### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word **ʼEltᵉqôn**, represented by `{{H515}}`, is the name of a place in Palestine, with a definition of **God (is) straight**. This name is exceptionally specific in its biblical usage, appearing only **1 time** in **1 unique verse**. Its meaning is derived from the combination of the Hebrew words for God (אֵל) and straight (תָּקַן).
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The sole biblical reference to `{{H515}}` occurs within a list of towns in the book of Joshua. In this passage, **ʼEltᵉqôn** is grouped with two other locations, Maarath and Beth-anoth, and the verse concludes by identifying them as part of a collective of "six cities with their villages" [[Joshua 15:59]]. This context firmly establishes **ʼEltᵉqôn** as a specific, named city in ancient Palestine.
### Related Words & Concepts
The verse where **ʼEltᵉqôn** is found contains several related words that help define its context as a settlement:
* `{{H4638}}` **Maʻărâth**: Defined as "waste," this is another **place in Palestine** listed alongside Eltekon [[Joshua 15:59]].
* `{{H1042}}` **Bêyth ʻĂnôwth**: Meaning "house of replies," this is also a **place in Palestine** that appears in the same list [[Joshua 15:59]].
* `{{H5892}}` **ʻîyr**: The term used for **city**. It classifies Eltekon as a fortified or guarded place. This word is broadly used, from describing a besieged place [[Isaiah 1:8]] to identifying Jerusalem as the holy **city** [[Isaiah 52:1]].
* `{{H2691}}` **châtsêr**: This word, used for the **villages** surrounding the cities, also means an enclosed yard or **court**. This dual meaning is seen when it refers to both a hamlet [[Joshua 15:59]] and the sacred "courts of the LORD" [[Psalms 92:13]].
### Theological Significance
The theological weight of `{{H515}}` comes directly from its meaning, "God (is) straight."
* **A Statement of Divine Character:** The name itself is a declaration about God's nature, equating Him with what is right, just, and unwavering.
* **A Geographical Reminder:** By giving a city this name, the location could serve as a constant, physical testimony to the inhabitants and surrounding regions of God's perfect and reliable standard.
* **Embedded Truth:** Even as a minor location in the biblical text, the name **ʼEltᵉqôn** demonstrates how foundational theological truths about God's righteousness were embedded into the daily life and landscape of Israel.
### Summary
In summary, while **ʼEltᵉqôn** `{{H515}}` is a name that appears only once in scripture, its significance outweighs its frequency. The name itself is a powerful theological statement: "God (is) straight." It serves as a prime example of how meaning is woven into the biblical narrative, turning even a simple place name into a declaration of God's unchanging, righteous character.
TRV