King James Version

What Does 1 Samuel 1:6 Mean?

1 Samuel 1:6 in the King James Version says “And her adversary also provoked her sore, for to make her fret, because the LORD had shut up her womb. provoked: Heb. an... — study this verse from 1 Samuel chapter 1 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

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

1 Samuel 1:6 · KJV


Context

4

And when the time was that Elkanah offered, he gave to Peninnah his wife, and to all her sons and her daughters, portions:

5

But unto Hannah he gave a worthy portion; for he loved Hannah: but the LORD had shut up her womb. worthy: or, double

6

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

7

And as he did so year by year, when she went up to the house of the LORD, so she provoked her; therefore she wept, and did not eat. when: or, from the time that she, etc: Heb. from her going up

8

Then said Elkanah her husband to her, Hannah, why weepest thou? and why eatest thou not? and why is thy heart grieved? am not I better to thee than ten sons?


Commentary

KJV Study 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.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural 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.

Reflection Questions

  1. How do you respond when others exploit your vulnerabilities or areas of perceived failure?
  2. What spiritual lessons might God be teaching through the provocations you face?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 11 words
וְכִֽעֲסַ֤תָּה1 of 11

also provoked

H3707

to trouble; by implication, to grieve, rage, be indignant

צָֽרָתָהּ֙2 of 11

And her adversary

H6869

transitively, a female rival

גַּם3 of 11
H1571

properly, assemblage; used only adverbially also, even, yea, though; often repeated as correl. both...and

כַּ֔עַס4 of 11

her sore

H3708

vexation

בַּֽעֲב֖וּר5 of 11
H5668

properly, crossed, i.e., (abstractly) transit; used only adverbially, on account of, in order that

הַרְּעִמָ֑הּ6 of 11

for to make her fret

H7481

to tumble, i.e., be violently agitated; specifically, to crash (of thunder); figuratively, to irritate (with anger)

כִּֽי7 of 11
H3588

(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed

סָגַ֥ר8 of 11

had shut

H5462

to shut up; figuratively, to surrender

יְהוָ֖ה9 of 11

because the LORD

H3068

(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god

בְּעַ֥ד10 of 11

up

H1157

in up to or over against; generally at, beside, among, behind, for, etc

רַחְמָֽהּ׃11 of 11

her womb

H7358

the womb


Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of 1 Samuel. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

1 Samuel 1:6 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to 1 Samuel 1:6 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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