### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew name **ʼElchânân**, represented by `{{H445}}`, means **“God (is) gracious”**. It appears **4 times** across **4 unique verses** in the Bible. This name is assigned to two different Israelite men, both recognized for their distinction in the context of military service and valor.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The name **ʼElchânân** appears in two distinct contexts in the biblical narrative. In one account, Elhanan the son of Jaareoregim, a Bethlehemite, is credited as a great warrior who "slew{H5221} the brother of Goliath the Gittite" during a battle{H4421} with the Philistines [[2 Samuel 21:19]]. A parallel account identifies this same warrior as the son of Jair [[1 Chronicles 20:5]]. In a separate context, a different man named Elhanan, the son of Dodo of Bethlehem, is listed as one of the "valiant men{H1368}" in King David's elite military forces ([[2 Samuel 23:24]], [[1 Chronicles 11:26]]).
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words help establish the context for the accounts of Elhanan:
* `{{H1368}}` **gibbôwr** (powerful; by implication, warrior): This term describes the elite class of soldier to which Elhanan, son of Dodo, belonged. He is listed among the "valiant men{H1368} of the armies{H2428}" [[1 Chronicles 11:26]]. This word is also used to describe God himself as "mighty{H1368}" [[Deuteronomy 10:17]].
* `{{H2428}}` **chayil** (force, army, valor, strength): This word denotes the military "armies{H2428}" in which Elhanan served [[1 Chronicles 11:26]]. It broadly signifies power and ability, whether military or personal, such as in the case of a "virtuous{H2428} woman" [[Proverbs 31:10]].
* `{{H4421}}` **milchâmâh** (a battle; war): This word sets the scene for the heroic act of Elhanan, son of Jaareoregim. His victory occurred during a "battle{H4421}" [[2 Samuel 21:19]] or "war{H4421}" [[1 Chronicles 20:5]] against the Philistines. The Bible often emphasizes that the outcome of a battle{H4421} ultimately belongs to God [[2 Chronicles 20:15]].
* `{{H5221}}` **nâkâh** (to strike, kill, slay): This verb describes the specific action taken by Elhanan the warrior, who "slew{H5221}" his Philistine adversary [[1 Chronicles 20:5]]. The word can mean to strike literally, but is also used prophetically, as when the Messiah is foreseen as being "smitten{H5221} of God" [[Isaiah 53:4]].
### Theological Significance
The theological weight of `{{H445}}` is found in the meaning of the name itself and its connection to the men who bore it.
* **A Statement of Faith:** The name **ʼElchânân** is a confession: "God (is) gracious." In a world defined by conflict and human strength, the name of these warriors points away from themselves and toward God's character as the source of favor.
* **Grace in Conflict:** The account of Elhanan slaying a powerful enemy [[2 Samuel 21:19]] can be seen as a fulfillment of his name. His victory in battle{H4421} is not merely a feat of personal skill but a demonstration of the divine grace that empowers the weak against the strong.
* **Grace in Service:** The inclusion of Elhanan, son of Dodo, among David's most honored "valiant men{H1368}" [[1 Chronicles 11:26]] demonstrates a life blessed by divine favor. To be counted among these mighty men was a high honor, reflecting a life of faithful and effective service made possible by God's grace.
### Summary
In summary, `{{H445}}` is more than just a historical name. As **ʼElchânân**, meaning "God (is) gracious," it serves as a theological marker. Borne by two notable men—a mighty warrior and a member of David's elite guard—the name reminds the reader that success in battle and honorable standing are not achieved by human might alone. Instead, they are reflections of the divine grace bestowed by God upon those who serve Him.
TRV