The wife of Elkanah and mother of the prophet Samuel (1Sam 1:2; 1Sam 1:20). On an annual pilgrimage to God’s shrine at Shiloh, Hannah vowed that if she bore a son, she would dedicate him to God. This was granted, and she named him Samuel; when she had weaned him, she fulfilled her vow. To Hannah is attributed a prayer whose words constitute a song of praise to God, who metes out justice to all the world (1Sam 2:1-10).
1Sam 1:2
2He had two wives; the name of the one was Hannah, and the name of the other Peninnah. Peninnah had children, but Hannah had no children.
1Sam 1:20
20In due time Hannah conceived and bore a son. She named him Samuel, for she said, “I have asked him of the Lord.”
1Sam 2:1-10
Hannah's Prayer
1Hannah prayed and said,
“My heart exults in the Lord;
my strength is exalted in my God.
My mouth derides my enemies,
because I rejoice in my vi ... View more