Definition: Now Hannah, she spake in her heart; only her lips moved, but her voice was not heard: therefore Eli thought she had been drunken.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from 1 Samuel 1:13. It's a really interesting and somewhat surprising moment in the story of Hannah! Here’s what it means in simple terms: The Basic Idea: Hannah was speaking, but her voice wasn't audible – she wasn’t speaking clearly. And, crucially, she was acting like she was drunk. Let’s unpack it piece by piece: “Now Hannah, she spake in her heart…” : This means she was thinking and talking to herself. “…only her lips moved…” : This is the key part. Her mouth wasn't producing sound. It was just a silent thought or murmur. "...but her voice was not heard:” This is what makes it significant. Her words weren’t being heard by anyone – they were private, internal. What does this tell us about Hannah? Traditionally, this verse is interpreted as suggesting that Hannah was experiencing a moment of intense, possibly overwhelming emotion. It suggests she was so focused on her thoughts and feelings that she didn't fully express them to others. It implies a deep, private struggle. Why did Eli think she was drunk? Eli was concerned because he saw this behavior as unusual and potentially dangerous. He worried that Hannah’s internal state might be affecting her judgment or actions. He was interpreting it as a sign of being intoxicated – a risky state for a woman in that context. Important Note: This is a tradition interpretation, not the exact meaning intended by the biblical author. It's a fascinating detail that adds depth to the story! --- Do you want me to explain another Bible verse? Or would you like me to delve deeper into any of these points? For example, we could talk about: The significance of Hannah’s situation in the story of her son Samuel. The symbolism of this moment – what does it represent about faith and vulnerability?