the same as עֶגְלָה; Eglah, a wife of David; Eglah.
Transliteration:ʻEglâh
Pronunciation:eg-law'
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word `{{H5698}}` (עֶגְלָה, ʻEglâh) is a proper noun, specifically a personal name. Its primary meaning is its referent: a specific individual named Eglah, who was one of King David's wives. The Strong's definition explicitly states it is "the same as עֶגְלָה," indicating a direct etymological link to `{{H5697}}` (ʻeglāh), which means "heifer" or "young cow." Thus, while `{{H5698}}` denotes a person, its underlying semantic range points to the imagery of a female calf, often associated with youth, fertility, or purity in broader ancient Near Eastern contexts, though such connotations are not directly applied to the person Eglah within the biblical narrative itself. For proper nouns, the emphasis shifts from the etymological root's meaning to the identity of the person designated by the name.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
Eglah `{{H5698}}` is mentioned only twice in the Hebrew Bible, both times in lists enumerating David's wives and sons born to him in Hebron.
1. [[2 Samuel 3:5]]: "and the sixth, Ithream, by Eglah, David's wife." This verse is part of a list detailing the six sons born to David in Hebron, each with their respective mothers. Eglah is identified as the mother of Ithream, and explicitly as "David's wife."
2. [[1 Chronicles 3:3]]: "the sixth, Ithream, by Eglah his wife." This parallel passage in Chronicles confirms the information provided in Samuel, reinforcing Eglah's identity as a wife of David and the mother of Ithream, who is listed as David's sixth son born in Hebron.
In both contexts, Eglah appears as a factual entry in a genealogical and historical record. Her inclusion underscores the meticulous nature of the biblical chroniclers in documenting the lineage of King David. Beyond her name and her role as mother of Ithream, the biblical text provides no further details about her life, character, or activities. She is presented as an integral, though minor, figure in the establishment of David's royal household.
### Related Words & Concepts
The most directly related word is `{{H5697}}` (עֶגְלָה, ʻeglāh), the common noun meaning "heifer" or "young cow." The naming convention of deriving personal names from common nouns, including animal names, was a common practice in ancient Israel and the wider ancient Near East. While the name Eglah literally means "heifer," it is important to avoid over-interpreting this etymology for the person herself, as many names carried symbolic weight only in their initial coining, becoming mere identifiers over time.
Other related concepts include:
* **David's Wives:** Eglah is listed alongside other prominent wives of David, such as Ahinoam, Abigail, Maacah, Haggith, and Abital. Her presence completes the record of David's domestic life during his early reign in Hebron.
* **Davidic Genealogy:** As the mother of Ithream, Eglah contributes to the extensive genealogical records of David's descendants, which are crucial for tracing the royal line and, ultimately, the lineage of the Messiah.
* **Patriarchal Naming Conventions:** The practice of naming children after animals or nature (e.g., Rachel meaning "ewe," Deborah meaning "bee") is a broader biblical and ancient cultural phenomenon.
### Theological Significance
While Eglah `{{H5698}}` herself plays no active role in the grand theological narratives of the Bible, her inclusion in the sacred text carries subtle but important theological weight.
Firstly, her presence in the lists of David's wives and sons contributes to the *veracity and meticulousness of the biblical record*. The Bible presents a detailed historical account, including seemingly minor figures, which attests to its commitment to accurate historical and genealogical documentation. This meticulousness supports the reliability of the broader narrative, especially concerning the establishment of the Davidic dynasty.
Secondly, as a wife of David and mother of one of his sons born in Hebron, Eglah is part of the *foundational establishment of the Davidic kingdom*. The consolidation of David's family was intrinsically linked to the consolidation of his reign. God's covenant with David ([[2 Samuel 7:12-16]]) promised an enduring dynasty. The careful enumeration of David's wives and sons underscores the unfolding of this divine promise through the natural process of procreation and family formation.
Finally, her existence, even as a minor figure, reminds us that the divine plan unfolds through the lives of ordinary people, some of whom are merely mentioned in passing. Every individual, however brief their mention, contributes to the tapestry of salvation history, ultimately pointing towards the greater purpose of God's redemptive work through the lineage of David.
### Summary
Eglah `{{H5698}}` (עֶגְלָה) is a proper noun referring to one of King David's wives and the mother of his son Ithream. Her name is etymologically linked to `{{H5697}}` (ʻeglāh), meaning "heifer." She is mentioned only twice in the biblical record ([[2 Samuel 3:5]] and [[1 Chronicles 3:3]]), appearing in lists of David's sons born in Hebron. As a minor figure, Eglah's primary significance lies in her contribution to the accurate and detailed genealogical records of David's household, which are crucial for understanding the historical development of the Davidic dynasty and its role in God's covenantal plan. Her inclusion underscores the Bible's historical precision and the unfolding of divine promises through the lives of individuals, even those whose stories remain largely untold.
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