### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew name **ʼElqânâh** `{{H511}}`, meaning **God has obtained**, belongs to several Israelites in the scriptures. It appears **21 times** across **20 unique verses**, highlighting its presence in various lineages and narratives. The name is derived from the words for God, אֵל, and to obtain, קָנָה.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In the biblical narrative, `{{H511}}` is most famously associated with the **husband** `{{H376}}` of **Hannah** `{{H2584}}` and father of the prophet Samuel. This **Elkanah** is introduced as an **Ephrathite** `{{H673}}` from **Ramathaimzophim** `{{H7436}}` in the hill country of **Ephraim** `{{H669}}` [[1 Samuel 1:1]]. He is portrayed as a devout man who would go up **yearly** `{{H3117}}` to **worship** `{{H7812}}` and **offer** `{{H2076}}` sacrifices to the **LORD** `{{H3068}}` ([[1 Samuel 1:21]], [[1 Samuel 1:19]]). He comforted **Hannah** when her **heart** `{{H3824}}` was **grieved** `{{H3415}}` [[1 Samuel 1:8]]. Other individuals named **Elkanah** include a **son** `{{H1121}}` of **Korah** `{{H7141}}` within the Levitical families [[Exodus 6:24]], a **doorkeeper** `{{H7778}}` for the **ark** `{{H727}}` [[1 Chronicles 15:23]], and a high-ranking official who was **next** `{{H4932}}` to the **king** `{{H4428}}` and was **slain** `{{H2026}}` by **Zichri** `{{H2147}}` [[2 Chronicles 28:7]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words and names provide context for the various figures named **Elkanah**:
* `{{H1121}}` **bên** (son): This word is foundational to understanding the identity of each **Elkanah**, as they are almost always introduced through their lineage, such as "the **son** of Jeroham" [[1 Samuel 1:1]] or as part of a list of the **sons** of **Korah** [[Exodus 6:24]].
* `{{H2584}}` **Channâh** (favored; Hannah): As the **wife** `{{H802}}` of the most prominent **Elkanah**, her story is deeply intertwined with his. He questions why she **weepest** `{{H1058}}` [[1 Samuel 1:8]] and supports her after the **LORD** `{{H3068}}` **remembered** `{{H2142}}` her [[1 Samuel 1:19]].
* `{{H7141}}` **Qôrach** (ice; Korah): This name identifies the ancestor of a significant Levitical branch to which several Elkanahs belonged. The genealogies list **Elkanah** among the **sons** `{{H1121}}` of **Korah** and the **families** `{{H4940}}` of the **Korhites** `{{H7145}}` ([[Exodus 6:24]], [[1 Chronicles 6:23]]).
* `{{H3395}}` **Yᵉrôchâm** (compassionate; Jeroham): The **father** of the Elkanah in 1 Samuel, establishing his direct lineage as he is called the **son** `{{H1121}}` of **Jeroham** ([[1 Samuel 1:1]], [[1 Chronicles 6:27]], [[1 Chronicles 6:34]]).
### Theological Significance
The name `{{H511}}` is associated with individuals who play distinct roles, illustrating the theme of "God has obtained" for specific purposes.
* **Head of a Faithful Household:** The **Elkanah** of 1 Samuel exemplifies piety as the head of a **house** `{{H1004}}`. He leads his family in making the **yearly** `{{H3117}}` **sacrifice** `{{H2077}}` and honors his wife's **vow** `{{H5088}}` to the **LORD** `{{H3068}}`, stating "the **LORD** `{{H3068}}` **establish** `{{H6965}}` his **word** `{{H1697}}`" [[1 Samuel 1:23]].
* **Dedicated Levitical Service:** The name appears repeatedly in the Levitical genealogies of the **Korhites** `{{H7145}}` ([[Exodus 6:24]], [[1 Chronicles 12:6]]). One **Elkanah** served as a **doorkeeper** `{{H7778}}` for the **ark** `{{H727}}` [[1 Chronicles 15:23]], a position of honor and responsibility in Israel's worship.
* **Civil and Military Authority:** An **Elkanah** held the position of being **next** `{{H4932}}` to the **king** `{{H4428}}`, a significant role in the royal court [[2 Chronicles 28:7]]. Another was among the **Korhites** `{{H7145}}` who came to David with **Joezer** `{{H3134}}` and **Jashobeam** `{{H3434}}` [[1 Chronicles 12:6]].
### Summary
In summary, **ʼElqânâh** `{{H511}}` is a name borne by several notable figures in the Old Testament. While most prominently known as the faithful **husband** `{{H376}}` of **Hannah** `{{H2584}}`, the name also belongs to Levites, including a **son** `{{H1121}}` of **Korah** `{{H7141}}`, a **doorkeeper** `{{H7778}}` for the **ark** `{{H727}}`, and a high-ranking royal official. The meaning "God has obtained" is fitting, as each individual named **Elkanah** is shown to have been set apart for a specific role in Israel's history, whether in family life, religious service, or civil governance.
TRV