The meaning of the Hebrew expression translated as only one portion is not clear. The Hebrew is literally “one portion two-faced.” There are several possible interpretations of the Hebrew: (1) a double portion, (2) a single portion, and (3) a large portion. To further complicate the matter, the Septuagint translation seems to require a slight change in both the spelling and punctuation of the Hebrew text, to read “one portion, although.” The Revised Standard Version translation is based on the Septuagint. New Jerusalem Bible likewise follows the Septuagint in reading “to Hannah, however, he would give only one portion: for, although he loved Hannah more, Yahweh had made her barren” (similarly Revised English Bible). Note that, according to the Septuagint, he gave Hannah one portion although (or despite the fact that) he loved her more. That is, Elkanah gave Hannah one portion only, not because he loved her less but rather because she had no children and therefore needed only one portion for herself. According to the Hebrew, however, he gave her a special (or, double) portion because he loved her more.
Critique Textuelle de l’Ancien Testamentk (Critique Textuelle de l’Ancien Testament) gives a {B} rating to the Masoretic Text and recommends that it be followed. Some interpreters understand the Hebrew to mean “a double portion.” This is the basis for translations such as “but to Hannah he gave a double portion because he loved her” (New Revised Standard Version, New International Version, Fox, and La Sainte Bible: La version Etablie par les moines de Maredsous). Critique Textuelle de l’Ancien Testament, however, states that the Hebrew expression most likely does not mean “double.” It therefore recommends that the Hebrew refers to a part which was particularly large and honorable for the person receiving it. This understanding is the basis for translations such as “but to Hannah he gave a portion twice as large, because he loved her very much” (Bible en français courant), “an honorable part” (Traduction œcuménique de la Bible), and “a special share” (New Century Version). Translators should follow the Masoretic Text here and not the Septuagint. The difference in meaning is small between “a double portion” and “a special portion.” Either of these two translations may be followed.
On the word portion see the comments on 1.4.
The Hebrew says literally that the LORD had closed her womb. This is figurative language meaning that God “had kept her from having children” or “had not granted her children” (Revised English Bible). Some languages will prefer a more technical term, saying that the LORD had made her “barren” (New American Bible, New Jerusalem Bible).
Quoted with permission from Omanson, Roger L. and Ellington, John E. A Handbook on the First and Second Books of Samuel, Volume 1. (UBS Helps for Translators). New York: UBS, 2001. For this and other handbooks for translators see here .