Peninnah
PeopleWhat is the meaning of Peninnah in the Bible?
Peninnah was the second wife of Elkanah, father of Samuel. She is mentioned in 1 Samuel 1:2 and 4.
SIGNIFICANCE
Her rivalry with Hannah provides the narrative context for the birth of Samuel and the development of themes regarding prayer and divine favor in the biblical text.
Bible Study Quick-Reference Guide
Genealogy & Community Insight: When reading, notice how the lineage and actions of Peninnah reveal God's preservation of family clans and community records across generations.
Bible Study Reflection Prompts:
- Why did the biblical author mention Peninnah in this passage?
- What cultural or historical assumption does Peninnah clarify?
Scripture Passages Mentioned:
1 Samuel 1:2
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
"Peninnah." Ancient Context Dictionary. Accessed 2026. https://ancientcontext.com/context/peninnah/