1 Samuel 1:4 Meaning and Explanation
“And when the time was that Elkanah offered, he gave to Peninnah his wife, and to all her sons and her daughters, portions:”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →At the sacrifice, Elkanah distributes portions of the offering to Peninnah and all her children.
What Does 1 Samuel 1:4 Mean?
The sacrifice at Shiloh included a shared meal, and Elkanah hands out portions to each member of his family. Peninnah and her sons and daughters all receive their share, and the verse lingers on how many there are. The scene is meant to be felt: a full table, children everywhere, and one woman with no child to feed.
What looks like a happy family gathering is, for Hannah, a yearly reminder of her emptiness. Scripture does not hide the way that even sacred occasions can sharpen private grief. Yet the same God who is being worshiped at this feast already sees the one who feels left out. The contrast set here prepares us to watch the Lord turn an aching absence into a gift no one at the table expected.
Frequently Asked Questions About 1 Samuel 1:4
What does 1 Samuel 1:4 mean?
At the sacrifice, Elkanah distributes portions of the offering to Peninnah and all her children.