The name Hannah signifies “graciousness,” whereas Penninah means “one with rich hair.” At this period in the world’s history polygamy was considered ethical, and God permitted it (see on Deut. 14:26). Yet because of financial restrictions only the well-to-do class and kings seem to have indulged in plural marriages. Rulers sought to secure peace through sending a princess to the harem of another monarch. But instead of peace the practice of polygamy often brought intrigue, jealousy, and failure to both royal harem and private home. In NT times polygamy rendered a man unfit for any religious office (1 Tim. 3:2, 12).