Redeeming Peninnah: A Freeing Translation of צרתה in 1 Samuel 1.6

Abstract

In English versions of 1 Samuel 1.6 the nearly universal translation of the word צרתה is “her rival wife.” The case presented here is that the rendering based on the noun צר “adversary” is incorrect when compared to the possible alternative noun צרה “affliction.” Five major arguments are presented: the identification of and initial problems with the traditional understanding of צר as the base, analysis of the use of the term in both the Hebrew Bible and a single identical form in Ben Sira, viability of the use of צרה in the context of 1 Sam 1.6 when all other uses in the Hebrew Bible are considered, comparison with the Septuagint translation, and assessment of the narrative which addresses the goals and roles of the characters as they function with each possible translation.