Peninnah
femaleUnited MonarchyMeaning: “Pearl; coral”
The second wife of Elkanah, who taunted the childless Hannah over her barrenness — provoking the prayer that brought forth the prophet Samuel.
Biography
Peninnah was the second wife of Elkanah and the rival of Hannah. Though a minor figure, her cruelty plays a key role in the opening of 1 Samuel.
The rival wife
Peninnah had children, but Hannah had none. Year after year at Shiloh, Peninnah "provoked her sore, for to make her fret, because the LORD had shut up her womb" (1 Samuel 1:6–7), reducing Hannah to tears.
Her place in the story
Peninnah's taunts drove Hannah to the desperate, faith-filled prayer that brought forth Samuel — Israel's great prophet and kingmaker. In the providence of God, even her harshness served to set the stage for the deliverer of the next generation.
Life Timeline
Provokes the barren Hannah at Shiloh
On the Bible timeline
Peninnah belongs to the Conquest & the Judges era (c. 1400 – 1050 BC).
- c. 1375 – 1050 BCThe Age of the Judges
Family Tree
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Themes & lessons from Peninnah
Biblical themes that run through the passages where Peninnah appears.
People they appear with
Scripture Appearances
2 verses in 1 book1 Samuel2 verses
1 Samuel 1:2
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 1:4
And when the time was that Elkanah offered, he gave to Peninnah his wife, and to all her sons and her daughters, portions:
Frequently asked about Peninnah
Who was Peninnah in the Bible?
The second wife of Elkanah, who taunted the childless Hannah over her barrenness — provoking the prayer that brought forth the prophet Samuel.
What does the name Peninnah mean?
The name Peninnah means “Pearl; coral”.
Where does Peninnah appear in the Bible?
Peninnah is mentioned 2 times across 1 book: 1 Samuel.
What can we learn from Peninnah?
The story of Peninnah touches on themes of hannah, polygamy, waiting upon god — explore each to study the lessons drawn from Peninnah's life.
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