אֵיתָן (e.tan)
e.tan
Ethan
N:N-M-PQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 4 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- N:N-M-P
Word Overview
The name Eitan means "enduring" or "perpetual." In the Hebrew Bible, it appears only four times, primarily in the genealogies and historical records of Chronicles. It identifies several distinct individuals across different tribes, including a grandson of Judah and members of the Levitical families of Kohath and Merari.
The most notable bearer is an Ezrahite wise man mentioned alongside Heman, Calcol, and Darda in 1 Kings 4:31 and 1 Chronicles 15:17. His inclusion among Solomon’s renowned scholars highlights a tradition that valued lasting wisdom as a form of endurance. The name’s root suggests stability and permanence, fitting for those recorded in the enduring lineage of Israel.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The name Ethan carries the quiet strength of endurance. In Scripture, it appears in genealogies that trace God’s faithfulness through generations. These records remind us that God remembers every person, even those mentioned only briefly.
One bearer of this name was a Levite musician appointed to lead worship with cymbals (1 Chronicles 15:19). His role shows how ordinary service becomes sacred when offered to God. Endurance is not always loud; sometimes it is steady presence in the house of the Lord.
When you feel worn by time or trial, remember that God’s covenant lasts forever. Your faithful steps, however small, are recorded in His story. Rest in the assurance that He who began a good work will bring it to completion (Philippians 1:6).
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 4 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- and/ Ethan2×
- Ethan2×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- אֵיתָ֖ן2×
- וְ/אֵיתָ֧ן1×
- וְ/אֵיתָ֑ן1×
Key Verses
-
I Chronicles 15:19
So the singers, Heman, Asaph, and Ethan, were given cymbals of bronze to sound aloud;
This verse highlights Ethan’s specific role as a Levitical musician, showing how worship involves active, enduring service.
-
I Chronicles 2:6
The sons of Zerah: Zimri, Ethan, Heman, Calcol, and Dara—five of them in all.
Here Ethan is listed among the sons of Zerah, illustrating his place in Judah’s tribal lineage and God’s attention to family records.
-
I Chronicles 15:17
So the Levites appointed Heman the son of Joel; and of his brothers, Asaph the son of Berechiah; and of the sons of Merari their brothers, Ethan the son of Kushaiah;
This occurrence identifies Ethan as the son of Kushaiah, connecting him to the Merari clan and the organized worship under David.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the name Ethan mean?
Who is Ethan in the Bible?
Why is Ethan mentioned in 1 Chronicles 15?
Every Occurrence (4 verses across 1 books)
I Chronicles 4 verses
The sons of Zerah: Zimri, Ethan, Heman, Calcol, and Dara—five of them in all.
I Chronicles 2:8The son of Ethan: Azariah.
I Chronicles 15:17So the Levites appointed Heman the son of Joel; and of his brothers, Asaph the son of Berechiah; and of the sons of…
I Chronicles 15:19So the singers, Heman, Asaph, and Ethan, were given cymbals of bronze to sound aloud;