1 Samuel 1:6
And her adversary also provoked her sore, for to make her fret, because the LORD had shut up her womb.
Original Language Analysis
וְכִֽעֲסַ֤תָּה
also provoked
H3707
וְכִֽעֲסַ֤תָּה
also provoked
Strong's:
H3707
Word #:
1 of 11
to trouble; by implication, to grieve, rage, be indignant
גַּם
H1571
גַּם
Strong's:
H1571
Word #:
3 of 11
properly, assemblage; used only adverbially also, even, yea, though; often repeated as correl. both...and
בַּֽעֲב֖וּר
H5668
בַּֽעֲב֖וּר
Strong's:
H5668
Word #:
5 of 11
properly, crossed, i.e., (abstractly) transit; used only adverbially, on account of, in order that
הַרְּעִמָ֑הּ
for to make her fret
H7481
הַרְּעִמָ֑הּ
for to make her fret
Strong's:
H7481
Word #:
6 of 11
to tumble, i.e., be violently agitated; specifically, to crash (of thunder); figuratively, to irritate (with anger)
כִּֽי
H3588
כִּֽי
Strong's:
H3588
Word #:
7 of 11
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
יְהוָ֖ה
because the LORD
H3068
יְהוָ֖ה
because the LORD
Strong's:
H3068
Word #:
9 of 11
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
Cross References
Job 6:14To him that is afflicted pity should be shewed from his friend; but he forsaketh the fear of the Almighty.Job 24:21He evil entreateth the barren that beareth not: and doeth not good to the widow.Leviticus 18:18Neither shalt thou take a wife to her sister, to vex her, to uncover her nakedness, beside the other in her life time.
Historical Context
The term tsarah specifically describes a rival wife in a polygamous marriage, highlighting the inherent tension in such arrangements. Ancient Near Eastern texts also document conflicts between co-wives competing for status through fertility.
Questions for Reflection
- How do you respond when others exploit your vulnerabilities or areas of perceived failure?
- What spiritual lessons might God be teaching through the provocations you face?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
Peninnah's role as Hannah's 'adversary' (Hebrew: tsarah, also meaning 'rival wife') introduces a pattern of provocation. The verb 'provoked' (ka'as) indicates deliberate, repeated irritation designed to cause grief. Her cruelty exploited Hannah's deepest wound and turned joyful worship occasions into times of torment. This domestic persecution mirrors the spiritual opposition believers face from the enemy who attacks at points of vulnerability. Yet God uses such trials to drive His people toward desperate dependence on Him.