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.

1 SAMUEL 1:2KJV
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1 Samuel 1:2 (KJV)

What does 1 Samuel 1:2 mean?

1 Samuel 1:2 describes a man named Elkanah who had two wives: one named Hannah and the other named Peninnah. Peninnah had children, but Hannah did not have any children.

This verse sets up the family situation at the beginning of the story. The focus is on the contrast between the two wives, especially highlighting Hannah’s childlessness, which becomes a central issue in the following verses. The verse introduces the main characters and hints at the tension that will shape the events to come.