אֱלִיאֵל (e.li.el)

e.li.el

Eliel

H0447 · Hebrew · Old Testament · 8 verses

N:N-M-P

Language: Biblical Hebrew
Testament: Old Testament
Occurrences: 8 verses
Root: —
Part of speech: N:N-M-P

Word Overview

The name Eliel, meaning "my God is God" or "El is God," appears eight times in the Hebrew Bible, primarily within the genealogical records of Chronicles. It identifies several distinct individuals across different tribes and eras, including an ancestor of Samuel, a Levite who helped transport the Ark, and various tribal chiefs during the monarchy.

Its structure combines the divine name El with the pronoun "my," creating a declaration of personal devotion. This pattern reflects a common naming convention in Israel that affirmed God’s sovereignty over individual lives. The repetition of this name among leaders suggests its significance as a token of faithfulness within the community.

Translators typically retain the proper name without alteration, allowing the original meaning to stand behind the figure. By appearing in lists of officials and priests, Eliel serves as a reminder that ordinary names often carried profound theological weight in ancient Israelite society.

Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).

What This Word Means for Your Faith

The name Eliel carries a simple but powerful declaration: "My God is God." In ancient Israel, names were not just labels; they were statements of faith and identity. When someone bore this name, it served as a constant reminder that their life belonged to the Creator. This personal confession reflects a deep trust in God's sovereignty over every detail of existence.

Throughout the biblical records, we see several individuals named Eliel holding positions of responsibility. They appear as tribal leaders, priests, and overseers during times of national restoration. Their presence in these roles suggests that faithful service was often connected to a heart that acknowledged God's authority. It is comforting to know that ordinary people with names like this played significant parts in preserving the community's spiritual heritage.

For us today, this name invites reflection on our own relationship with the divine. We too can affirm that God is Lord over our lives, guiding our steps and sustaining us through every season. Whether in times of peace or uncertainty, declaring "My God is God" anchors our hearts in His unchanging nature.

How it's translated

How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 8 verses where it appears, by frequency.

and/ Eliel5×
Eliel3×

Forms in the text

The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.

וֶ/אֱלִיאֵֽל\׃2×
וֶ/אֱלִיאֵ֣ל1×
וֶ/אֱלִיאֵ֡ל1×
וֶ/אֱלִיאֵ֖ל1×
אֱלִיאֵל֙1×
אֱלִיאֵ֥ל1×
אֱלִיאֵ֣ל1×

Key Verses

I Chronicles 15:9
of the sons of Hebron, Eliel the chief, and his brothers eighty;

Eliel is identified as the chief among the Hebronites, highlighting his leadership role in organizing the Levites for transporting the Ark.
II Chronicles 31:13
Jehiel, Azaziah, Nahath, Asahel, Jerimoth, Jozabad, Eliel, Ismachiah, Mahath, and Benaiah were overseers under the hand of Conaniah and Shimei his brother, by the appointment of Hezekiah the king and Azariah the ruler of God’s house.

This Eliel serves as an overseer under Conaniah during Hezekiah's religious reforms, showing his involvement in restoring proper worship practices.
I Chronicles 5:24
These were the heads of their fathers’ houses: Epher, Ishi, Eliel, Azriel, Jeremiah, Hodaviah, and Jahdiel—mighty men of valor, famous men, heads of their fathers’ houses.

Eliel is listed among mighty men of valor and heads of their fathers' houses, indicating his status as a respected tribal leader.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does the name Eliel mean?

The name Eliel means "My God is God." It combines the Hebrew word for God (El) with the possessive pronoun "my," creating a personal declaration of faith. This structure was common in ancient Israel to express devotion and acknowledge God's sovereignty.

Who are the people named Eliel in the Bible?

The name appears eight times in Chronicles, referring to different individuals. These include tribal leaders from Judah and Benjamin, a Levite chief from Hebron, and an overseer during King Hezekiah's reforms. Each person with this name held a position of responsibility within their community.

Why is Eliel mentioned in genealogical records?

Chronicles often lists names like Eliel to trace lineage and highlight faithful leaders who contributed to Israel's spiritual and social structure. These records preserve the memory of individuals who served God and their people, showing how ordinary names carried theological significance.

Every Occurrence (8 verses across 2 books)

I Chronicles 7 verses

I Chronicles 5:24

These were the heads of their fathers’ houses: Epher, Ishi, Eliel, Azriel, Jeremiah, Hodaviah, and Jahdiel—mighty men…

I Chronicles 8:20

Elienai, Zillethai, Eliel,

I Chronicles 8:22

Ishpan, Eber, Eliel,

I Chronicles 11:46

Eliel the Mahavite, and Jeribai, and Joshaviah, the sons of Elnaam, and Ithmah the Moabite,

I Chronicles 11:47

Eliel, Obed, and Jaasiel the Mezobaite.

I Chronicles 15:9

of the sons of Hebron, Eliel the chief, and his brothers eighty;

I Chronicles 15:11

David called for Zadok and Abiathar the priests, and for the Levites: for Uriel, Asaiah, Joel, Shemaiah, Eliel, and…

II Chronicles 1 verse