Menu

1 Samuel 1:6

1 Samuel 1:6 in Multiple Translations

Because the LORD had closed Hannah’s womb, her rival would provoke her and taunt her viciously.

And her adversary also provoked her sore, for to make her fret, because the LORD had shut up her womb.

And her rival provoked her sore, to make her fret, because Jehovah had shut up her womb.

And the other wife did everything possible to make her unhappy, because the Lord had not let her have children;

Her rival—the other wife—would taunt her badly to upset her because the Lord hadn't given her any children.

And her aduersarie vexed her sore, forasmuch as she vpbraided her, because the Lord had made her barren.

and her adversity hath also provoked her greatly, so as to make her tremble, for Jehovah hath shut up her womb.

Her rival provoked her severely, to irritate her, because the LORD had shut up her womb.

And her adversary also provoked her greatly, to make her fret, because the LORD had made her barren.

Her rival also afflicted her, and troubled her exceedingly, insomuch that she upbraided her, that the Lord had shut up her womb:

And his other wife, Peninnah, would ridicule Hannah to make her feel miserable, because Yahweh had not allowed her to bear children.

But Penninah used to make fun of her because she had no kids. So Hannah got upset.

Study Highlights

Key words in the translations above are automatically highlighted. Names of God and Jesus are marked in purple, the Holy Spirit in orange, divine action verbs are underlined, and repeated key words are highlighted in yellow.

Enable Study Highlights
God & Jesus
Holy Spirit
Divine Actions
Repeated Words

Berean Amplified Bible — 1 Samuel 1:6

BAB
Word Study

Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.

Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.

1 Samuel 1:6 Interlinear (Deep Study)

BIB
HEB וְ/כִֽעֲסַ֤תָּ/ה צָֽרָתָ/הּ֙ גַּם כַּ֔עַס בַּ/עֲב֖וּר הַרְּעִמָ֑/הּ כִּֽי סָגַ֥ר יְהוָ֖ה בְּעַ֥ד רַחְמָֽ/הּ
וְ/כִֽעֲסַ֤תָּ/ה kaʻaç H3707 to provoke Conj | V-Piel-Perf-3fs | Suff
צָֽרָתָ/הּ֙ tsârâh H6869 dearth N-fs | Suff
גַּם gam H1571 also DirObjM
כַּ֔עַס kaʻaç H3708 vexation N-ms
בַּ/עֲב֖וּר ʻâbûwr H5668 for the sake of Prep | N-ms
הַרְּעִמָ֑/הּ râʻam H7481 to thunder V-Hiphil-Inf-a | Suff
כִּֽי kîy H3588 for Conj
סָגַ֥ר çâgar H5462 to shut V-Qal-Perf-3ms
יְהוָ֖ה Yᵉhôvâh H3068 The Lord N-proper
בְּעַ֥ד bᵉʻad H1157 about/through/for Prep
רַחְמָֽ/הּ rechem H7358 womb N-ms | Suff
Hebrew Word Study

Select any word above to explore its original meaning, root, and usage across Scripture.

Use arrow keys to navigate between words.

Hebrew Word Reference — 1 Samuel 1:6

וְ/כִֽעֲסַ֤תָּ/ה kaʻaç H3707 "to provoke" Conj | V-Piel-Perf-3fs | Suff
This verb means to provoke or make someone angry, like in Psalm 106 where it describes the Israelites' actions that angered God. It can also mean to grieve or be indignant. It's a strong emotion.
Definition: 1) to be angry, be vexed, be indignant, be wroth, be grieved, provoke to anger and wrath 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to be vexed, be indignant 1a2) to be angry 1b) (Piel) to provoke to anger 1c) (Hiphil) 1c1) to vex 1c2) to vex, provoke to anger
Usage: Occurs in 53 OT verses. KJV: be angry, be grieved, take indignation, provoke (to anger, unto wrath), have sorrow, vex, be wroth. See also: Deuteronomy 4:25; 2 Chronicles 28:25; Psalms 78:58.
צָֽרָתָ/הּ֙ tsârâh H6869 "dearth" N-fs | Suff
A vexer is someone who causes trouble or distress, like a rival wife, used in the Bible to describe relationships or situations that cause anguish or affliction, as seen in the book of Genesis.
Definition: death, destitution
Usage: Occurs in 72 OT verses. KJV: adversary, adversity, affliction, anguish, distress, tribulation, trouble. See also: Genesis 35:3; Psalms 116:3; Psalms 9:10.
גַּם gam H1571 "also" DirObjM
Also means 'even' or 'too', used for emphasis or to connect ideas, like 'both...and' or 'neither...nor'. It can introduce a climax or show contrast.
Definition: 1) also, even, indeed, moreover, yea 1a) also, moreover (giving emphasis) 1b) neither, neither...nor (with negative) 1c) even (for stress) 1d) indeed, yea (introducing climax) 1e) also (of correspondence or retribution) 1f) but, yet, though (adversative) 1g) even, yea, yea though (with 'when' in hypothetical case) 2) (TWOT) again, alike
Usage: Occurs in 661 OT verses. KJV: again, alike, also, (so much) as (soon), both (so)...and, but, either...or, even, for all, (in) likewise (manner), moreover, nay...neither, one, then(-refore), though, what, with, yea. See also: Genesis 3:6; Exodus 19:9; 1 Samuel 14:21.
כַּ֔עַס kaʻaç H3708 "vexation" N-ms
This noun refers to the feeling of anger or frustration, like in Deuteronomy 32 where it describes God's vexation with the Israelites. It can also mean grief or provocation. It's a strong negative emotion.
Definition: anger, vexation Also means: ka.as (כַּ֫עַשׂ "vexation" H3708B)
Usage: Occurs in 25 OT verses. KJV: anger, angry, grief, indignation, provocation, provoking, [idiom] sore, sorrow, spite, wrath. See also: Deuteronomy 32:19; Psalms 10:14; Psalms 6:8.
בַּ/עֲב֖וּר ʻâbûwr H5668 "for the sake of" Prep | N-ms
This Hebrew word means for the sake of or because of something, like in Genesis when God acts on account of his people's needs. It shows a reason or purpose behind an action. The KJV often translates it as because of or for someone's sake.
Definition: prep 1) for the sake of, on account of, because of, in order to conj 2) in order that
Usage: Occurs in 47 OT verses. KJV: because of, for (...'s sake), (intent) that, to. See also: Genesis 3:17; 2 Samuel 5:12; Psalms 105:45.
הַרְּעִמָ֑/הּ râʻam H7481 "to thunder" V-Hiphil-Inf-a | Suff
This Hebrew word means to make a loud, rumbling sound like thunder, and can also describe being violently angry or agitated, as seen in Psalm 104:7. It can be translated as thunder, roar, or trouble. In the Bible, it often describes God's powerful voice.
Definition: 1) to thunder 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to make the sound of thunder, thunder 1a2) to rage 1b) (Hiphil) 1b1) to thunder, cause thunder 1b2) to tremble, cause to tremble (by extension)
Usage: Occurs in 13 OT verses. KJV: make to fret, roar, thunder, trouble. See also: 1 Samuel 1:6; Job 37:5; Psalms 18:14.
כִּֽי kîy H3588 "for" Conj
A conjunction used to show cause or connection, as in Genesis 2:23 where Adam says the woman is bone of his bone because she was taken out of him. It is often translated as 'for', 'because', or 'since'.
Definition: 1) that, for, because, when, as though, as, because that, but, then, certainly, except, surely, since 1a) that 1a1) yea, indeed 1b) when (of time) 1b1) when, if, though (with a concessive force) 1c) because, since (causal connection) 1d) but (after negative) 1e) that if, for if, indeed if, for though, but if 1f) but rather, but 1g) except that 1h) only, nevertheless 1i) surely 1j) that is 1k) but if 1l) for though 1m) forasmuch as, for therefore
Usage: Occurs in 3910 OT verses. KJV: and, + (forasmuch, inasmuch, where-) as, assured(-ly), + but, certainly, doubtless, + else, even, + except, for, how, (because, in, so, than) that, + nevertheless, now, rightly, seeing, since, surely, then, therefore, + (al-) though, + till, truly, + until, when, whether, while, whom, yea, yet. See also: Genesis 1:4; Genesis 26:16; Genesis 42:15.
סָגַ֥ר çâgar H5462 "to shut" V-Qal-Perf-3ms
To shut means to close something, like a door or a container. In the Bible, this word is used to describe surrendering or giving something up, like in the book of Ezra where the Israelites shut themselves in to pray.
Definition: 1) to shut, close 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to shut 1a2) to close, close up 1a3) closed up, closely joined, shut up 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be shut up 1b2) to be shut or closed 1c) (Piel) to shut up, deliver up 1d) (Pual) to be shut up 1e) (Hiphil) 1e1) to deliver up 1e2) to shut up, imprison 2) pure gold Aramaic equivalent: se.gar (סְגַר "to shut" H5463)
Usage: Occurs in 87 OT verses. KJV: close up, deliver (up), give over (up), inclose, [idiom] pure, repair, shut (in, self, out, up, up together), stop, [idiom] straitly. See also: Genesis 2:21; 1 Kings 11:27; Psalms 17:10.
יְהוָ֖ה Yᵉhôvâh H3068 "The Lord" N-proper
Yehovah is another name for God, often translated as 'the Lord'. It is a national name for God in the Jewish faith. This name is used throughout the Old Testament.
Definition: Another name of ye.ru.sha.laim (יְרוּשָׁלִַ֫ם, יְרוּשְׁלֵם "Jerusalem" H3389)
Usage: Occurs in 5522 OT verses. KJV: Jehovah, the Lord. Compare H3050 (יָהּ), H3069 (יְהֹוִה). See also: Genesis 2:4; Genesis 24:42; Exodus 8:8.
בְּעַ֥ד bᵉʻad H1157 "about/through/for" Prep
This word means about, through, or for something, often used to describe location or action. It can be translated as 'about', 'at', 'by', or 'through', depending on the context in which it is used.
Definition: 1) behind, through, round about, on behalf of, away from, about 1a) through (of action) 1b) behind (with verbs of shutting) 1c) about (with verbs of fencing) 1d) on behalf of (metaph. especially with Hithpael)
Usage: Occurs in 81 OT verses. KJV: about, at by (means of), for, over, through, up (-on), within. See also: Genesis 7:16; 2 Chronicles 30:18; Psalms 3:4.
רַחְמָֽ/הּ rechem H7358 "womb" N-ms | Suff
This Hebrew word means womb, referring to the place where a fetus grows. It is translated as matrix or womb in the KJV, symbolizing birth and new life. It is a significant concept in biblical culture.
Definition: 1) womb 1a) womb 1b) womb-man, woman-slave, woman, two women
Usage: Occurs in 25 OT verses. KJV: matrix, womb. See also: Genesis 20:18; 1 Samuel 1:6; Psalms 22:11.

Study Notes — 1 Samuel 1:6

Show Verse Quote Highlights

Cross References

ReferenceText (BSB)
1 Job 6:14 A despairing man should have the kindness of his friend, even if he forsakes the fear of the Almighty.
2 Job 24:21 They prey on the barren and childless, and show no kindness to the widow.
3 Leviticus 18:18 You must not take your wife’s sister as a rival wife and have sexual relations with her while your wife is still alive.

1 Samuel 1:6 Summary

This verse tells us that Hannah's rival, Peninnah, would provoke and taunt her because the LORD had closed Hannah's womb, meaning she couldn't have children. This was very painful for Hannah, but it also shows us that God was in control, even in her difficult circumstances, as seen in Psalm 139:16. We can learn from Hannah's experience to trust God, even when things don't make sense, and to look to Him for comfort and strength, as promised in Isaiah 40:31 and Matthew 11:28-30. Just like Hannah, we can bring our tears and our struggles to God, and He will hear us and respond, as seen in 1 Samuel 1:17 and Psalm 34:17-18.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why did the LORD close Hannah's womb?

The Bible doesn't give a specific reason why the LORD closed Hannah's womb, but it's clear that God was sovereign over her circumstances, as seen in 1 Samuel 1:5, and that He had a larger plan in store for her, as seen in 1 Samuel 1:27-28 and Jeremiah 29:11.

Who was Hannah's rival and why was she provoking Hannah?

Hannah's rival was Peninnah, her husband Elkanah's other wife, who had children, as seen in 1 Samuel 1:4, and was provoking Hannah because of her barrenness, as stated in 1 Samuel 1:6.

Is it okay to feel provoked or taunted by others, like Hannah did?

No, it's not okay to feel provoked or taunted by others, but it's a common experience for many, as seen in the life of Job, Job 1:1-22, and the apostle Paul, 2 Corinthians 11:24-27, and God is always with us, even in difficult circumstances, as promised in Deuteronomy 31:6 and Hebrews 13:5.

How should we respond when we're provoked or taunted by others?

We should respond with trust in God, as Hannah did, 1 Samuel 1:10-18, and with forgiveness, as Jesus taught, Matthew 6:14-15, and as seen in the life of Stephen, Acts 7:60.

Reflection Questions

  1. How do I respond when I feel provoked or taunted by others, and what can I learn from Hannah's experience?
  2. In what ways can I trust God, like Hannah did, when I'm facing difficult circumstances or feeling barren in some area of my life?
  3. What are some ways I can show love and kindness to those who may be struggling with feelings of inadequacy or provocation, like Hannah was?
  4. How can I use my experiences of provocation or taunting to minister to others and point them to God's love and care, as seen in 2 Corinthians 1:3-4?

Gill's Exposition on 1 Samuel 1:6

And her adversary also provoked her sore,.... That is, Peninnah, the other wife of Elkanah; for when a man had more wives, two or more, they were usually at enmity to one another, as the two wives of

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on 1 Samuel 1:6

And her adversary also provoked her sore, for to make her fret, because the LORD had shut up her womb. Her adversary also provoked her sore , [ tsaaraataah (H6869), her rival]. The conduct of Peninnah was most unbecoming.

Matthew Poole's Commentary on 1 Samuel 1:6

Her adversary, or, her troubler, or vexer, or enemy; for so her envy or jealousy made her, though so nearly related. Compare . To make her fret, against her husband, or against God, or within herself.

Trapp's Commentary on 1 Samuel 1:6

1 Samuel 1:6 And her adversary also provoked her sore, for to make her fret, because the LORD had shut up her womb.Ver. 6. And her adversary also provoked her sore.] Aemula eius: num ita vocantur uxores digamorum Peninnah, her corival, an insolent spiteful creature, vexatious, as the Hebrew word signifieth, and violent. For to make her fret.] Or, To make her to thunder, and cause a rattle in the house, by chiding and chafing. Peninnah provoked her on purpose, and for that purpose: this was an aggravation of her sin, as it is likewise of theirs that put a word out on purpose to enrage, vex, disgrace, or discountenance another. Piscator rendereth it, Propterea quid intonabat, because she, that is, Peninnah, thundered, that is, impetuously railed, and reproached her with her barrenness. This was to add affliction to the afflicted; which is greatest inhumanity. Angens.

Ellicott's Commentary on 1 Samuel 1:6

(6) And her adversary also provoked her sore.—Jealousy, grief, anger, malice, the many bitter fruits of this way of living, so different to God’s original appointment, here show themselves. The one sin of polygamy poisons the whole home life of the family, in all other respects apparently a quiet, Godfearing, orderly household.

Adam Clarke's Commentary on 1 Samuel 1:6

Verse 6. And her adversary] That is, Peninnah. Provoked her sore] Was constantly striving to irritate and vex her, to make her fret - to make her discontented with her lot, because the Lord had denied her children.

Cambridge Bible on 1 Samuel 1:6

6. her adversary] Peninnah. The cognate verb is used in Leviticus 18:18, “Thou shalt not take a wife to her sister to vex her.”

Whedon's Commentary on 1 Samuel 1:6

6. Her adversary — Peninnah, who was jealous of Hannah because of the peculiar favours shown her.

Sermons on 1 Samuel 1:6

SermonDescription
Leonard Ravenhill Prayer in Revival by Leonard Ravenhill In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of humbling oneself before God and coming to Him with a sense of helplessness and surrender. He shares a story about receivin
David Wilkerson Birth of the Last-Days Remnant by David Wilkerson David Wilkerson emphasizes that the last-days remnant, represented by the prophet Samuel, emerges from the ruins of a decaying church, birthed through deep grief and fervent prayer
W.F. Anderson Distress of Job - Part 2 by W.F. Anderson The video is a sermon on the book of Job in the Bible. It begins by describing the structure of the book, with a prologue and three cycles of speeches between Job and his friends.

Everything we make is available for free because of a generous community of supporters.

Donate