1 Samuel 1:2

Authorized King James 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.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וְלוֹ֙
H0
#2
שְׁתֵּ֣י
And he had two
two; also (as ordinal) twofold
#3
נָשִׁ֔ים
wives
a woman
#4
וְשֵׁ֥ם
and the name
an appellation, as a mark or memorial of individuality; by implication honor, authority, character
#5
אַחַת֙
of the one
properly, united, i.e., one; or (as an ordinal) first
#6
וּלְחַנָּ֖ה
but Hannah
channah, an israelitess
#7
וְשֵׁ֥ם
and the name
an appellation, as a mark or memorial of individuality; by implication honor, authority, character
#8
הַשֵּׁנִ֖ית
of the other
properly, double, i.e., second; also adverbially, again
#9
לִפְנִנָּה֙
Peninnah
peninnah, an israelitess
#10
וַיְהִ֤י
to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)
#11
לִפְנִנָּה֙
Peninnah
peninnah, an israelitess
#12
יְלָדִֽים׃
had children
something born, i.e., a lad or offspring
#13
וּלְחַנָּ֖ה
but Hannah
channah, an israelitess
#14
אֵ֥ין
a nonentity; generally used as a negative particle
#15
יְלָדִֽים׃
had children
something born, i.e., a lad or offspring

Analysis

This verse develops the salvation theme central to 1 Samuel. The concept of divine revelation reflects the development of salvation within biblical theology. The literary structure and word choice here contribute to biblical literature contributing to the canon's theological witness, advancing the author's theological argument. The original language emphasizes careful word choice that would have carried specific theological weight for the original audience, providing deeper understanding of the author's theological intention.

Historical Context

This passage must be understood within the political and social structures of the biblical period. The author writes to address believers seeking to understand God's will and purposes, making the emphasis on salvation particularly relevant. Historical documents from this period show cultural practices and social structures that would have been familiar to the original readers, illuminating the verse's original impact.

Questions for Reflection

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