אֶלְיְהוֹעֵינַי (el.ye.ho.e.nay)
el.ye.ho.e.nay
Eliehoenai; Elioenai
N:N-M-PQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 9 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- N:N-M-P
Word Overview
The name Elioenai, or its variant Elihoenai, translates to "unto Jehovah are my eyes." It appears nine times in the Hebrew Bible, primarily within genealogical lists that trace the lineage of Israel’s people during the periods of the Divided Monarchy and the post-exilic return. The name reflects a posture of trust, suggesting that one’s focus and security rest entirely with God.
Though it is not attached to a major biblical hero, the name identifies several distinct individuals across different tribes and eras. In 1 Chronicles 26:3, Elioenai is listed as a Korahite temple doorkeeper, son of Meshelemiah, serving in the sacred duties of guarding the sanctuary. Another figure with this name appears in Ezra 8:4 among the leaders who returned from exile, highlighting the continuity of faithful service across generations.
The recurrence of this name in such varied contexts—a temple guardian, a royal descendant, and an exilic returnee—underscores its significance as a marker of devotion. It serves as a reminder that ordinary individuals, whose names are preserved in these records, played vital roles in the spiritual life 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 Elioenai carries a beautiful meaning: "unto Jehovah are my eyes." In a world that constantly pulls our attention toward immediate problems or visible successes, this name serves as a gentle reminder to fix our gaze on God. It suggests that true security and direction come not from human strength, but from trusting in the Lord alone.
While Elioenai appears in genealogies rather than dramatic narratives, these records show us that faithful service matters across generations. From temple guardians to those who returned from exile, individuals with this name participated in keeping Israel’s spiritual life intact. Their quiet devotion reminds us that ordinary faithfulness is seen and valued by God.
When you feel overwhelmed by circumstances, consider the posture behind this name. It invites you to look upward rather than around. By fixing your eyes on Jehovah, you join a long line of believers who found their strength in divine trust rather than human ability.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 9 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- Elioenai5×
- and/ Elioenai2×
- Eliehoenai2×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- וְ/אֶלְיוֹעֵינַ֤י1×
- וְ/אֶלְיוֹעֵינַ֡י1×
- אֶלְיוֹעֵנַ֤י1×
- אֶלְיוֹעֵינַ֧י1×
- אֶלְיוֹעֵינַ֤י1×
- אֶלְיוֹעֵינַ֛י1×
- אֶלְיוֹעֵינַ֗י1×
- אֶלְיְהוֹעֵינַ֖י1×
- אֶלְיְהֽוֹעֵינַ֖י1×
Key Verses
-
I Chronicles 26:3
Elam the fifth, Jehohanan the sixth, and Eliehoenai the seventh.
This verse identifies Elioenai as a temple doorkeeper, showing how the name marks those entrusted with guarding sacred spaces and worship.
-
Ezra 8:4
Of the sons of Pahathmoab, Eliehoenai the son of Zerahiah; and with him two hundred males.
Here Elioenai leads two hundred men back from exile, illustrating how the name represents leadership during a critical time of national restoration.
-
Nehemiah 12:41
and the priests, Eliakim, Maaseiah, Miniamin, Micaiah, Elioenai, Zechariah, and Hananiah, with trumpets;
Listed among priests with trumpets, this occurrence highlights the name's connection to public worship and celebration of God's faithfulness.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the name Elioenai mean?
Who is Elioenai in the Bible?
Why is Elioenai significant despite not being a major hero?
Every Occurrence (9 verses across 3 books)
I Chronicles 5 verses
The sons of Neariah: Elioenai, Hizkiah, and Azrikam, three.
I Chronicles 3:24The sons of Elioenai: Hodaviah, Eliashib, Pelaiah, Akkub, Johanan, Delaiah, and Anani, seven.
I Chronicles 4:36Elioenai, Jaakobah, Jeshohaiah, Asaiah, Adiel, Jesimiel, Benaiah,
I Chronicles 7:8The sons of Becher: Zemirah, Joash, Eliezer, Elioenai, Omri, Jeremoth, Abijah, Anathoth, and Alemeth. All these were…
I Chronicles 26:3Elam the fifth, Jehohanan the sixth, and Eliehoenai the seventh.