probably feminine from פָּנִין contr.; Peninnah, an Israelitess; Peninnah.
Transliteration:Pᵉninnâh
Pronunciation:pen-in-naw'
Detailed Word Study
AI-Generated
Loading Study...
### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word פְּנִנָּה (Pᵉninnâh), Strong's H6444, is a proper noun, specifically the name of an Israelitess. Its base definition indicates it is likely a feminine form derived from פָּנִין (pānin), Strong's `{{H6443}}`. The root word `{{H6443}}` means "coral" or "pearl," signifying something precious, valuable, or beautiful. Therefore, the name Peninnah itself carries the semantic implication of "pearl," "jewel," or "precious one." As a proper noun, its primary function is to identify a specific individual; however, its etymological root lends a layer of potential symbolic meaning that contrasts with the individual's actions in the biblical narrative.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
Peninnah appears exclusively in the book of 1 Samuel, specifically within the opening chapters that introduce the family of Elkanah and the birth of Samuel. She is presented as one of Elkanah's two wives, the other being Hannah. The narrative highlights a stark contrast between the two women: Peninnah had children, while Hannah was barren.
The key occurrences are found in:
* [[1 Samuel 1:2]]: "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." This verse immediately establishes Peninnah's fertility in contrast to Hannah's barrenness.
* [[1 Samuel 1:4]]: "And when the day came that Elkanah offered, he gave to Peninnah his wife, and to all her sons and her daughters, portions." This indicates her numerous offspring.
* [[1 Samuel 1:6]]: "And her adversary also provoked her sore, for to make her fret, because the LORD had shut up her womb." The term "adversary" here refers to Peninnah. She actively and persistently tormented Hannah.
* [[1 Samuel 1:7]]: "And as he did so year by year, when she went up to the house of the LORD, so she provoked her; therefore she wept, and did not eat." This reiterates the recurring nature of Peninnah's cruel provocation, which led to Hannah's deep distress and weeping.
The context reveals Peninnah not merely as a co-wife but as an antagonist to Hannah. Her actions are characterized by deliberate taunting and vexation, exploiting Hannah's deep sorrow over her barrenness. This constant provocation serves as a catalyst for Hannah's desperate prayer and vow to the Lord, ultimately leading to the birth of Samuel.
### Related Words & Concepts
* **פָּנִין (pānin) `{{H6443}}`**: The direct etymological root of Peninnah, meaning "coral" or "pearl." This connection suggests a name implying beauty or preciousness, which stands in ironic contrast to Peninnah's character in the narrative.
* **חַנָּה (Channah) `{{H2584}}`**: Hannah, Elkanah's other wife, whose name means "grace" or "favor." The narrative intentionally pits Peninnah (the fruitful, yet cruel) against Hannah (the barren, yet gracious and faithful), highlighting a theological contrast.
* **עָגַר (ʿāgar) `{{H6113}}` / עָצַר (ʿāṣar) `{{H6113}}`**: Verbs related to "shutting up" or "restraining," used to describe the Lord "shutting up" Hannah's womb ([[1 Samuel 1:5-6]]). This concept is central to the narrative and directly impacts Peninnah's role as provoker.
* **פָּעַם (pāʿam) `{{H6470}}`**: The verb used for Peninnah's "provoking" or "vexing" (e.g., [[1 Samuel 1:6]]). It conveys a sense of repeated, troublesome agitation.
* **Barrenness and Fruitfulness**: A pervasive theme in biblical narratives (e.g., Sarah, Rebekah, Rachel), often highlighting divine intervention and the miraculous nature of life, particularly when a significant leader is to be born. Peninnah's fruitfulness serves as a backdrop to Hannah's barrenness and subsequent divine favor.
### Theological Significance
The character of Peninnah, despite her name's potential meaning of "precious," serves several crucial theological functions within the narrative of 1 Samuel:
1. **Contrast in Character and True Blessing**: Peninnah's cruel taunting of Hannah highlights a profound contrast. While Peninnah possessed the outward blessing of numerous children, her actions reveal a spirit lacking compassion, humility, and godliness. Hannah, despite her initial lack of children, exemplifies faith, perseverance in prayer, and a deep reliance on God. The narrative subtly suggests that true blessing is not merely external fruitfulness but includes inner spiritual character and divine favor, often manifested through suffering and faith.
2. **Catalyst for Divine Intervention**: Peninnah's relentless provocation, while seemingly negative, acts as the primary catalyst for Hannah's desperate and fervent prayer and vow to the Lord ([[1 Samuel 1:10-11]]). This intense prayer ultimately leads to God opening Hannah's womb and the birth of Samuel, a pivotal figure in Israel's history. Thus, even adversarial actions can be providentially used by God to bring about His purposes.
3. **God's Sovereignty Over Life**: The narrative explicitly states that "the LORD had shut up her womb" ([[1 Samuel 1:5-6]]). Peninnah's fertility, therefore, is not a sign of her greater favor but rather part of God's sovereign plan to orchestrate the circumstances for Hannah's miraculous conception and the subsequent dedication of Samuel. The story underscores God's ultimate control over life, barrenness, and fruitfulness.
4. **The Nature of Suffering and Prayer**: Peninnah's role emphasizes the reality of suffering within the family unit and how such suffering can drive individuals to a deeper, more desperate reliance on God through prayer. Hannah's response to Peninnah's cruelty is not retaliation but turning to the Lord, demonstrating a path of faith in adversity.
### Summary
Pᵉninnâh (H6444) is a proper name, likely meaning "pearl" or "jewel," derived from the Hebrew word for "coral" or "pearl" (`{{H6443}}`). She is known exclusively from the book of 1 Samuel as one of Elkanah's two wives, famous for her cruel and persistent provocation of Hannah due to Hannah's barrenness. Despite her name suggesting preciousness and her having many children, Peninnah's character is portrayed negatively, serving as an antagonist to Hannah. Theologically, Peninnah's role is crucial: she acts as a foil to Hannah, highlighting the contrast between outward blessing and true spiritual character. Her actions serve as a catalyst for Hannah's fervent prayer and vow, ultimately leading to the miraculous birth of Samuel and underscoring God's sovereignty over life, the nature of true blessing, and the power of prayer in the midst of suffering.
TRV