Peninnah פְּנִנָּה
Elkanah's wife, rival of Hannah
Who is Peninnah in the Bible?
Peninnah was one of the two wives of Elkanah, an Ephraimite man, and the rival of Hannah, Samuel's mother, according to 1 Samuel 1:2. Unlike Hannah, Peninnah had children, and Elkanah would distribute portions of sacrificial meat to her and her offspring, though he gave Hannah a double portion because of his greater love for her (1 Samuel 1:4-5). Peninnah regularly provoked and irritated Hannah because of Hannah's barrenness, causing her significant emotional pain (1 Samuel 1:6-7). Her role in the narrative highlights the difficulties of polygamy in ancient Israel and serves as a stark contrast to Hannah's steadfast faith, demonstrating how Hannah's patient prayer and trust in God ultimately prevailed over her rival's taunting.
Biography
Peninnah was one of the two wives of Elkanah, an Ephraimite man, and the rival of Hannah, according to 1Sa.1.2. Peninnah had children, while Hannah was initially barren. Elkanah would give portions of the sacrificial meat to Peninnah and her children, but he would give a double portion to Hannah because he loved her (1Sa.1.4-5). Peninnah would provoke and irritate Hannah because of her barrenness, causing Hannah great distress (1Sa.1.6-7). This rivalry between the two wives highlights the challenges of polygamy and the importance of children in ancient Israelite society. Peninnah's actions also serve as a contrast to Hannah's faith and prayerful response to her situation.
Family
In Scripture
1 biblical book1 Samuel 2 verses
- 1 Samuel 1:2
"He had two wives, one named Hannah and the other Peninnah. And Peninnah had children, but Hannah had none."
- 1 Samuel 1:4
"And whenever the day came for Elkanah to present his sacrifice, he would give portions to his wife Peninnah and to all her sons and daughters."
Names & Aliases
| Form | Language | Script |
|---|---|---|
| Named | Hebrew | פְּנִנָּה |