Judges EraOld Testament

Hannah

1 Samuel

When

c. 1100 BC· In the text

Placed by the story. The date is a rough guide. How the dates are worked out

Name meaning

"grace, favor" · Hebrew

The same name as Anna in the New Testament.

About

One of the two wives of Elkanah, childless for years while the other wife, Peninnah, had children. At the house of the Lord in Shiloh she prayed in bitterness of soul and vowed that if the Lord gave her a son she would give him back for all the days of his life. The priest Eli, watching her lips move without a sound, took her for drunk, then sent her away in peace. She bore Samuel, and when he was weaned she brought him to Shiloh and left him in the Lord's service. Her prayer of thanksgiving opens 1 Samuel 2, and she went on to bear three sons and two daughters.

Relationships

SonSamuelThe son she asked of the Lord and gave back to him

Blessed byEliPriest at Shiloh who took Hannah for drunk, and later blessed her and Elkanah

Key Scripture AppearancesKJV

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.1 Samuel 1:2, KJV

1 Samuel 1:11

And she vowed a vow, and said, O LORD of hosts, if thou wilt indeed look on the affliction of thine handmaid, and remember me, and not forget thine handmaid, but wilt give unto thine handmaid a man child, then I will give him unto the LORD all the days of his life, and there shall no razor come upon his head.1 Samuel 1:11, KJV

1 Samuel 1:20

Wherefore it came to pass, when the time was come about after Hannah had conceived, that she bare a son, and called his name Samuel, saying, Because I have asked him of the LORD.1 Samuel 1:20, KJV

1 Samuel 1:27

For this child I prayed; and the LORD hath given me my petition which I asked of him:1 Samuel 1:27, KJV

1 Samuel 2:1

And Hannah prayed, and said, My heart rejoiceth in the LORD, mine horn is exalted in the LORD: my mouth is enlarged over mine enemies; because I rejoice in thy salvation.1 Samuel 2:1, KJV

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