1 Samuel 1:2 Meaning and Explanation
“And he had two wives; the name of the one was Hannah, and the name of the other Peninnah: and Peninnah had children, but Hannah had no children.”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →Elkanah has two wives, Hannah and Peninnah; Peninnah has children, but Hannah is childless.
What Does 1 Samuel 1:2 Mean?
The household carries a deep and painful tension. Peninnah has borne children, while Hannah has none. In Israel, children were seen as a blessing and a hope, and barrenness brought sorrow and shame. The narrator states Hannah's emptiness plainly and lets it stand, setting the stage for everything that follows.
Hannah's name is spoken first, and her ache becomes the heart of the chapter. Scripture often turns its gaze toward the one who suffers and seems forgotten. Sarah, Rebekah, and Rachel each waited through childlessness before God acted, and here that pattern returns. The Lord has a way of meeting people precisely in their emptiness, and the longing that aches in Hannah is the place where grace will soon break in.
Frequently Asked Questions About 1 Samuel 1:2
What does 1 Samuel 1:2 mean?
Elkanah has two wives, Hannah and Peninnah; Peninnah has children, but Hannah is childless.