אֱלִיצָפָן (e.li.tsa.phan)
e.li.tsa.phan
Elizaphan
N:N-M-PQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 6 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- N:N-M-P
Word Overview
The name Elizaphan, meaning "my God has protected," appears six times in the Hebrew Bible, primarily within the tribal registers and leadership lists of Exodus, Numbers, and Chronicles. It identifies two distinct figures who held significant administrative roles during the Israelite wilderness journey. The most prominent is a Kohathite Levite, the son of Uzziel and brother to Mishael, Micah, and Sithri (Exodus 6:22). He served as a chief overseeing the care of the holy objects within the tabernacle, a responsibility requiring both reverence and logistical precision.
A second individual with the same name is recorded as a chief from the tribe of Zebulun in Numbers 34:25. While the sources do not explicitly link these two men, the repetition of this specific name suggests it was a recognized title or family designation among the tribal leaders. The name’s etymology highlights a theological theme common in the period: divine safeguarding as the foundation for human leadership and service.
Although Elizaphan is not a central narrative character, his presence underscores the structured nature of Israelite worship and governance. The sources emphasize his role in the Kohathite lineage, connecting him directly to the priestly duties established after the Exodus. His mention alongside other tribal chiefs illustrates how protection and service were viewed as intertwined responsibilities under God’s authority.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The name Elizaphan, “my God has protected,” appears in the family of Kohath, the Levites charged with carrying the holy things. His most striking moment comes after a tragedy: Aaron’s sons die offering unauthorized fire. Moses calls Elizaphan and his brother Mishael to carry the bodies away from the sanctuary (Leviticus 10:4). It is a hard, holy task. They do not question it. They step forward because their God has protected them, and they can serve even in sorrow.
Your own difficult callings may not be as dramatic, but they are known to God. The same protection that steadied Elizaphan steadies you, making space for quiet obedience when the way is unclear. His name reminds us that God’s shielding is never an excuse to avoid hard things. It is the reason you can face them.
Later genealogies list Elizaphan’s descendants still serving in David’s time (1 Chronicles 15:8). What begins with one faithful act ripples outward. God’s protection does not isolate you; it equips you for a community, for a lineage of worship. Your small yes today may anchor someone else’s song tomorrow.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 6 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- Elizaphan3×
- and/ Elzaphan1×
- [was] Elizaphan1×
- Elzaphan1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- וְ/אֶלְצָפָ֖ן1×
- אֶלִיצָפָ֖ן1×
- אֶלְצָפָ֔ן1×
- אֱלִיצָפָ֖ן1×
- אֱלִֽיצָפָ֑ן1×
- אֱלִ֣יצָפָ֔ן1×
Key Verses
-
Exodus 6:22
The sons of Uzziel: Mishael, Elzaphan, and Sithri.
This genealogy introduces Elizaphan as son of Uzziel and brother to Mishael, placing him in the Kohathite line that would bear sacred responsibilities.
-
Leviticus 10:4
Moses called Mishael and Elzaphan, the sons of Uzziel the uncle of Aaron, and said to them, “Draw near, carry your brothers from before the sanctuary out of the camp.”
Elizaphan is summoned to carry the bodies of Nadab and Abihu from the sanctuary, a grim but necessary act of reverence after divine judgment.
-
Numbers 3:30
The prince of the fathers’ house of the families of the Kohathites shall be Elizaphan the son of Uzziel.
Here Elizaphan is appointed prince over the Kohathite clans, with direct charge over the ark, table, lampstand, altars, and sanctuary vessels.
-
Numbers 34:25
Of the tribe of the children of Zebulun a prince, Elizaphan the son of Parnach.
This verse names a different Elizaphan, a prince from Zebulun, chosen to help divide the land of Canaan, showing the name's broader use among tribal leaders.
-
I Chronicles 15:8
of the sons of Elizaphan, Shemaiah the chief, and his brothers two hundred;
Elizaphan's descendant Shemaiah leads two hundred brothers in bringing the ark to Jerusalem, a worshipful echo of the family's earliest calling.