Lexical Definition

‎פְּנִנָּה‎ Pᵉninnâh (pen-in-naw') Peninnah ^N:N-F-P
probably feminine from ‎פָּנִין‎ contr.

Peninnah.

• § Peninnah = "jewel"
• Peninnah, an Israelitess

1) the other wife of Elkanah besides Hannah

Extended Information

• A woman living at the time of United Monarchy, first mentioned at 1Sa.1.2 married to Elkanah (אֶלְקָנָה)

Brown-Driver-Briggs

‎פְּנִנָּה‎ proper name, feminine (properly singular of foregoing ?) wife of Elkanah 1Sam 1:2 (twice in verse); 1Sam 1:4, Φεννανα.

Brown-Driver-Briggs References

Profile

Female • Elkanah's wife, rival of Hannah

Woman living at the time of United Monarchy

Peninnah, one of Elkanah's two wives and the rival of Hannah, Samuel's mother.

• A woman living at the time of United Monarchy, first mentioned at 1Sa.1.2;
• only referred to as Peninnah פְּנִנָּה;
• wife of Elkanah אֶלְקָנָה.

Peninnah was one of the two wives of Elkanah, an Ephraimite man, and the rival of Hannah, according to 1 Samuel 1:2. Peninnah had children, while Hannah was initially barren. Elkanah would give portions of the sacrificial meat to Peninnah and her children, but he would give a double portion to Hannah because he loved her (1 Samuel 1:4-5). Peninnah would provoke and irritate Hannah because of her barrenness, causing Hannah great distress (1 Samuel 1:6-7). This rivalry between the two wives highlights the challenges of polygamy and the importance of children in ancient Israelite society. Peninnah's actions also serve as a contrast to Hannah's faith and prayerful response to her situation.

All entries for Peninnah: פְּנִנָּה

Related Profiles:

• Elkanah (spouse)