Who was Elkanah in the Bible?

Elkanah was a Levite from the hill country of Ephraim and the husband of Hannah. He is most significant as the father of the prophet Samuel, whom Hannah bore after praying for a child (1 Samuel 1:1-2, 19-20).

Why is Elkanah important in Samuel's story?

Elkanah's faithful support of his wife Hannah and his annual pilgrimage to Shiloh set the stage for Samuel's birth and dedication. His role as a devout father provided the family context from which Samuel, a pivotal prophet and judge, was raised (1 Samuel 1:3-4, 21-23).

What was Elkanah's relationship with Hannah like?

Elkanah loved Hannah deeply, despite her initial barrenness and the provocation from his other wife, Peninnah. He comforted Hannah and supported her vow to dedicate their future child to God's service, which led to Samuel's birth (1 Samuel 1:5, 8).

Elkanah

Old TestamentUnited MonarchyMaleProphetLeviteFather

Elkanah was the father of the prophet Samuel and husband of Hannah (1Sa.1.1,4,8,19,21,23; 2.11,20; 1Ch.6.27,34).

Elkanah

Biography

Elkanah of Ramathaim-zophim was a devout Ephraimite of Levitical descent (1 Chr. 6:27, 34) who annually journeyed with his household to Shiloh to worship and sacrifice before the LORD of hosts. He had two wives, Hannah and Peninnah. While Peninnah bore children, Hannah remained barren, a source of ongoing anguish compounded by Peninnah's provocation. Elkanah showed particular tenderness toward Hannah, giving her a double portion and asking, 'Am I not more to you than ten sons?' (1 Sam. 1:8). After Hannah's earnest prayer at Shiloh and Samuel's birth, Elkanah honored her vow by bringing the child to Eli to serve in the tabernacle (1 Sam. 1:21-28). He and Hannah returned to Shiloh annually, receiving from Eli the blessing that God would give them additional children (1 Sam. 2:20).

Significance

Elkanah stands as a model of faithful covenant devotion in a morally turbulent era. His consistent pilgrimage to Shiloh during the spiritually corrupt days of Eli's sons demonstrates that personal piety can persist despite institutional failure. His tender treatment of Hannah reflects a vision of marriage that transcends utility, honoring his wife in her suffering rather than dismissing her pain. Most significantly, Elkanah's willingness to support Hannah's vow and release Samuel to God's service made possible one of the most pivotal ministries in Old Testament history. Through his household's faithfulness, God raised up the prophet who would anoint both Saul and David, reshaping the entire trajectory of Israel's covenant history.

Verse Appearances (10)

1Sam

1Sam 1:1 1Sam 1:4 1Sam 1:8 1Sam 1:19 1Sam 1:21 1Sam 1:23 1Sam 2:11 1Sam 2:20

1Chr

1Chr 6:27 1Chr 6:34

References

Orr, J. (ed.) (1915) The International Standard Bible Encyclopedia. Chicago: Howard-Severance Company. [Public Domain]
Tyndale House, Cambridge (n.d.) Translators Individualised Proper Names with all References (TIPNR). STEPBible. Available at: https://www.stepbible.org. [CC BY 4.0]
Wikidata contributors (n.d.) Wikidata. Available at: https://www.wikidata.org. [CC0]
Church of England (1769) The Holy Bible, Authorized (King James) Version. [Public Domain]

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