### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word **Pᵉninnâh**, represented by `{{H6444}}`, is the proper name of an **Israelitess**. It appears **3 times** across **2 unique verses** in the Bible. The name identifies a specific individual in the narrative of 1 Samuel, where her primary role is defined by her family relationships and her status as a mother.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In the biblical narrative, `{{H6444}}` identifies one of the two{H8147} wives{H802} of a man named Elkanah{H511}. She is introduced alongside the other wife, Hannah{H2584}, with a crucial distinction: **Peninnah{H6444}** had children{H3206}, while Hannah was childless [[1 Samuel 1:2]]. This status is reinforced when Elkanah{H511} offered{H2076} sacrifices and gave{H5414} portions{H4490} to **Peninnah{H6444}** and all her sons{H1121} and daughters{H1323} [[1 Samuel 1:4]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words provide context for Peninnah's role in the story:
* `{{H2584}}` **Channâh** (Hannah): Peninnah's story is inextricably linked to Hannah, the other wife{H802} of Elkanah{H511}. Peninnah's fertility is contrasted directly with Hannah's barrenness [[1 Samuel 1:2]].
* `{{H511}}` **ʼElqânâh** (Elkanah): The husband of both Peninnah and Hannah. It is through him that Peninnah's place in the family is established, as he distributes portions{H4490} to her and her children [[1 Samuel 1:4]].
* `{{H1121}}` **bên** (a son): Peninnah's identity in the narrative is defined by her children. The mention of her sons{H1121} and daughters{H1323} highlights her fruitfulness and contrasts with Hannah's initial inability to have a son [[1 Samuel 1:4]].
* `{{H802}}` **ʼishshâh** (a woman; wife): This word establishes Peninnah’s role within the family structure as one of two{H8147} wives{H802}, setting up the central tension of the narrative [[1 Samuel 1:2]].
### Theological Significance
The narrative significance of `{{H6444}}` is found in her specific role within the story of 1 Samuel.
* **Symbol of Fertility:** Peninnah is presented primarily as a fruitful mother. The text explicitly states "Peninnah{H6444} had children{H3206}" in direct opposition to Hannah, who "had no children{H3206}" [[1 Samuel 1:2]].
* **Narrative Contrast:** Her character serves as a foil to Hannah{H2584}. Peninnah's blessing of children highlights the depth of Hannah's sorrow, which ultimately drives her to make a vow to God.
* **Family Dynamic:** Peninnah is a key figure in the family structure whose presence underscores the value placed on children. Her receiving of portions{H4490} for her sons{H1121} and daughters{H1323} is a tangible display of the blessings she possessed [[1 Samuel 1:4]].
### Summary
In summary, **Pᵉninnâh `{{H6444}}`** is more than just a name. She is a pivotal, though minor, character whose presence in the narrative is essential for understanding the trials and faith of Hannah{H2584}. Defined by her fertility, Peninnah represents a specific type of blessing within her family, and her role as a rival wife is the catalyst for one of the Old Testament's most profound stories of prayer and divine intervention.
TRV