### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word **ʼElʻûwzay**, represented by `{{H498}}`, is the proper name of an Israelite. It appears only **1 time** in **1 unique verse** in the Bible. The name's definition, "God (is) defensive," is derived from the Hebrew words for God, אֵל (El), and for defense, עוּז (in the sense of עֹז).
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The single biblical reference to `{{H498}}` is in a genealogical list. In [[1 Chronicles 12:5]], **Eluzai** is named among a group of men. The verse lists him with others: "**Eluzai**, and Jerimoth, and Bealiah, and Shemariah, and Shephatiah the Haruphite." This context identifies him as an individual but provides no further narrative detail about his life or actions.
### Related Words & Concepts
Several other individuals are named in the same list as **Eluzai**, establishing a direct contextual relationship:
* `{{H3406}}` **Yᵉrîymôwth** (elevations; Jerimoth): An Israelite whose name is listed immediately after Eluzai in [[1 Chronicles 12:5]].
* `{{H1183}}` **Bᵉʻalyâh** (Jah (is) master; Bealjah): The name of another Israelite appearing in the same verse [[1 Chronicles 12:5]].
* `{{H8114}}` **Shᵉmaryâh** (Jah has guarded; Shemarjah): A fourth individual mentioned in the list alongside Eluzai [[1 Chronicles 12:5]].
* `{{H8203}}` **Shᵉphaṭyâh** (Jah has judged; Shephatjah): The fifth person named in this group, identified as a Haruphite [[1 Chronicles 12:5]].
### Theological Significance
While the person **Eluzai** is obscure, the theological weight of his name `{{H498}}` is significant.
* **A Declaration of Faith:** The name itself means "God (is) defensive." It serves as a personal or familial testimony to a belief in God's protective and shielding character.
* **Theophoric Nature:** **ʼElʻûwzay** is a theophoric name, meaning it incorporates a divine title ('El' for God). This was a common practice in ancient Israel to honor God and express a deep-seated reliance on Him.
* **God's Character:** The name contributes to a broader biblical theme of God as a defender of His people. Its meaning reflects a theology where God is seen as a source of strength and a defensive stronghold.
### Summary
In summary, `{{H498}}` is the name of an Israelite, **Eluzai**, who is mentioned only once in scripture. Although the Bible provides no biography for this individual, his name carries a powerful theological statement: "God (is) defensive." The significance of `{{H498}}` is therefore found not in the man's story but in the profound declaration of faith embedded within his name, highlighting a core aspect of God's character as a protector.
TRV