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Kings & Prophets · Old Testament

Hannah

Praying Mother Who Gave Her Son to God

Name meaning
Grace or favour
Name origin
Hebrew: חַנָּה (Channah), meaning "grace" or "favour"

Quick facts

Occupation
  • Wife and mother
  • Worshipper at Shiloh
Birthplace
Ramah (hill country of Ephraim)
Modern-day location
Traditionally identified with er-Ram, north of Jerusalem in the present-day West Bank.
Family
  • Wife of Elkanah
  • Mother of Samuel and five other children
  • Co-wife with Peninnah
First mention
1 Samuel 1:1-5
Last mention
1 Samuel 2:21
Key artifacts
  • Prayer at the tabernacle
  • Small robe for Samuel each year
  • Song of Hannah

Key verses

  • “And she was in bitterness of soul, and prayed unto the LORD, and wept sore.”

    1 Samuel 1:10

  • “For this child I prayed; and the LORD hath given me my petition which I asked of him:”

    1 Samuel 1:27

  • “There is none holy as the LORD: for there is none beside thee: neither is there any rock like our God.”

    1 Samuel 2:2

Biography

Early Life

Hannah was loved by Elkanah but barren and provoked by Peninnah. At Shiloh she prayed silently with deep anguish, and Eli blessed her.

Defining Biblical Moments

God remembered Hannah and she bore Samuel, whom she dedicated to service at Shiloh. Her song of praise celebrates God's reversal of the proud and care for the lowly.

Strengths

Hannah is portrayed as prayerful, persevering through mockery, and faithful to keep her vow even at great personal cost.

Weaknesses & Lessons

Her sorrow was profound and prolonged; the narrative honors persistent prayer rather than quick resolution.

Life Lessons for Today

Honest, persistent prayer matters; keeping promises to God, even when costly, can shape history through the next generation.

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Hannah appears in Women of the Bible: Profiles in Courage & Faith, alongside more profiles like this one.

Page #25 in Women of the Bible: Profiles in Courage & Faith

Women of the Bible: Profiles in Courage & Faith front cover

Women whose courage shaped Scripture

Vivid profiles of the women of the Bible whose faith, wisdom, and quiet courage carried them through extraordinary moments.

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