Elkanah
PeopleWhat is the meaning of Elkanah in the Bible?
Elkanah was an Ephraimite from Ramathaim-zophim who served as the father of the prophet Samuel and had two wives, Hannah and Peninnah.
SIGNIFICANCE
Understanding Elkanah's role clarifies the familial context of Samuel's birth and the narrative tension between Hannah and Peninnah, illustrating the social dynamics of the era.
Bible Study Quick-Reference Guide
Genealogy & Community Insight: When reading, notice how the lineage and actions of Elkanah reveal God's preservation of family clans and community records across generations.
Bible Study Reflection Prompts:
- Why did the biblical author mention Elkanah in this passage?
- What cultural or historical assumption does Elkanah clarify?
Source Attribution
Built upon the 1915 International Standard Bible Encyclopedia and Easton's Bible Dictionary (1897). Entries have been modernized, checked for academic truthfulness, and shortened for clarity.
How to Cite This Entry
"Elkanah." Ancient Context Dictionary. Accessed 2026. https://ancientcontext.com/context/elkanah/