אֶלְחָנָן (el.cha.nan)
el.cha.nan
Elhanan
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 Elhanan, meaning "God has been gracious," appears in the Old Testament as the identifier for two distinct men during Israel’s United Monarchy. The first is mentioned in 2 Samuel 21:19 as the son of Jaare-oregim, a figure credited with slaying a giant from Gath. This individual represents the fierce military strength that characterized David’s campaigns against Philistine threats.
A second Elhanan appears in 2 Samuel 23:24 and 1 Chronicles 11:26 as one of King David’s mighty warriors, specifically listed among his chief officers. He is identified here as the son of Dodo. While the biblical text does not elaborate on their specific deeds beyond these brief mentions, the recurrence of this name highlights a family lineage associated with loyalty and service to the Davidic throne.
The etymology of the name offers a quiet theological note amidst stories of battle. By embedding "God" (El) and "gracious" (chanan) into their identity, these warriors acknowledged that their strength and survival were gifts rather than mere products of skill. The sources confirm these are proper nouns referring to specific historical figures, grounding the abstract concept of divine grace in the lives of actual soldiers.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The name Elhanan means "God has been gracious." It appears in the Old Testament attached to two different men during Israel’s United Monarchy. One is noted for slaying a giant from Gath, while the other served as a chief officer among David’s mighty warriors. Though their stories are brief, they share a common thread: acknowledging that strength and survival come from God.
By embedding "God" (El) and "gracious" (chanan) into their identity, these soldiers reminded themselves that victory was a gift, not just the result of skill. This name invites us to see divine grace in our own lives, even in moments of conflict or challenge. It is a quiet reminder that God’s favor supports us, regardless of the battles we face.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 4 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- Elhanan4×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- אֶלְחָנָ֥ן2×
- אֶלְחָנָן֩1×
- אֶלְחָנָ֣ן1×
Key Verses
-
II Samuel 21:19
There was again war with the Philistines at Gob, and Elhanan the son of Jaare-Oregim the Bethlehemite killed Goliath the Gittite’s brother, the staff of whose spear was like a weaver’s beam.
This verse highlights Elhanan's role in a decisive military victory, showing how God's grace can work through human strength to overcome overwhelming odds.
-
II Samuel 23:24
Asahel the brother of Joab was one of the thirty: Elhanan the son of Dodo of Bethlehem,
Here, Elhanan is listed among David’s elite warriors, illustrating that God’s graciousness extends to those who serve faithfully in leadership and defense.
-
I Chronicles 11:26
The mighty men of the armies also include Asahel the brother of Joab, Elhanan the son of Dodo of Bethlehem,
The parallel account in Chronicles reinforces Elhanan’s loyalty and service, emphasizing that God honors consistent faithfulness in community and duty.