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).
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.
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.
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.
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