Elkanah(2)
Elkanah in the Bible — father of Samuel (1SA 1:1, 1SA 1:20). Elkanah belonged to the tribe of Levi. Referenced in 5 scripture passages.
Name meaning: “God the zealous; the zeal of God”
Profile
- Gender
- male
- Tribe
- Levi
- Scripture References
- 5 references
- Known Names
- 1 name
- Relationships
- 4 connections
Biography
Elkanah was a male Levite who lived in the hill-country of Ephraim. He is notably recognized as the father of the prophet Samuel, marking his significance in the biblical narrative. Though residing in Ephraim, his tribal affiliation was with Levi, underscoring his priestly lineage.
Names & Titles
The name Elkanah means 'G-d has possessed' in Hebrew, reflecting a recognition of divine ownership or blessing. This proper name is recorded in 1 Samuel 1:1 and is not indicated to have been given directly by God.
Family
Elkanah was the son of Jeroham and the husband of Hannah and Peninnah. He was the father of Samuel, who would become a major prophet and leader in Israel. These relationships are documented explicitly or inferred from 1 Samuel 1.
Significance
Elkanah's primary importance lies in his role as the father of Samuel, through whom God would work powerfully in Israel's history. His Levite heritage situates him within the priestly tribe, and his residence in Ephraim connects him to a significant region in Israel. Through his family, especially Samuel, Elkanah is linked to the unfolding of God's redemptive plan in the Old Testament.
Names & Labels (1)
- Hebrew
- אֶלְקָנָה
- Transliteration
- eləqanah
- Meaning
- G-d [El] has possessed
- Greek
- Ελκανα
- Reference
- 1SA 1:1
- Strong's
- H511
Notes
He lived in the hill-country of Ephraim (1SA 1:1) but was a Levite (1CH 6:22-28).
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Elkanah in the Bible?
Elkanah was a male Levite who lived in the hill-country of Ephraim. He is notably recognized as the father of the prophet Samuel, marking his significance in the biblical narrative. Though residing in Ephraim, his tribal affiliation was with Levi, underscoring his priestly lineage.
What does the name Elkanah mean?
The name Elkanah means “God the zealous; the zeal of God” according to Hitchcock's Bible Names Dictionary.