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He was the son of Jeroham, the son of Elihu, the son of Tohu, the son of Zuph, an Ephraimite.</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/1_samuel/1-1.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/16/09_1Sa_01_01.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="1 Samuel 1:1 - Elkanah and His Wives" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="Now there was a man named Elkanah who was from Ramathaim-zophim in the hill country of Ephraim. He was the son of Jeroham, the son of Elihu, the son of Tohu, the son of Zuph, an Ephraimite." /><script type="application/javascript" src="https://scripts.webcontentassessor.com/scripts/8a2459b64f9cac8122fc7f2eac4409c8555fac9383016db59c4c26e3d5b8b157"></script><script src='https://qd.admetricspro.com/js/biblehub/biblehub-layout-loader-revcatch.js'></script><script id='HyDgbd_1s' src='https://prebidads.revcatch.com/ads.js' type='text/javascript' async></script><script>(function(w,d,b,s,i){var cts=d.createElement(s);cts.async=true;cts.id='catchscript'; cts.dataset.appid=i;cts.src='https://app.protectsubrev.com/catch_rp.js?cb='+Math.random(); document.head.appendChild(cts); }) (window,document,'head','script','rc-anksrH');</script></head><body><div id="fx"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx2"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="30" scrolling="no" src="/vmenus/1_samuel/1-1.htm" align="left" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div><div id="blnk"></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable"><tr><td><div id="fx5"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx6"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="245" scrolling="no" src="/bmc/1_samuel/1-1.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable3"><tr><td><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center" id="announce"><tr><td><div id="l1"><div id="breadcrumbs"><a href="/">Bible</a> > <a href="/1_samuel/">1 Samuel</a> > <a href="/1_samuel/1.htm">Chapter 1</a> > Verse 1</div><div id="anc"><iframe src="/anc.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></div><div id="anc2"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/anc2.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></div><div id="ad1"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/ad1.htm" width="100%" height="48" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table><div id="movebox2"><table border="0" align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tr><td><div id="topheading"><a href="/ruth/4-22.htm" title="Ruth 4:22">◄</a> 1 Samuel 1:1 <a href="/1_samuel/1-2.htm" title="1 Samuel 1:2">►</a></div></tr></table></div><div align="center" class="maintable2"><table border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><div id="topverse"> <a href="#audio" class="clickchap2" title="Context and Audio Bible"> Audio </a> <a href="#crossref" class="clickchap2" title="Cross References"> Cross </a> <a href="#study" class="clickchap2" title="Study Bible"> Study </a> <a href="#commentary" class="clickchap2" title="Commentary"> Comm </a> <a href="#lexicon" class="clickchap2" title="Lexicon"> Heb </a> </div><div id="leftbox"><div class="padleft"><div class="vheadingv">Verse<a href="/bsb/1_samuel/1.htm" class="clickchap" style="color:#001320" title="Click any translation name for full chapter">  (Click for Chapter)</a></div><div id="par"><a href="/niv/1_samuel/1.htm">New International Version</a> There was a certain man from Ramathaim, a Zuphite from the hill country of Ephraim, whose name was Elkanah son of Jeroham, the son of Elihu, the son of Tohu, the son of Zuph, an Ephraimite. <a href="/nlt/1_samuel/1.htm">New Living Translation</a> There was a man named Elkanah who lived in Ramah in the region of Zuph in the hill country of Ephraim. He was the son of Jeroham, son of Elihu, son of Tohu, son of Zuph, of Ephraim. <a href="/esv/1_samuel/1.htm">English Standard Version</a> There was a certain man of Ramathaim-zophim of the hill country of Ephraim whose name was Elkanah the son of Jeroham, son of Elihu, son of Tohu, son of Zuph, an Ephrathite. <a href="/bsb/1_samuel/1.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a> Now there was a man named Elkanah who was from Ramathaim-zophim in the hill country of Ephraim. He was the son of Jeroham, the son of Elihu, the son of Tohu, the son of Zuph, an Ephraimite. <a href="/kjv/1_samuel/1.htm">King James Bible</a> Now there was a certain man of Ramathaimzophim, of mount Ephraim, and his name was Elkanah, the son of Jeroham, the son of Elihu, the son of Tohu, the son of Zuph, an Ephrathite: <a href="/nkjv/1_samuel/1.htm">New King James Version</a> Now there was a certain man of Ramathaim Zophim, of the mountains of Ephraim, and his name was Elkanah the son of Jeroham, the son of Elihu, the son of Tohu, the son of Zuph, an Ephraimite. <a href="/nasb_/1_samuel/1.htm">New American Standard Bible</a> Now there was a man from Ramathaim-zophim from the hill country of Ephraim, and his name was Elkanah the son of Jeroham, the son of Elihu, the son of Tohu, the son of Zuph, an Ephraimite. <a href="/nasb/1_samuel/1.htm">NASB 1995</a> Now there was a certain man from Ramathaim-zophim from the hill country of Ephraim, and his name was Elkanah the son of Jeroham, the son of Elihu, the son of Tohu, the son of Zuph, an Ephraimite. <a href="/nasb77/1_samuel/1.htm">NASB 1977 </a> Now there was a certain man from Ramathaim-zophim from the hill country of Ephraim, and his name was Elkanah the son of Jeroham, the son of Elihu, the son of Tohu, the son of Zuph, an Ephraimite. <a href="/lsb/1_samuel/1.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a> Now there was a certain man from Ramathaim-zophim from the hill country of Ephraim, and his name was Elkanah the son of Jeroham, the son of Elihu, the son of Tohu, the son of Zuph, an Ephraimite. <a href="/amp/1_samuel/1.htm">Amplified Bible</a> There was a certain man of Ramathaim-zophim, of the hill country of Ephraim, named Elkanah the son of Jeroham, the son of Elihu, the son of Tohu, the son of Zuph, an Ephraimite. <a href="/csb/1_samuel/1.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a> There was a man from Ramathaim-zophim in the hill country of Ephraim. His name was Elkanah son of Jeroham, son of Elihu, son of Tohu, son of Zuph, an Ephraimite. <a href="/hcsb/1_samuel/1.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a> There was a man from Ramathaim-zophim in the hill country of Ephraim. His name was Elkanah son of Jeroham, son of Elihu, son of Tohu, son of Zuph, an Ephraimite. <a href="/asv/1_samuel/1.htm">American Standard Version</a> Now there was a certain man of Ramathaim-zophim, of the hill-country of Ephraim, and his name was Elkanah, the son of Jeroham, the son of Elihu, the son of Tohu, the son of Zuph, an Ephraimite: <a href="/cev/1_samuel/1.htm">Contemporary English Version</a> Elkanah lived in Ramah, a town in the hill country of Ephraim. His great-great-grandfather was Zuph, so Elkanah was a member of the Zuph clan of the Ephraim tribe. Elkanah's father was Jeroham, his grandfather was Elihu, and his great-grandfather was Tohu. <a href="/erv/1_samuel/1.htm">English Revised Version</a> Now there was a certain man of Ramathaim-zophim, of the hill country of Ephraim, and his name was Elkanah, the son of Jeroham, the son of Elihu, the son of Tohu, the son of Zuph, an Ephraimite: <a href="/gwt/1_samuel/1.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a> There was a man named Elkanah from Ramathaim Zophim in the mountains of Ephraim. He was the son of Jeroham, grandson of Elihu, great-grandson of Tohu, whose father was Zuph from the tribe of Ephraim. <a href="/gnt/1_samuel/1.htm">Good News Translation</a> There was a man named Elkanah, from the tribe of Ephraim, who lived in the town of Ramah in the hill country of Ephraim. He was the son of Jeroham and grandson of Elihu, and belonged to the family of Tohu, a part of the clan of Zuph. <a href="/isv/1_samuel/1.htm">International Standard Version</a> A certain man lived in Ramathaim-zophim, which is in the hill country of Ephraim. He was Jeroham's son Elkanah, the grandson of Elihu and grandson of Tohu, who was the son of Zuph, an Ephraimite. <a href="/msb/1_samuel/1.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a> Now there was a man named Elkanah who was from Ramathaim-zophim in the hill country of Ephraim. He was the son of Jeroham, the son of Elihu, the son of Tohu, the son of Zuph, an Ephraimite. <a href="/net/1_samuel/1.htm">NET Bible</a> There was a man from Ramathaim Zophim, from the hill country of Ephraim, whose name was Elkanah. He was the son of Jeroham, the son of Elihu, the son of Tohu, the son of Zuph, an Ephraimite. <a href="/nheb/1_samuel/1.htm">New Heart English Bible</a> Now there was a certain man of Ramathaim, a Zuphite of the hill country of Ephraim, and his name was Elkanah, the son of Jerahmeel, the son of Elihu, the son of Toah, the son of Zuph, an Ephraimite. <a href="/wbt/1_samuel/1.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a> Now there was a certain man of Ramathaim-zophim, of mount Ephraim, and his name was Elkanah, the son of Jeroham, the son of Elihu, the son of Tohu, the son of Zuph, an Ephrathite: <a href="/web/1_samuel/1.htm">World English Bible</a> Now there was a certain man of Ramathaim Zophim, of the hill country of Ephraim, and his name was Elkanah, the son of Jeroham, the son of Elihu, the son of Tohu, the son of Zuph, an Ephraimite. <div class="vheading2">Literal Translations</div><a href="/lsv/1_samuel/1.htm">Literal Standard Version</a> And there is a certain man of Ramathaim-Zophim, of the hill-country of Ephraim, and his name [is] Elkanah, son of Jeroham, son of Elihu, son of Tohu, son of Zuph, an Ephraimite, <a href="/ylt/1_samuel/1.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a> And there is a certain man of Ramathaim-Zophim, of the hill-country of Ephraim, and his name is Elkanah, son of Jeroham, son of Elihu, son of Tohu, son of Zuph, and Ephrathite, <a href="/slt/1_samuel/1.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a> And there will be one man from Ramathaim-Zophim, from mount Ephraim, and his name Elkanah, son of Jeroham, son of Elihu, son of Tohu, son of Zuph, an Ephrathite:<div class="vheading2">Catholic Translations</div><a href="/drb/1_samuel/1.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a> There was a man of Ramathaimsophim, of mount Ephraim, and his name was Elcana, the son of Jeroham, the son of Eliu, the son of Thohu, the son of Suph, an Ephraimite: <a href="/cpdv/1_samuel/1.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a> There was a certain man from Ramah of Zophim, on Mount Ephraim, and his name was Elkanah, the son of Jeroham, the son of Elihu, the son of Tohu, the son of Zuph, an Ephraimite. <a href="/nabre/1_samuel/1.htm">New American Bible</a> There was a certain man from Ramathaim, a Zuphite from the hill country of Ephraim. His name was Elkanah, the son of Jeroham, son of Elihu, son of Tohu, son of Zuph, an Ephraimite. <a href="/nrsvce/1_samuel/1.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a> There was a certain man of Ramathaim, a Zuphite from the hill country of Ephraim, whose name was Elkanah son of Jeroham son of Elihu son of Tohu son of Zuph, an Ephraimite.<div class="vheading2">Translations from Aramaic</div><a href="/lamsa/1_samuel/1.htm">Lamsa Bible</a> NOW there was a certain man of Ramath-dokey, of mount Ephraim, and his name was Hilkanah, the son of Jeroham, the son of Elihu, the son of Tohu, the son of Zuph, an Ephrathite; <a href="/hpbt/1_samuel/1.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a> And there was a man from Ramtha d' Dawqay from the Mountain of Aphreim and his name, Halqanah, son of Yarkhum, son of Elihu, son of Takhu, son of Tsuph the Ephrathite<div class="vheading2">OT Translations</div><a href="/jps/1_samuel/1.htm">JPS Tanakh 1917</a> Now there was a certain man of Ramathaim-zophim, of the hill-country of Ephraim, and his name was Elkanah, the son of Jeroham, the son of Elihu, the son of Tohu, the son of Zuph, an Ephraimite. <a href="/sep/1_samuel/1.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a> There was a man of Armathaim Sipha, of mount Ephraim, and his name was Helkana, a son of Jeremeel the son of Elias the son of Thoke, in Nasib Ephraim. <a href="/parallel/1_samuel/1-1.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="audio" id="audio"></a><div class="vheadingv">Audio Bible</div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/H8oQfYUMRZg?start=0" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe> <div class="vheadingv">Context</div><a href="/bsb/1_samuel/1.htm">Elkanah and His Wives</a> 1<a href="/hebrew/1961.htm" title="1961: way·hî (Conj-w:: V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms) -- To fall out, come to pass, become, be. A primitive root; to exist, i.e. Be or become, come to pass.">Now there was</a> <a href="/hebrew/259.htm" title="259: ’e·ḥāḏ (Number-ms) -- One. A numeral from 'achad; properly, united, i.e. One; or first.">a</a> <a href="/hebrew/376.htm" title="376: ’îš (N-ms) -- Man. Contracted for 'enowsh; a man as an individual or a male person; often used as an adjunct to a more definite term.">man</a> <a href="/hebrew/8034.htm" title="8034: ū·šə·mōw (Conj-w:: N-msc:: 3ms) -- A primitive word; an appellation, as a mark or memorial of individuality; by implication honor, authority, character.">named</a> <a href="/hebrew/511.htm" title="511: ’el·qā·nāh (N-proper-ms) -- From 'el and qanah; God has obtained; Elkanah, the name of several Israelites.">Elkanah</a> <a href="/hebrew/4480.htm" title="4480: min- (Prep) -- From. Or minniy; or minney; for men; properly, a part of; hence, from or out of in many senses.">who was from</a> <a href="/hebrew/7436.htm" title="7436: hā·rā·mā·ṯa·yim (Art:: N-proper-fs) -- Double height of watchers, a city in Ephraim. "></a> <a href="/hebrew/7436.htm" title="7436: ṣō·w·p̄îm (N-proper-fs) -- Double height of watchers, a city in Ephraim. ">Ramathaim-zophim</a> <a href="/hebrew/2022.htm" title="2022: mê·har (Prep-m:: N-msc) -- Mountain, hill, hill country. A shortened form of harar; a mountain or range of hills.">in the hill country</a> <a href="/hebrew/669.htm" title="669: ’ep̄·rā·yim (N-proper-ms) -- Dual of masculine form of 'Ephraath; double fruit; Ephrajim, a son of Joseph; also the tribe descended from him, and its territory.">of Ephraim.</a> <a href="/hebrew/1121.htm" title="1121: ben- (N-msc) -- Son. From banah; a son, in the widest sense (like 'ab, 'ach, etc.).">He was the son</a> <a href="/hebrew/3395.htm" title="3395: yə·rō·ḥām (N-proper-ms) -- From racham; compassionate; Jerocham, the name of seven or eight Israelites.">of Jeroham,</a> <a href="/hebrew/1121.htm" title="1121: ben- (N-msc) -- Son. From banah; a son, in the widest sense (like 'ab, 'ach, etc.).">the son</a> <a href="/hebrew/453.htm" title="453: ’ĕ·lî·hū (N-proper-ms) -- Or deliyhuwh; from 'el and huw'; God of him; Elihu, the name of one of Job's friends, and of three Israelites.">of Elihu,</a> <a href="/hebrew/1121.htm" title="1121: ben- (N-msc) -- Son. From banah; a son, in the widest sense (like 'ab, 'ach, etc.).">the son</a> <a href="/hebrew/8459.htm" title="8459: tō·ḥū (N-proper-ms) -- An ancestor of Samuel, the same as NH8430. From an unused root meaning to depress; abasement; Tochu, an Israelite.">of Tohu,</a> <a href="/hebrew/1121.htm" title="1121: ḇen- (N-msc) -- Son. From banah; a son, in the widest sense (like 'ab, 'ach, etc.).">the son</a> <a href="/hebrew/6689.htm" title="6689: ṣūp̄ (N-proper-ms) -- Or Tsowphay; or Tsiyph; from tsuwph; honey-comb; Tsuph or Tsophai or Tsiph, the name of an Israelite and of a place in Palestine.">of Zuph,</a> <a href="/hebrew/673.htm" title="673: ’ep̄·rā·ṯî (N-proper-ms) -- A desc. of Ephraim, also an inhab. of Ephrath. Patrial form 'Ephraath; an Ephrathite or an Ephraimite.">an Ephraimite.</a> 2He had two wives, one named Hannah and the other Peninnah. And Peninnah had children, but Hannah had none.…<div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div> <a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><a href="/judges/17-6.htm">Judges 17:6</a> In those days there was no king in Israel; everyone did what was right in his own eyes. <a href="/judges/21-25.htm">Judges 21:25</a> In those days there was no king in Israel; everyone did what was right in his own eyes. <a href="/ruth/4-17.htm">Ruth 4:17-22</a> The neighbor women said, “A son has been born to Naomi,” and they named him Obed. He became the father of Jesse, the father of David. / Now these are the generations of Perez: Perez was the father of Hezron, / Hezron was the father of Ram, Ram was the father of Amminadab, ... <a href="/1_chronicles/6-33.htm">1 Chronicles 6:33-38</a> These are the men who served, together with their sons. From the Kohathites: Heman the singer, the son of Joel, the son of Samuel, / the son of Elkanah, the son of Jeroham, the son of Eliel, the son of Toah, / the son of Zuph, the son of Elkanah, the son of Mahath, the son of Amasai, ... <a href="/1_chronicles/6-26.htm">1 Chronicles 6:26-28</a> Elkanah his son, Zophai his son, Nahath his son, / Eliab his son, Jeroham his son, and Elkanah his son. / The sons of Samuel: Joel his firstborn and Abijah his second son. <a href="/1_chronicles/6-16.htm">1 Chronicles 6:16-20</a> The sons of Levi: Gershom, Kohath, and Merari. / These are the names of the sons of Gershom: Libni and Shimei. / The sons of Kohath: Amram, Izhar, Hebron, and Uzziel. ... <a href="/1_chronicles/6-3.htm">1 Chronicles 6:3-4</a> The children of Amram: Aaron, Moses, and Miriam. The sons of Aaron: Nadab, Abihu, Eleazar, and Ithamar. / Eleazar was the father of Phinehas, Phinehas was the father of Abishua, <a href="/1_chronicles/6-1.htm">1 Chronicles 6:1-2</a> The sons of Levi: Gershon, Kohath, and Merari. / The sons of Kohath: Amram, Izhar, Hebron, and Uzziel. <a href="/1_chronicles/2-10.htm">1 Chronicles 2:10</a> Ram was the father of Amminadab, and Amminadab was the father of Nahshon, a leader of the descendants of Judah. <a href="/1_chronicles/2-9.htm">1 Chronicles 2:9</a> The sons who were born to Hezron: Jerahmeel, Ram, and Caleb. <a href="/1_chronicles/2-1.htm">1 Chronicles 2:1-2</a> These were the sons of Israel: Reuben, Simeon, Levi, Judah, Issachar, Zebulun, / Dan, Joseph, Benjamin, Naphtali, Gad, and Asher. <a href="/matthew/1-1.htm">Matthew 1:1-2</a> This is the record of the genealogy of Jesus Christ, the son of David, the son of Abraham: / Abraham was the father of Isaac, Isaac the father of Jacob, and Jacob the father of Judah and his brothers. <a href="/matthew/1-5.htm">Matthew 1:5-6</a> Salmon was the father of Boaz by Rahab, Boaz the father of Obed by Ruth, Obed the father of Jesse, / and Jesse the father of David the king. Next: David was the father of Solomon by Uriah’s wife, <a href="/matthew/1-20.htm">Matthew 1:20</a> But after he had pondered these things, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream and said, “Joseph, son of David, do not be afraid to embrace Mary as your wife, for the One conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit. <a href="/luke/3-31.htm">Luke 3:31-33</a> the son of Melea, the son of Menna, the son of Mattatha, the son of Nathan, the son of David, / the son of Jesse, the son of Obed, the son of Boaz, the son of Sala, the son of Nahshon, / the son of Amminadab, the son of Admin, the son of Arni, the son of Hezron, the son of Perez, the son of Judah,</div> <a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div>Now there was a certain man of Ramathaimzophim, of mount Ephraim, and his name was Elkanah, the son of Jeroham, the son of Elihu, the son of Tohu, the son of Zuph, an Ephrathite:<a href="/1_samuel/1-1.htm">1 Samuel 1:1-3</a> Now there was a certain man of Ramathaimzophim, of mount Ephraim, and his name was Elkanah, the son of Jeroham, the son of Elihu, the son of Tohu, the son of Zuph, an Ephrathite: … <a href="/1_samuel/1-4.htm">1 Samuel 1:4-8</a> And when the time was that Elkanah offered, he gave to Peninnah his wife, and to all her sons and her daughters, portions: … <a href="/1_samuel/1-9.htm">1 Samuel 1:9-11</a> So Hannah rose up after they had eaten in Shiloh, and after they had drunk. Now Eli the priest sat upon a seat by a post of the temple of the LORD… <a href="/1_samuel/1-19.htm">1 Samuel 1:19</a> And they rose up in the morning early, and worshipped before the LORD, and returned, and came to their house to Ramah: and Elkanah knew Hannah his wife; and the LORD remembered her.<a href="/matthew/27-57.htm">Matthew 27:57</a> When the even was come, there came a rich man of Arimathaea, named Joseph, who also himself was Jesus' disciple:Arimathea <a href="/judges/17-1.htm">Judges 17:1</a> And there was a man of mount Ephraim, whose name was Micah.<a href="/judges/19-1.htm">Judges 19:1</a> And it came to pass in those days, when there was no king in Israel, that there was a certain Levite sojourning on the side of mount Ephraim, who took to him a concubine out of Bethlehemjudah.Elkanah<a href="/1_chronicles/6-25.htm">1 Chronicles 6:25-27,34</a> And the sons of Elkanah; Amasai, and Ahimoth… Zuph<a href="/1_samuel/9-5.htm">1 Samuel 9:5</a> And when they were come to the land of Zuph, Saul said to his servant that was with him, Come, and let us return; lest my father leave caring for the asses, and take thought for us.Ephrathite<a href="/1_samuel/17-12.htm">1 Samuel 17:12</a> Now David was the son of that Ephrathite of Bethlehemjudah, whose name was Jesse; and he had eight sons: and the man went among men for an old man in the days of Saul.<a href="/judges/12-5.htm">Judges 12:5</a> And the Gileadites took the passages of Jordan before the Ephraimites: and it was so, that when those Ephraimites which were escaped said, Let me go over; that the men of Gilead said unto him, Art thou an Ephraimite? If he said, Nay;<a href="/ruth/1-2.htm">Ruth 1:2</a> And the name of the man was Elimelech, and the name of his wife Naomi, and the name of his two sons Mahlon and Chilion, Ephrathites of Bethlehemjudah. And they came into the country of Moab, and continued there.<div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/ruth/4-3.htm">Country</a> <a href="/job/36-1.htm">Elihu</a> <a href="/job/36-1.htm">Eli'hu</a> <a href="/exodus/6-24.htm">Elkanah</a> <a href="/exodus/6-24.htm">Elka'nah</a> <a href="/judges/19-18.htm">Ephraim</a> <a href="/judges/19-18.htm">E'phraim</a> <a href="/judges/12-5.htm">Ephraimite</a> <a href="/1_kings/11-26.htm">Ephrathite</a> <a href="/judges/19-18.htm">Hill</a> <a href="/judges/19-18.htm">Hill-Country</a> <a href="/nehemiah/11-12.htm">Jeroham</a> <a href="/nehemiah/11-12.htm">Jero'ham</a> <a href="/judges/19-18.htm">Mount</a> <a href="/numbers/23-14.htm">Zophim</a> <a href="/1_chronicles/6-35.htm">Zuph</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/1_samuel/5-6.htm">Country</a> <a href="/1_chronicles/12-20.htm">Elihu</a> <a href="/1_chronicles/12-20.htm">Eli'hu</a> <a href="/1_samuel/1-4.htm">Elkanah</a> <a href="/1_samuel/1-4.htm">Elka'nah</a> <a href="/1_samuel/9-4.htm">Ephraim</a> <a href="/1_samuel/9-4.htm">E'phraim</a> <a href="/1_kings/11-26.htm">Ephraimite</a> <a href="/1_samuel/17-12.htm">Ephrathite</a> <a href="/1_samuel/7-1.htm">Hill</a> <a href="/1_samuel/9-4.htm">Hill-Country</a> <a href="/1_chronicles/6-27.htm">Jeroham</a> <a href="/1_chronicles/6-27.htm">Jero'ham</a> <a href="/1_samuel/9-4.htm">Mount</a> <a href="/numbers/23-14.htm">Zophim</a> <a href="/1_samuel/9-5.htm">Zuph</a><div class="vheading2">1 Samuel 1</div>1. <a href="/1_samuel/1-1.htm">Elkanah, a Levite, having two wives, worships yearly at Shiloh</a> 4. <a href="/1_samuel/1-4.htm">He cherishes Hannah, though barren, and provoked by Peninnah</a> 9. <a href="/1_samuel/1-9.htm">Hannah in grief prays for a child</a> 12. <a href="/1_samuel/1-12.htm">Eli first rebuking her, afterwards blesses her</a> 19. <a href="/1_samuel/1-19.htm">Hannah, having born Samuel, stays at home till he is weaned</a> 24. <a href="/1_samuel/1-24.htm">She presents him, according to her vow, to the Lord</a> </div></div><div id="mdd"><div align="center"><div class="bot2"><table align="center" width="100%"><tr><td><div align="center"> <script id="3d27ed63fc4348d5b062c4527ae09445"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=51ce25d5-1a8c-424a-8695-4bd48c750f35&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script> <script id="b817b7107f1d4a7997da1b3c33457e03"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=cb0edd8b-b416-47eb-8c6d-3cc96561f7e8&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div>  <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div> <ins class="adsbygoogle" style="display:inline-block;width:200px;height:200px" data-ad-client="ca-pub-3753401421161123" data-ad-slot="3592799687"></ins> <script> (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); </script> </div> </td></tr></table></div></div></div><div id="combox"><div class="padcom"><a name="study" id="study"></a><div class="vheading"><table width="100%"><tr><td width="99%" valign="top"><a href="/study/1_samuel/1.htm">Study Bible</a></td><td width="1%" valign="top"><a href="/study/1_samuel/" title="Book Summary and Study">Book ◦</a> <a href="/study/chapters/1_samuel/1.htm" title="Chapter summary and Study">Chapter </a></tr></table></div>Now there was a man named Elkanah Elkanah is introduced as a significant figure in the narrative of 1 Samuel. His name means "God has created" or "God has possessed," which may reflect his role in the divine plan. Elkanah is the father of Samuel, a major prophet and last judge of Israel, indicating his importance in the biblical history of Israel.who was from Ramathaim-zophim Ramathaim-zophim, often shortened to Ramah, is located in the hill country of Ephraim. It is significant as the birthplace and home of Samuel. The name suggests a place of high elevation, possibly indicating a place of watchfulness or prophecy. This location becomes central in the narrative of Samuel's life and ministry.in the hill country of Ephraim The hill country of Ephraim is a region known for its rugged terrain and strategic importance. Ephraim was one of the prominent tribes of Israel, descended from Joseph's son Ephraim. This area was central in the tribal confederation of Israel and often associated with leadership and influence.He was the son of Jeroham, the son of Elihu, the son of Tohu, the son of Zuph This genealogy establishes Elkanah's lineage, connecting him to a family of some standing. Genealogies in the Bible often serve to authenticate a person's heritage and role within God's plan. Zuph, the ancestor mentioned, is believed to be the founder of the clan or region, indicating a long-standing family presence in the area.an Ephraimite Although Elkanah is described as an Ephraimite, he is actually a Levite by descent, as indicated in <a href="/1_chronicles/6-22.htm">1 Chronicles 6:22-28</a>. This dual identification highlights the complex tribal affiliations in Israel. Levites were set apart for religious duties, which may explain Elkanah's piety and his family's significant role in Israel's spiritual history.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <a href="/topical/e/elkanah.htm">Elkanah</a> A man from the hill country of Ephraim, Elkanah is introduced as the father of Samuel. His lineage is traced back to Zuph, indicating his heritage and tribal affiliation. 2. <a href="/topical/r/ramathaim-zophim.htm">Ramathaim-zophim</a> This is the place where Elkanah lived. It is located in the hill country of Ephraim, which is significant as it sets the geographical and cultural context for the account. 3. <a href="/topical/e/ephraim.htm">Ephraim</a> A region in Israel, known for its hills and central location. It is one of the tribes of Israel, descended from Joseph's son Ephraim. 4. <a href="/topical/j/jeroham,_elihu,_tohu,_zuph.htm">Jeroham, Elihu, Tohu, Zuph</a> These are the ancestors of Elkanah, providing a genealogical background that connects Elkanah to the tribe of Ephraim.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><a href="/topical/u/understanding_heritage_and_identity.htm">Understanding Heritage and Identity</a> Elkanah's lineage emphasizes the importance of understanding one's heritage and identity in God's plan. As believers, recognizing our spiritual heritage in Christ is crucial for our identity. <a href="/topical/t/the_significance_of_place.htm">The Significance of Place</a> Ramathaim-zophim, in the hill country of Ephraim, serves as a reminder that God works through specific places and times. We should be attentive to where God has placed us and how He might be working in our current context. <a href="/topical/f/faithfulness_in_ordinary_life.htm">Faithfulness in Ordinary Life</a> Elkanah's introduction as a seemingly ordinary man underscores that God often uses ordinary people to accomplish His extraordinary purposes. We should remain faithful in our daily lives, trusting that God can use us for His glory.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_1_samuel_1.htm">Top 10 Lessons from 1 Samuel 1</a> <a href="/q/who_are_hannah_and_samuel.htm">Who are Hannah and Samuel?</a> <a href="/q/who_is_joseph_of_arimathea.htm">Who was Joseph of Arimathea in the Bible?</a> <a href="/q/who_was_elkanah_in_the_bible.htm">Who was Elkanah in the Bible?</a> <a href="/q/why_did_hannah_conceive_after_infertility.htm">How can Hannah’s sudden pregnancy in 1 Samuel 1:5, 20 be explained given her long-term infertility? </a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/ellicott/1_samuel/1.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div>(1) Now there was a certain man.--Literally, And there was, &c. These introductory words do not signify that this history is the continuation of the Book of Judges or of any preceding writing. It is a common historical introductory formula. We find it at the commencement of Joshua, Judges, Ruth, 1 Kings, Esther, Ezra, Ezekiel, &c. The circumstances under which this record was probably compiled are discussed elsewhere.Of Ramathaim-zophim.--The name Ramathaim--literally, The Two Ramahs--is the dual of the well-known Ramah, the appellation by which this city is usually known. The old city was, no doubt, built on two hills, which looked one on the other: hence perhaps the name Zophim, the watchers. Possibly at an early date watch-towers or outlooks, to enable the citizens to guard against surprise, were built on the summit of these hills. Either of these suppositions would account for the suggestive name by which Ramah was once known, the "Ramahs of the Watchers."Others would connect the appellation "Zophim" with the family of Zuph, from whom Elkanah descended. (See <a href="/1_chronicles/6-35.htm" title="The son of Zuph, the son of Elkanah, the son of Mahath, the son of Amasai,">1Chronicles 6:35</a>, and <a href="/1_samuel/9-5.htm" title="And when they were come to the land of Zuph, Saul said to his servant that was with him, Come, and let us return; lest my father leave caring for the asses, and take thought for us.">1Samuel 9:5</a>, where the land of Zuph is mentioned.) An interesting. though fanciful, derivation refers Zophim, watchers, to the "prophet-watchmen" of the house of Israel, as Ramah in after years was a school of the prophets.On the whole, the simplest and least strained explanation is the one given above, which refers the name to the hills so placed that they watched one another, or better still, to the watch-towers built at an early date on the two summits.Ramah lay among the mountains of Ephraim, which extended into the territory of Benjamin, in which tribe the city of Ramah lay.His name was Elkanah.--Elkanah, the father of the future prophet-judge, was a Levite of the family of Kohath (compare the genealogy given here with <a href="/1_chronicles/6-22.htm" title="The sons of Kohath; Amminadab his son, Korah his son, Assir his son,">1Chronicles 6:22</a>). He is here termed an Ephrathite: that is, an Ephraimite, because, as far as his civil standing was concerned, he belonged to the tribe of Ephraim. . . . <div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/1_samuel/1.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div>Verse 1. - There was a certain man of Ramathaim-Zophim. Though Samuel belonged to the tribe of Levi, yet no special mention is made of the fact, because he owed his importance and rank as a judge not to his Levitical origin, but to the gift of prophecy, which was independent of the accidents of birth and station. In the First Book of Chronicles, ch. 6, his parentage is twice given, that in vers. 22-28 being apparently the family genealogy, while that in vers. 33-38 was probably taken from the records of the temple singers, sprung from Heman, Samuel's grandson (<a href="/1_chronicles/6-33.htm">1 Chronicles 6:33</a>). His name there appears as Shemuel, our translators not having perceived that it is the same as that for which elsewhere they give the familiar rendering, Samuel. The variations Elkanah, Jeroham, Elihu, Tohu, Zuph (<a href="/1_samuel/1-1.htm">1 Samuel 1:1</a>); Elkanah, Jeroham, Eliab, Nahath, Zophai (<a href="/1_chronicles/6-26.htm">1 Chronicles 6:26, 27</a>); Elkanah, Jeroham, Eliel, Toah, Zuph (ibid. vers. 34, 35), are interesting as showing that the genealogies in Chronicles. were compiled from family documents, in which, as was usual in the case of proper names, there was much diversity of spelling, or possibly of interpreting the cumbrous signs used for letters in those early days. The variations, however, in Elihu (God is he), Eliab (God is Father), and Eliel (God is God) were probably intentional, as were certainly other changes in names, such as that of Ishbaal into Ishbosheth. The name of Samuel's father, Elkanah (God is owner), is a common one among the Kohathites, to which division of the sons of Levi Samuel belonged. The prophet's birthplace was Ramathaim-Zophim, no doubt the Ramah which was Samuel s own head-quarters (<a href="/1_samuel/7-17.htm">1 Samuel 7:17</a>; <a href="/1_samuel/15-34.htm">1 Samuel 15:34</a>; <a href="/1_samuel/16-13.htm">1 Samuel 16:13</a>; <a href="/1_samuel/19-18.htm">1 Samuel 19:18-23</a>; <a href="/1_samuel/25-1.htm">1 Samuel 25:1</a>); the place where he dwelt, wrought, died, and was buried, and the Arimathsea of the Gospels. The Septuagint generally gives the name in full, but this is the only place where it is so written in the Hebrew. Ramah signifies a height, and the dual Ramathaim the double height, the town being situated on a hill ending in two peaks. But which it was of the many Ramahs, or hill towns, in the Holy Land, is hotly contested; probably it was the Ramah in Benjamin, about two hours' journey northwest of Jerusalem. Its second name, Zophim, is taken from Zuph, Samuel's remote ancestor, with whom the genealogy here begins. Zuph had apparently emigrated from Ephraim, one of the three tribes (Ephraim, Manasseh, Dan) to which the Kohathites were attached, and was a person of sufficient power and energy to give his name to the whole district; called the land of Zuph in <a href="/1_samuel/9-5.htm">1 Samuel 9:5</a>. His descendants, the Zophim, had Ramah as their centre, and Elkanah, as their head, would be a man of wealth and influence. Though actually belonging to the tribe of Benjamin, Ramah is said to be upon Mount Ephraim, because this limestone range extended to and kept its name almost up to Jerusalem (see <a href="/judges/4-5.htm">Judges 4:5</a>, and <a href="/2_chronicles/13-4.htm">2 Chronicles 13:4</a>; <a href="/2_chronicles/15-8.htm">2 Chronicles 15:8</a>, compared with 2 Chronicles 13:19). Elkanah too is called an Ephrathite, i.e. an Ephraimite, no doubt because before Zuph emigrated the family had belonged to Ephraim, it being apparently the practice to reckon Levites as pertaining to the tribes to which they were attached (<a href="/judges/17-7.htm">Judges 17:7</a>). The Hebrews Ephrathite is rightly rendered Ephraimite in <a href="/judges/12-5.htm">Judges 12:5</a>, and should be so translated here, and in <a href="/1_kings/11-26.htm">1 Kings 11:26</a>. In <a href="/ruth/1-2.htm">Ruth 1:2</a>; <a href="/1_samuel/17-12.htm">1 Samuel 17:12</a> it means Bethlehemite, that town being also called Ephratah, the fruitful; Ephraim has the same meaning, but being a dual, no adjective can be formed from it. <a href="/commentaries/1_samuel/1-1.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a> <a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Hebrew</div>Now there was וַיְהִי֩ (way·hî) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_1961.htm">Strong's 1961: </a> To fall out, come to pass, become, be a אֶחָ֜ד (’e·ḥāḏ) Number - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_259.htm">Strong's 259: </a> United, one, first man אִ֨ישׁ (’îš) Noun - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_376.htm">Strong's 376: </a> A man as an individual, a male person named וּשְׁמ֡וֹ (ū·šə·mōw) Conjunctive waw | Noun - masculine singular construct | third person masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_8034.htm">Strong's 8034: </a> A name Elkanah אֶ֠לְקָנָה (’el·qā·nāh) Noun - proper - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_511.htm">Strong's 511: </a> Elkanah -- 'God has created', the name of several Israelites [who was] from מִן־ (min-) Preposition <a href="/hebrew/strongs_4480.htm">Strong's 4480: </a> A part of, from, out of Ramathaim-zophim צוֹפִ֖ים (ṣō·w·p̄îm) Noun - proper - feminine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_7436.htm">Strong's 7436: </a> Ramathaim-zophim -- 'double height of watchers', a city in Ephraim in the hill country מֵהַ֣ר (mê·har) Preposition-m | Noun - masculine singular construct <a href="/hebrew/strongs_2022.htm">Strong's 2022: </a> Mountain, hill, hill country of Ephraim. אֶפְרָ֑יִם (’ep̄·rā·yim) Noun - proper - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_669.htm">Strong's 669: </a> Ephraim -- a son of Joseph, also his descendants and their territory [He was] the son בֶּן־ (ben-) Noun - masculine singular construct <a href="/hebrew/strongs_1121.htm">Strong's 1121: </a> A son of Jeroham, יְרֹחָ֧ם (yə·rō·ḥām) Noun - proper - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_3395.htm">Strong's 3395: </a> Jeroham -- 'may He be compassionate', the name of several Israelites the son בֶּן־ (ben-) Noun - masculine singular construct <a href="/hebrew/strongs_1121.htm">Strong's 1121: </a> A son of Elihu, אֱלִיה֛וּא (’ĕ·lî·hū) Noun - proper - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_453.htm">Strong's 453: </a> Elihu -- 'He is (my) God', five Israelites the son בֶּן־ (ben-) Noun - masculine singular construct <a href="/hebrew/strongs_1121.htm">Strong's 1121: </a> A son of Tohu, תֹּ֥חוּ (tō·ḥū) Noun - proper - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_8459.htm">Strong's 8459: </a> Tohu -- an ancestor of Samuel the son בֶן־ (ḇen-) Noun - masculine singular construct <a href="/hebrew/strongs_1121.htm">Strong's 1121: </a> A son of Zuph, צ֖וּף (ṣūp̄) Noun - proper - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_6689.htm">Strong's 6689: </a> Zuph -- ancestor of Elkanah and Samuel an Ephraimite. אֶפְרָתִֽי׃ (’ep̄·rā·ṯî) Noun - proper - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_673.htm">Strong's 673: </a> Ephraimite -- a descendant of Ephraim, also an inhabitant of Ephrath <div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/1_samuel/1-1.htm">1 Samuel 1:1 NIV</a> <a href="/nlt/1_samuel/1-1.htm">1 Samuel 1:1 NLT</a> <a href="/esv/1_samuel/1-1.htm">1 Samuel 1:1 ESV</a> <a href="/nasb/1_samuel/1-1.htm">1 Samuel 1:1 NASB</a> <a href="/kjv/1_samuel/1-1.htm">1 Samuel 1:1 KJV</a> <a href="//bibleapps.com/1_samuel/1-1.htm">1 Samuel 1:1 BibleApps.com</a> <a href="//bibliaparalela.com/1_samuel/1-1.htm">1 Samuel 1:1 Biblia Paralela</a> <a href="//holybible.com.cn/1_samuel/1-1.htm">1 Samuel 1:1 Chinese Bible</a> <a href="//saintebible.com/1_samuel/1-1.htm">1 Samuel 1:1 French Bible</a> <a href="/catholic/1_samuel/1-1.htm">1 Samuel 1:1 Catholic Bible</a> <a href="/1_samuel/1-1.htm">OT History: 1 Samuel 1:1 Now there was a certain man (1Sa iSam 1 Sam i sa) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/ruth/4-22.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Ruth 4:22"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Ruth 4:22" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/1_samuel/1-2.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="1 Samuel 1:2"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="1 Samuel 1:2" /></a></div><div id="botleft"><a href="#" onmouseover='botleft.src="/botleftgif.png"' onmouseout='botleft.src="/botleft.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botleft.png" name="botleft" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="botright"><a href="#" onmouseover='botright.src="/botrightgif.png"' onmouseout='botright.src="/botright.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botright.png" name="botright" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="bot"><iframe width="100%" height="1500" scrolling="no" src="/botmenubhnew2.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></div></td></tr></table></div></body></html>