אֵילַת (e.lat)
e.lat
Elath; Eloth
N:N--LQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 6 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- N:N--L
Word Overview
The noun e.lat refers to Elath, a strategic town and harbor located on the northernmost arm of the Red Sea. The lexicons suggest its name derives from roots meaning "lofty tree" or "grove," likely pointing to the palm trees that would have marked this oasis in the desert landscape.
Although it appears only six times in Scripture, its location gave it significant political weight. Kings such as Rehoboam and Jotham are recorded fortifying the city (2 Chronicles 26:3; 27:4), while Solomon’s fleet sailed from there to bring back gold and precious materials (1 Kings 9:26-28). It served as Israel’s primary maritime gateway to the south, connecting the kingdom with distant lands like Ophir and Egypt.
Translators consistently render this proper name as Elath or Eloth without attempting to translate the meaning of "grove" into the text. The word anchors the narrative in a specific geographic reality, reminding readers that ancient Israel’s reach extended beyond its borders through trade routes centered on this coastal hub.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
Elath was more than a dot on an ancient map; it was Israel’s gateway to the wider world. Located at the northern tip of the Red Sea, this harbor connected the people of God with distant trade routes and foreign lands. The name itself likely points to tall trees or palms, offering shade and life in a harsh desert landscape. For those traveling then, seeing these groves meant safety and provision after days of arduous journeying.
Scripture records kings fortifying this city, not just for military strength, but to secure economic stability and connection with nations like Ophir. This reminds us that God’s people were meant to engage with the world around them. Whether through trade or travel, our daily paths often cross with places of opportunity and challenge. Like the travelers passing through Elath, we are called to navigate these spaces with wisdom, knowing that every location has a story and a purpose in God’s broader plan.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 6 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- Elath6×
- from/ Elath2×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- אֵילַ֔ת2×
- מֵֽ/אֵיל֑וֹת1×
- מֵ/אֵילַ֖ת1×
- אֵל֛וֹת1×
- אֵילַת֙1×
- אֵיל֛וֹת1×
- אֵיל֔וֹת1×
Key Verses
-
I Kings 9:26
King Solomon made a fleet of ships in Ezion Geber, which is beside Eloth, on the shore of the Red Sea, in the land of Edom.
This verse highlights Elath as the strategic base for Solomon’s naval fleet, showing how the city enabled Israel to access wealth and influence from distant lands like Ophir.
-
Deuteronomy 2:8
So we passed by from our brothers, the children of Esau, who dwell in Seir, from the way of the Arabah from Elath and from Ezion Geber. We turned and passed by the way of the wilderness of Moab.
Here the word marks a specific point in the wilderness journey, reminding readers that God guided His people past this coastal landmark toward their promised inheritance.
-
II Kings 14:22
He built Elath and restored it to Judah. After that the king slept with his fathers.
King Azariah’s restoration of Elath demonstrates how control over this port was vital for Judah’s economic recovery and political stability after periods of decline.