The Hebrew name ʼĔlîyhûw, represented by H453, means "God of him". It is derived from the words for God (אֵל) and "him" (הוּא). This name appears 11 times in 11 unique verses and is used to identify several individuals in the Old Testament, most notably one of the friends of Job.
In the biblical narrative, H453 identifies several distinct individuals. The most prominent is Elihu, the son of Barachel, who appears in the book of Job. His wrath H639 was kindled H2734 against Job and his three friends because he believed Job "justified himself rather than God" (Job 32:2, Job 32:5). He waits to speak out of respect for his elders Job 32:4, stating "I am young, and ye are very old" Job 32:6, before delivering a series of discourses (Job 34:1, Job 35:1, Job 36:1). The name also appears in genealogies, such as in the lineage of Samuel's father 1 Samuel 1:1, and identifies a brother of David 1 Chronicles 27:18. Other men named Elihu include a captain of Manasseh who joined David 1 Chronicles 12:20 and a strong man listed among the sons of Shemaiah 1 Chronicles 26:7.
Several related words provide context for the narratives involving individuals named Elihu:
- H347 ʼÎyôwb (Job): This is the name of the patriarch to whom Elihu speaks. Elihu's speeches are a direct response to Job and his friends (Job 32:2, Job 32:4).
- H639 ʼaph (wrath): This word, which can mean nose or anger, is used to describe Elihu's emotional state. His wrath was kindled against both Job and his companions (Job 32:2, Job 32:5).
- H2734 chârâh (to be kindled, burn): This verb describes the action of Elihu's anger. The text states his wrath "was kindled" (Job 32:2, Job 32:5), a term used to describe the blazing up of anger or zeal.
The narrative weight of H453 is primarily concentrated in the book of Job, though other figures with this name contribute to its significance.
- A Pivotal Voice in Debate: In the story of Job, Elihu enters the conversation after the other speakers have failed. He is presented as a younger man whose wrath H639 is kindled H2734 by what he perceives as Job's self-righteousness and the friends' inability to refute him (Job 32:2, Job 32:5). His speeches serve as a bridge, offering a different perspective before God himself answered H6030 Job Job 38:1.
- Representation in Lineage: The name appears in the genealogy of Samuel's father, Elkanah 1 Samuel 1:1, indicating its presence in an important family line. Another Elihu is identified as one of David's brethren, holding a position of authority over Judah 1 Chronicles 27:18.
- Association with Strength and Leadership: Figures named Elihu are also noted for their roles as leaders. One was a captain of the thousands of Manasseh who joined David 1 Chronicles 12:20, and another is listed among "strong men" in the family of Shemaiah 1 Chronicles 26:7.
In summary, H453 ʼĔlîyhûw is a personal name meaning "God of him," used for several individuals in the Old Testament. While found in significant genealogies and leadership lists (1 Samuel 1:1, 1 Chronicles 12:20), its most detailed portrayal is that of Job's younger friend. This Elihu is characterized by his zealous wrath H639, which is kindled H2734 in defense of God's justice Job 32:2. His role as a distinct voice in the theological debate of Job solidifies the name's association with passionate conviction and a unique place in biblical discourse.
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