Hannah
PeopleWhat is the meaning of Hannah in the Bible?
Hannah was one of the two wives of Elkanah, an Ephraimite residing in Ramathaim-zophim. She experienced significant distress due to her infertility and prayed fervently for a son, vowing to dedicate him to divine service from birth.
SIGNIFICANCE
Understanding Hannah's narrative provides insight into the cultural importance of fertility in ancient Israel and illustrates the transition of leadership from the period of judges to the monarchy through the consecration of her son, Samuel.
Bible Study Quick-Reference Guide
Genealogy & Community Insight: When reading, notice how the lineage and actions of Hannah reveal God's preservation of family clans and community records across generations.
Bible Study Reflection Prompts:
- Why did the biblical author mention Hannah in this passage?
- What cultural or historical assumption does Hannah 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
"Hannah." Ancient Context Dictionary. Accessed 2026. https://ancientcontext.com/context/hannah/