1 Samuel 1:6

And her adversary also provoked her sore, for to make her fret, because the Lord had shut up her womb.

1 Samuel 1:6 (KJV)

Context

This verse belongs to the opening story of 1 Samuel, which introduces Hannah, the mother of the prophet Samuel. She is one of two wives of Elkanah. The other wife, Peninnah, has children, while Hannah has none. The word “adversary” points to Peninnah, who used her advantage to provoke Hannah severely. The Hebrew verb behind “provoked” means “angered her,” and the repetition of this treatment made Hannah’s pain worse.

Meaning

The verse gives the reason for Peninnah’s cruelty: “the LORD had shut up her womb.” This phrase shows that Hannah’s barrenness came from God’s sovereign will, not from chance or from Hannah’s fault. In ancient Israel, childlessness was seen as a heavy misfortune and often as a sign of divine displeasure. That cultural belief added shame to Hannah’s grief, because she not only longed for a child but also carried the weight of public judgment.

Peninnah’s goal was to make Hannah fret, that is, to irritate and distress her. The provocation was not a single event but an ongoing torment. It exposed the reality of family conflict and the emotional harm that can come from another person’s insensitivity. The verse does not excuse Peninnah; it records her cruelty as part of the hardship Hannah endured.

Biblical connections

This painful situation leads directly to Hannah’s fervent prayer at the tabernacle in Shiloh, where she pours out her heart before the Lord and makes a vow (1 Samuel 1:9-20). The narrative shows that God is sovereign over the womb, and He later remembers Hannah and grants her a son. Her prayer and dedication of Samuel connect her personal anguish to the wider history of Israel, because Samuel becomes a prophet and judge who guides the nation.

Application

For the Christian reader, this verse invites trust in God’s timing and purposes, even when others misunderstand or mock our trials. It warns against using another person’s weakness or suffering as a way to lift ourselves up. Instead, it encourages us to bring our deepest concerns before the Lord, knowing that He hears the cries of His people. The ultimate hope is that God sees the afflicted and responds in mercy, just as He did for Hannah.

Reflection

Hannah’s story reminds us that unfulfilled desires can cause deep anguish, yet God remains faithful. Her example teaches us to turn to Him in prayer rather than to bitterness or despair. When we face prolonged hardship or hurtful words from others, we can trust that the Lord who closed the womb is also the Lord who opens it in His perfect time.