אֱלִישׁוּעַ

Core Meaning & Semantic Range

The Hebrew name ʼĔlîyshûwaʻ, represented by H474, is defined as God of supplication (or of riches). It appears 2 times across 2 unique verses in the Bible. The name specifically refers to Elishua, the son of King David.

Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis

The biblical record places Elishua in the context of King David's family. He is documented in two parallel genealogical lists of the sons born to David in Jerusalem. In the first account, he is named alongside his brothers as "Ibhar also, and Elishua, and Nepheg, and Japhia" 2 Samuel 5:15. A similar list in Chronicles also includes him, naming "Ibhar, and Elishua, and Elpalet" 1 Chronicles 14:5.

Related Words & Concepts

Elishua is consistently listed with his brothers, establishing his place within the royal lineage. Several of these related names appear alongside his:

• H2984 Yibchar (Ibhar): Meaning "choice; Jibchar, an Israelite; Ibhar." He is mentioned with Elishua in both lists of David's sons (2 Samuel 5:15, 1 Chronicles 14:5).
• H5298 Nepheg: Meaning "a sprout; Nepheg, the name of two Israelites; Nepheg." He is listed as one of Elishua's brothers in the 2 Samuel account 2 Samuel 5:15.
• H3309 Yâphîyaʻ (Japhia): Meaning "bright; Japhia, the name of a Canaanite, an Israelite, and a place in Palestine; Japhia." He is named as a brother of Elishua in 2 Samuel 5:15.
• H467 ʼĔlîypheleṭ (Elpalet): Meaning "God of deliverance; Eliphelet or Elpelet, the name of six Israelites; Eliphalet, Eliphelet, Elpalet." He is named with Elishua in the 1 Chronicles list 1 Chronicles 14:5.

Theological Significance

While Elishua is not a central figure in any biblical narrative, his inclusion in the scriptures carries significance.

• Royal Lineage: Elishua's presence in the genealogies of 2 Samuel and 1 Chronicles confirms his identity as a son of King David, born during his reign in Jerusalem.
• A Name of Faith: The name ʼĔlîyshûwaʻ itself is a declaration of faith, combining the Hebrew words for "God" and "supplication (or of riches)." This reflects a posture of dependence on God within David's household.
• Historical Corroboration: The mention of Elishua in two separate historical records (2 Samuel 5:15, 1 Chronicles 14:5) solidifies his place as a historical person within the Davidic dynasty.

Summary

In summary, H474 ʼĔlîyshûwaʻ is the proper name of a son of King David. Although his role is limited to genealogical lists, his name is preserved as part of Israel's royal history. The name's meaning, "God of supplication (or of riches)," serves as a small but significant testament to the faith that characterized the Davidic line.