1 Samuel 1:2

King James Version:

(The Lord speaking is red text)

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.

Complete Jewish Bible:

He had two wives, one named Hannah and the other P'ninah. P'ninah had children, but Hannah had no children.

Berean Standard Bible:

He had two wives, one named Hannah and the other Peninnah. And Peninnah had children, but Hannah had none.

American Standard Version:

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.

KJV with Strong’s Numbers:

And he had two^{H8147} wives^{H802}; the name^{H8034} of the one^{H259} was Hannah^{H2584}, and the name^{H8034} of the other^{H8145} Peninnah^{H6444}: and Peninnah^{H6444} had children^{H3206}, but Hannah^{H2584} had no children^{H3206}.

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Commentary for 1 Samuel 1:2

1 Samuel 1:2 introduces a polygamous family structure, which was a common practice in the ancient Near Eastern context. The verse specifically mentions Elkanah, who has two wives, Hannah and Peninnah. This family dynamic sets the stage for exploring themes of favoritism, infertility, and divine intervention, which are central to the narrative that unfolds in 1 Samuel.

Hannah's inability to bear children is a source of personal anguish and social stigma, as fertility was highly valued in the ancient world, often seen as a sign of divine favor. In contrast, Peninnah's ability to have children exacerbates the tension within the family, as she provokes Hannah, likely due to her own insecurities or a desire for superiority within the household. This tension highlights the complex social dynamics within polygamous marriages and the competition that could arise between co-wives.

The verse also hints at the special regard Elkanah has for Hannah, which is later elaborated upon; despite her barrenness, Elkanah loves Hannah more, foreshadowing the significance of her future role. The mention of Hannah's lack of children is the prelude to her fervent prayer for a son, which leads to the birth of Samuel, a key figure in Israel's history as a prophet, priest, and the last judge.

In summary, 1 Samuel 1:2 presents a snapshot of family life in ancient Israel, with its inherent tensions and emotional struggles, particularly around the issue of infertility. It lays the groundwork for the extraordinary faith and perseverance of Hannah, whose story exemplifies the power of prayer and the sovereignty of God in human affairs. This verse is the starting point for exploring themes of God's provision, the reversal of human fortunes, and the establishment of a new era in Israel's spiritual leadership.

*This commentary is produced by Microsoft/WizardLM-2-8x22B AI model

Strong's Numbers and Definitions:

Note: H = Hebrew (OT), G = Greek (NT)

1. Strong's Number: H8147
   There are 647 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: שְׁנַיִם
   Transliteration: shᵉnayim
   Pronunciation: shen-ah'-yim
   Description: dual of שֵׁנִי; feminine שְׁתַּיִם; two; also (as ordinal) twofold; both, couple, double, second, twain, [phrase] twelfth, [phrase] twelve, [phrase] twenty (sixscore) thousand, twice, two.
   
2. Strong's Number: H802
   There are 729 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: אִשָּׁה
   Transliteration: ʼishshâh
   Pronunciation: ish-shaw'
   Description: feminine of אִישׁ or אֱנוֹשׁ; irregular plural, נָשִׁים;(used in the same wide sense as אֱנוֹשׁ); a woman; (adulter) ess, each, every, female, [idiom] many, [phrase] none, one, [phrase] together, wife, woman. Often unexpressed in English.
   
3. Strong's Number: H8034
   There are 771 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: שֵׁם
   Transliteration: shêm
   Pronunciation: shame
   Description: a primitive word (perhaps rather from through the idea of definite and conspicuous position; compare שָׁמַיִם); an appellation, as amark or memorial of individuality; by implication honor, authority, character; [phrase] base, (in-) fame(-ous), named(-d), renown, report.
   
4. Strong's Number: H259
   There are 801 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: אֶחָד
   Transliteration: ʼechâd
   Pronunciation: ekh-awd'
   Description: a numeral from אָחַד; properly, united, i.e. one; or (as an ordinal) first; a, alike, alone, altogether, and, any(-thing), apiece, a certain, (dai-) ly, each (one), [phrase] eleven, every, few, first, [phrase] highway, a man, once, one, only, other, some, together,
   
5. Strong's Number: H2584
   There are 11 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: חַנָּה
   Transliteration: Channâh
   Pronunciation: khan-naw'
   Description: from חָנַן; favored; Channah, an Israelitess; Hannah.
   
6. Strong's Number: H8145
   There are 151 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: שֵׁנִי
   Transliteration: shênîy
   Pronunciation: shay-nee'
   Description: from שָׁנָה; properly, double, i.e. second; also adverbially, again; again, either (of them), (an-) other, second (time).
   
7. Strong's Number: H6444
   There are 2 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: פְּנִנָּה
   Transliteration: Pᵉninnâh
   Pronunciation: pen-in-naw'
   Description: probably feminine from פָּנִין contr.; Peninnah, an Israelitess; Peninnah.
   
8. Strong's Number: H3206
   There are 76 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: יֶלֶד
   Transliteration: yeled
   Pronunciation: yeh'-led
   Description: from יָלַד; something born, i.e. a lad or offspring; boy, child, fruit, son, young man (one).