Book of 1 Samuel - Chapter 1 - Verse 13

In this verse from the book of 1 Samuel in the Bible, the story of Hannah praying silently is described. Hannah, who was barren and desperate for a child, visited the tabernacle to pray to God for a son. However, instead of praying out loud, Hannah spoke in her heart, moving only her lips without making a sound. When the priest Eli saw her behavior, he mistakenly thought she was drunk. This misunderstanding highlights the deeply personal and intense nature of Hannah's prayer, as she poured out her heart to God silently but fervently. It also serves as a reminder that outward appearances can be deceiving, and that true faith and devotion can be demonstrated in ways that may not be immediately obvious to others. The story of Hannah's silent prayer ultimately reveals her faithfulness and trust in God, as he eventually answered her prayers by granting her a son, Samuel.

The verse in question comes from the story of Hannah, a barren woman who prayed fervently to God for a child. In this passage, we see Hannah pouring out her heart to God in prayer, so deeply absorbed in her conversation with Him that her lips moved but no sound came out. This private prayer demonstrates Hannah's sincerity and devotion to God, as she turns to Him in her time of need. The word "spake" in this verse can be interpreted to mean that Hannah was speaking or articulating her thoughts, even though her words were not audible to Eli, the priest who observed her. Some scholars suggest that Eli mistakenly assumed Hannah was drunk because her behavior was unusual for the temple setting. Overall, this passage highlights the power of silent, heartfelt prayer and shows Hannah's unwavering faith in God's ability to answer her prayers.