed Hannah’s praying, infertility, and social stigma in previous posts.
Today, we will look at two scripture translations of the same sentence to better understand what was going on in Hannah’s mind and heart.
Hannah is at the Temple to set the stage.
She is praying. We pick up the story there.
“As she kept on praying to the Lord, Eli observed her mouth. Hannah was praying in her heart, and her lips were moving but her voice was not heard. Eli thought she was drunk and said to her, “How long are you going to stay drunk? Put away your wine.” – 1 Samuel 1:12-14
She answered Eli in the section below where we look at the Complete Jewish Bible (CJB) and the New International Version (NIV).
The Depth of Pain
Consider these two translations of 1 Samuel 1:16:
Don’t think of your servant as a worthless woman; because I have been speaking from the depth of my distress and anger. – CJB
Do not take your servant for a wicked woman; I have been praying here out of my great anguish and grief. – NIV
At first glance, these differences may seem subtle. Yet, the “worthless” underscores a searing sense of personal devaluation. It is a harsh judgment on Hannah’s very identity. Similarly, “distress and anger” evoke a raw, immediate reaction.
The NIV’s use of “wicked” hints at misinterpretation. And the “anguish and grief” suggests enduring sorrow. Something that lingers.
Either way, both versions capture the turbulent mix of emotions Hannah was experiencing.
Join me next time as we witness the miracle of a blessing from Eli, the Priest.
#March #WomensHistoryMonth #WomenintheBible #ObscureWomen #WomeninHistory #Tabitha #Hannah #Lydia #Shiphrah #WomanattheWell #Legacy
I and Thou Reflections 