In updated translations of the Bible, the word “sons” is often replaced with “children” to show inclusion of females in the group. There are many places where this is good practice, but I always tell my Hebrew students to begin translation by using the word “sons” and come back after translating the whole passage to decide where to make the change to “children”.
A good example showing the reason for this occurs in 1 Sam, chapter 1. In v. 2, the NIV says, “Peninnah had children, but Hannah had none.” Later, in v. 4, it specifies that Elcanah gave offering portions to Peninna and to her sons and daughters.
Sons were highly valued in the ancient Israeli family. I submit that v. 2 indicates that Peninna has two important things: fertility and sons. Using the word “children” here does not allow us to see the depth of Hannah’s pain. Women in the ancient world were valued according to their ability to produce heirs. Of course, we know today that it is the man who produces a male or female child, but this was not known in biblical times. And so Hannah wept and prayed, and eventually she surrendered her one son to be raised by Eli in the service of the Lord.
Certainly it is noteworthy that Peninna had both sons and daughters. But the sons are the focus of this narrative. Peninna has them and Hannah does not.