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.
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.
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).
The name H511 is associated with individuals who play distinct roles, illustrating the theme of "God has obtained" for specific purposes.
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