Eliab(3)
Eliab in the Bible — firstborn (1CH 2:13) son of Jesse (1SA 16:6) brother of David. Eliab belonged to the tribe of Judah. Referenced in 3 scripture passages.
Name meaning: “God is my father; God is the father”
Profile
- Gender
- male
- Tribe
- Judah
- Scripture References
- 3 references
- Known Names
- 1 name
- Relationships
- 2 connections
Biography
Eliab was a male member of the tribe of Judah, known as the firstborn son of Jesse and the eldest brother of David. His status as the firstborn placed him in a position of prominence within his family. No additional personal notes are recorded about him.
Names & Titles
The name Eliab means 'G-d [El] is [my] father,' reflecting a theistic acknowledgment common in Hebrew names. This proper name is recorded in 1 Samuel 16:6 and was not given by divine revelation but as a customary personal name.
Family
Eliab was the son of Jesse and, by inference, the grandson of Abihail. He was also the older brother of David. These relationships establish his place within a significant biblical family line.
Significance
Eliab is significant in the biblical narrative as the firstborn son of Jesse who initially appeared to be the likely choice for kingship when Samuel came to anoint Israel's king. However, God rejected him based on the heart rather than outward appearance. Additionally, Eliab's reaction to David during the battle against Goliath reveals familial tension and highlights the contrast between human expectations and God's sovereign selection.
Key Events
Names & Labels (1)
- Hebrew
- אֱלִיאָב
- Transliteration
- eliyav
- Meaning
- G-d [El] is [my] father
- Greek
- Ελιαβ
- Reference
- 1SA 16:6
- Strong's
- H446
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Eliab in the Bible?
Eliab was a male member of the tribe of Judah, known as the firstborn son of Jesse and the eldest brother of David. His status as the firstborn placed him in a position of prominence within his family. No additional personal notes are recorded about him.
What does the name Eliab mean?
The name Eliab means “God is my father; God is the father” according to Hitchcock's Bible Names Dictionary.