חַנָּה (chan.nah)
chan.nah
Hannah
N:N-F-PQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 11 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- N:N-F-P
Word Overview
The name Hannah, spelled חַנָּה in Hebrew, literally means "grace" or "favor." It appears eleven times in the Old Testament, almost exclusively within the first chapter of 1 Samuel. The name belongs to a woman from the United Monarchy period who was one of two wives of Elkanah and became the mother of the prophet Samuel.
Her story is defined by a profound personal struggle with barrenness and a pivotal moment of prayer at the tabernacle in Shiloh. The sources highlight that her name reflects the outcome of her petition; she receives the favor she sought, resulting in the birth of a son who would anoint Israel’s first kings. This narrative connects the concept of divine grace directly to human longing and faithful persistence.
Translators consistently render the name as Hannah, preserving its phonetic identity while allowing readers to encounter the theological weight behind it. The word serves as a literary anchor for the opening chapters of Samuel, marking the transition from the era of judges to the establishment of the monarchy through the child born of this "grace."
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The name Hannah means grace or favor, a truth woven into her story of waiting and prayer. In 1 Samuel 1, she faces the deep pain of barrenness while others around her have children. Her husband Elkanah loves her, yet her heart remains heavy because God had closed her womb for a time.
Hannah does not hide this sorrow. She goes to the tabernacle and pours out her soul before God, speaking honestly about her grief. Eli the priest initially misunderstands her silent prayer, thinking she is drunk, but she explains that she has been pouring out her heart. This moment shows that bringing our true feelings to God is an act of faith.
God hears her petition and remembers her. She conceives and bears a son, naming him Samuel because she asked him from the Lord. Her life becomes a testament to how divine grace meets human longing. When we feel stuck in waiting or pain, Hannah’s example invites us to bring our honest prayers to God, trusting that He sees and answers in His perfect timing.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 11 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- Hannah7×
- and/ Hannah2×
- and/ to/ Hannah1×
- and/ [belonged] to/ Hannah1×
- [was] Hannah1×
- O Hannah1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- חַנָּה֙3×
- חַנָּ֔ה3×
- חַנָּ֤ה1×
- חַנָּ֣ה1×
- חַנָּ֖ה1×
- וּ/לְ/חַנָּ֖ה1×
- וּ/לְ/חַנָּ֕ה1×
- וְ/חַנָּ֗ה1×
- וְ/חַנָּ֖ה1×
Key Verses
-
I Samuel 1:2
He had two wives. The name of one was Hannah, and the name of the other Peninnah. Peninnah had children, but Hannah had no children.
This verse introduces Hannah’s primary struggle with barrenness, setting the stage for her prayerful dependence on God.
-
I Samuel 1:15
Hannah answered, “No, my lord, I am a woman of a sorrowful spirit. I have not been drinking wine or strong drink, but I poured out my soul before Yahweh.
Hannah clarifies that she is not drunk but has poured out her soul before Yahweh, showing the depth of her sincere petition.
-
I Samuel 1:19
They rose up in the morning early and worshiped Yahweh, then returned and came to their house to Ramah. Then Elkanah knew Hannah his wife; and Yahweh remembered her.
The text notes that 'Yahweh remembered her,' indicating the turning point where God acts in response to her faithfulness.
-
I Samuel 2:1
Hannah prayed, and said, “My heart exults in Yahweh! My horn is exalted in Yahweh. My mouth is enlarged over my enemies, because I rejoice in your salvation.
Hannah’s prayer of exultation demonstrates how her initial sorrow transformed into joy and praise after receiving God's favor.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the name Hannah mean?
Why was Hannah so sad in 1 Samuel 1?
Did Eli think Hannah was drunk?
What happened after Hannah prayed at Shiloh?
Every Occurrence (11 verses across 1 books)
I Samuel 11 verses
He had two wives. The name of one was Hannah, and the name of the other Peninnah. Peninnah had children, but Hannah had…
I Samuel 1:5but he gave a double portion to Hannah, for he loved Hannah, but Yahweh had shut up her womb.
I Samuel 1:8Elkanah her husband said to her, “Hannah, why do you weep? Why don’t you eat? Why is your heart grieved? Am I not…
I Samuel 1:9So Hannah rose up after they had finished eating and drinking in Shiloh. Now Eli the priest was sitting on his seat by…
I Samuel 1:13Now Hannah spoke in her heart. Only her lips moved, but her voice was not heard. Therefore Eli thought she was drunk.
I Samuel 1:15Hannah answered, “No, my lord, I am a woman of a sorrowful spirit. I have not been drinking wine or strong drink, but I…
I Samuel 1:19They rose up in the morning early and worshiped Yahweh, then returned and came to their house to Ramah. Then Elkanah…
I Samuel 1:20When the time had come, Hannah conceived, and bore a son; and she named him Samuel, saying, “Because I have asked him…
I Samuel 1:22But Hannah didn’t go up, for she said to her husband, “Not until the child is weaned; then I will bring him, that he…
I Samuel 2:1Hannah prayed, and said, “My heart exults in Yahweh! My horn is exalted in Yahweh. My mouth is enlarged over my…
I Samuel 2:21Yahweh visited Hannah, and she conceived and bore three sons and two daughters. The child Samuel grew before Yahweh.