1:1 a certain man. This expression and the accompanying genealogy suggest that Elkanah was a man of standing. The reference to a barren wife (v. 2) resembles the introduction to the birth of Samson (Judg. 13:2).

Ramathaim-zophim. Possibly meaning “twin heights,” the name occurs only here in the Old Testament. It may be the same as the New Testament Arimathea (northwest of Bethel). Samuel’s hometown is usually called Ramah, about five miles north of Jerusalem (1:19; 2:11; 7:17; 8:4; 15:34; 19:18; 25:1).

of Zuph. “Zuph” is both a personal name (1 Chr. 6:35) and a territory (9:5).

Ephrathite. Ephraim was the place he was from, not necessarily the tribe of his ancestry (1 Chr. 6:16–30, 33–37).