Peninnah פְּנִנָּה

Peninnah was one of the two wives of Elkanah, an Ephraimite man, and the rival of Hannah, according to 1Sa.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 (1Sa.1.4-5). Peninnah would provoke and irritate Hannah because of her barrenness, causing Hannah great distress (1Sa.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.