1 Samuel 1:4When the day came that Elkanah sacrificed, he gave to Peninnah his wife, and to all her sons and her daughters, portions:
The setting
Shiloh, Israel, ~1100 BC. Annual family pilgrimage to the tabernacle. Elkanah distributes meat portions from his peace offering among his wives and children in the sacred courtyard.
The emotion here: matter-of-fact recording of painful family dynamics
The original word
manah (מָנָה) — appointed portion, what is measured out and designated for each person
Why it matters
Peace offerings were the only sacrifices where families could eat the meat together — it was their annual feast
Read with care
What most readers miss in 1 Samuel 1:4
This was their one big family meal of the year — imagine Christmas dinner with a co-wife
Common misconceptionThis seems like a normal family dinner, but it was the ONE time per year this polygamous family ate together at God's house — maximum tension.
The thread continues
Verses that echo 1 Samuel 1:4
Bible Genome reading
1 Samuel 1:4 — Bible Genome reading
Emotional genome
1 Samuel 1:4 comes from the book of 1 Samuel, written during the judges period. These words are attributed to Narrator. The dominant emotion in this verse is resting, with a comfort power of 30% and a tone that is conversational. It belongs to the narrative genre of biblical literature. Key themes include provision, family dynamics. Notable phrases: gave portions.
Emotionally similar
Verses that meet the same resting
“Love is patient and is kind; love doesn't envy. Love doesn't brag, is not proud,”
— 1 Corinthians 13:4
“When Jesus therefore had received the vinegar, he said, "It is finished." He bowed his head, and gave up his spirit.”
— John 19:30
“Yahweh is my shepherd: I shall lack nothing.”
— Psalms 23:1
“Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me. Your rod and your staff, they comfor…”
— Psalms 23:4
“"Be still, and know that I am God. I will be exalted among the nations. I will be exalted in the earth."”
— Psalms 46:10
Your reflection
What does 1 Samuel 1:4 mean to you, today?
A short note. A question. A prayer. Saved privately to your Soul Garden, dated, and tied to this verse forever.
Speak your heart →Get 3 verses for "resting"
Delivered to your inbox right now. Free.