אֱלִיפְלֵ֫הוּ (e.liph.le.hu)
e.liph.le.hu
Eliphelehu
N:N-M-PQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 2 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- N:N-M-P
Word Overview
The name Eliphelehu appears in only two verses, both within 1 Chronicles. It identifies a specific Levite who served as a gatekeeper and musician during King David’s reign. The name itself carries a personal declaration: "my God distinguishes him" or "my God sets him apart." This etymology suggests that his role in the temple service was viewed not merely as a duty, but as a unique calling marked by divine selection.
As one of the doorkeepers, Eliphelehu held a position of significant trust and honor. He stood at the entrance to the Lord’s house, guarding the sacred space while also facilitating worship through music. His presence in the text highlights the importance of organized service in Israel’s religious life. The Chronicler records his name alongside other Levites, emphasizing that every role, whether visible or behind the scenes, contributed to the community’s devotion.
Though little is known about Eliphelehu personally, his name endures as a reminder of individual identity within the larger body of worship. The meaning "my God distinguishes him" reflects a belief that God actively sets apart individuals for specific purposes. In the context of 1 Chronicles, this underscores the theme that faithful service, even in seemingly minor roles, is valued by God and remembered in Scripture.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
Eliphelehu is a name that means "my God distinguishes him." In 1 Chronicles, he appears alongside other Levites who served as gatekeepers and musicians during King David’s reign. This role was not just about guarding the temple doors but also about leading worship through music. The Chronicler records his name to show how every person, no matter their specific task, played a part in Israel’s devotion.
His presence reminds us that God sees and values faithful service in all its forms. Whether someone is leading a choir or standing at a gate, each role contributes to the community’s worship. This name encourages believers today to trust that God has a unique purpose for their lives, even in quiet or unseen moments.
When we think about our own contributions to faith communities, Eliphelehu’s story invites us to consider how God might be setting us apart for specific tasks. It is comforting to know that every act of service, however small it may seem, is remembered and honored by God.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 2 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- and/ Eliphelehu2×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- וֶ/אֱלִֽיפְלֵ֗הוּ1×
- וֶ/אֱלִ֨יפְלֵ֜הוּ1×
Key Verses
-
I Chronicles 15:18
and with them their brothers of the second rank: Zechariah, Ben, Jaaziel, Shemiramoth, Jehiel, Unni, Eliab, Benaiah, Maaseiah, Mattithiah, Eliphelehu, Mikneiah, Obed-Edom, and Jeiel, the doorkeepers.
This verse lists Eliphelehu among the gatekeepers, highlighting his role in guarding the sacred space of the temple.
-
I Chronicles 15:21
and Mattithiah, Eliphelehu, Mikneiah, Obed-Edom, Jeiel, and Azaziah, with harps tuned to the eight-stringed lyre, to lead.
Here, Eliphelehu is mentioned as a musician using harps tuned to the eight-stringed lyre, showing his involvement in leading worship through music.