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פְּנִנָּה

𐤐𐤍𐤍𐤄

Peninah

H6444 noun

SILEX Entry

Root פנן to turn, to face (if root is correct); coral, pearl (as a derived noun)

Definition

Peninnâh is a proper feminine personal name, referring to a specific Israelite woman mentioned in the early monarchic narrative. The name, based on its linguistic formation, likely means 'coral' or 'pearl,' reflecting the value, beauty, or preciousness associated with such objects in the ancient Near Eastern context. As a personal name, it does not function as a common noun, but it may carry metaphorical associations with brightness or ornamentation due to its etymological connection.

Semantic Range

(as a proper name) Peninnah; by etymology, coral, pearl, precious object

Root / Etymology

The name פְּנִנָּה (Peninnâh) is most likely a feminine form originating from the noun פְּנִינָה (penīnāh), meaning 'coral' or 'pearl.' This noun itself may ultimately derive from the root פָּנִן (p-n-n), meaning 'to turn, to face,' but this root is rarely attested and the connection is debated. The association is primarily based on the common noun usage referring to precious coral or pearls, especially in poetic texts.

Historical & Contextual Notes

Peninnâh appears as a proper name uniquely in the narrative of 1 Samuel 1–2, where she is described as one of the wives of Elqanah. Her name likely expressed connotations of beauty or value, common in ancient Israelite naming practices where precious materials (such as gold, myrrh, or pearls) are used as personal names for women. The narrative itself sets Peninnâh in contrast to Hannah, not through the meaning of their names but through their roles and experiences. Notably, English translations have always rendered this name directly as 'Peninnah,' preserving its identity as a Semitic personal name rather than attempting a translation based on its etymology. There is no evidence that the name functions outside of this singular biblical appearance, nor is there evidence that it carried the later ethnic or geographic connotations associated with similar-sounding terms. In later periods, the word for 'pearl' or 'coral' (פְּנִינָה) continued to be used as a common noun rather than as a personal or group identifier.

Original Strong's Gloss (1890)

probably feminine from פָּנִין contr.; Peninnah, an Israelitess; Peninnah.

Bantu Hebrew

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Root Family

פנן (p-n-n) — to turn, to face; coral, pearl, precious object

Word Forms

2 distinct forms

SIDANCE Surface Transliteration Morphology Common SIBI-P1 Occurrences
H6444-01 לִ/פְנִנָּה֙ lifeninah HR/Np to Peninnah to Coral-Pearl 2
H6444-02 פְּנִנָּ֑ה peninah HNp Peninnah Peninnah 1

Occurrences in Scripture

3 total occurrences

SIDANCE Reference Word Transliteration Morphology Common SIBI-P1
H6444-02 1 Samuel 1:2 פְּנִנָּ֑ה peninah HNp Peninnah Peninnah
H6444-01 1 Samuel 1:2 לִ/פְנִנָּה֙ lifeninah HR/Np to Peninnah to Coral-Pearl
H6444-01 1 Samuel 1:4 לִ/פְנִנָּ֣ה lifeninah HR/Np to Peninnah to Coral-Pearl
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