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.

Where else these words appear

“Peninnah” Hebrew H6444 · used in 2 verses

  • 1 Samuel 1:4 And when the time was that Elkanah offered, he gave to Peninnah his wife, and to all her sons and her daughters, portions:

“Hannah” Hebrew H2584 · used in 11 verses

  • 1 Samuel 1:5 But unto Hannah he gave a worthy portion; for he loved Hannah: but the LORD had shut up her womb.
  • 1 Samuel 1:13 Now Hannah, she spake in her heart; only her lips moved, but her voice was not heard: therefore Eli thought she had been drunken.
  • 1 Samuel 1:20 Wherefore it came to pass, when the time was come about after Hannah had conceived, that she bare a son, and called his name Samuel, saying, Because I have asked him of the LORD.

“children” Hebrew H3206 · used in 76 verses

  • Genesis 4:23 And Lamech said unto his wives, Adah and Zillah, Hear my voice; ye wives of Lamech, hearken unto my speech: for I have slain a man to my wounding, and a young man to my hurt.
  • Exodus 21:4 If his master have given him a wife, and she have born him sons or daughters; the wife and her children shall be her master's, and he shall go out by himself.
  • 2 Chronicles 10:14 And answered them after the advice of the young men, saying, My father made your yoke heavy, but I will add thereto: my father chastised you with whips, but I will chastise you with scorpions.