### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word **ʼElqôshîy**, represented by `{{H512}}`, is a patrial term used to identify a native of Elkosh. It appears only **1 time** in **1 unique verse** in the entire Bible. Its singular purpose is to provide the origin of the prophet Nahum, establishing his identity at the outset of his recorded prophecy.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The sole biblical context for `{{H512}}` is the introductory verse of the book of Nahum. It is used to describe the prophet himself: "The book of the vision of Nahum the **Elkoshite**" [[Nahum 1:1]]. This designation anchors the prophet to a specific, though now uncertain, geographical location. The term functions as a simple identifier, immediately preceding the divine message that Nahum is tasked with delivering against Nineveh.
### Related Words & Concepts
The context of `{{H512}}` directly links it to several other key words that frame the prophecy:
* `{{H5151}}` **Nachûwm** (Nahum): This is the prophet who is described as the **Elkoshite**. The term `{{H512}}` directly modifies his name, providing his geographical identity [[Nahum 1:1]].
* `{{H5210}}` **Nîynᵉvêh** (Nineveh): This is the Assyrian capital that is the subject of the prophecy delivered by Nahum the Elkoshite [[Nahum 1:1]].
* `{{H4853}}` **massâʼ** (a burden; prophecy): This word defines the prophetic message delivered by the Elkoshite as a "burden," a heavy utterance of doom against Nineveh [[Nahum 1:1]].
* `{{H2377}}` **châzôwn** (vision): This term clarifies that the message from Nahum the Elkoshite originates from a divine revelation or sight from God [[Nahum 1:1]].
* `{{H5612}}` **çêpher** (book): This word indicates that the vision given to the Elkoshite was recorded in written form as a document or scroll [[Nahum 1:1]].
### Theological Significance
While `{{H512}}` itself is a simple geographical label, its theological significance is derived from its role in authenticating the prophetic message.
* **Prophetic Identification:** The use of a patrial name like **Elkoshite** serves to ground the prophet in a real-world, historical context. It establishes Nahum as a specific individual chosen to deliver a divine word.
* **Grounded Revelation:** The term demonstrates that God's revelations, such as the "vision" `{{H2377}}` given to Nahum, are delivered through human agents. The designation **Elkoshite** connects the divine "burden" `{{H4853}}` to a specific earthly messenger.
* **Focus on the Message:** The use of `{{H512}}` is brief and functional, immediately shifting the focus from the prophet's origin to the content of his message: "the book of the vision of Nahum the Elkoshite" [[Nahum 1:1]].
### Summary
In summary, **ʼElqôshîy** `{{H512}}` is a term with a singular and precise function. It appears only once to identify the prophet Nahum as a man from Elkosh. While it carries no deep theological meaning on its own, its presence is significant. It illustrates the biblical practice of setting divine prophecy within a tangible human context, thereby validating the messenger and emphasizing the gravity of the message he was chosen to deliver.
TRV