אֱלִישֶׁ֫בַע (e.li.she.va)
e.li.she.va
Elisheba
N:N-F-PQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 1 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- N:N-F-P
Word Overview
The name Elisheba, found only in Exodus 6:23, means "my God has sworn" or "God is an oath." It identifies her as a woman of the tribe of Judah and the wife of Aaron, the first high priest of Israel. Her presence in the text anchors the priestly lineage within the broader community of Judah, linking the religious leadership directly to the tribal structure established during the wilderness wanderings.
Elisheba is described as the daughter of Amminadab and the sister of Nahshon, a prince who helped lead the people out of Egypt. This familial connection highlights the unity between the political leadership of Judah and the spiritual authority of the priesthood. Together, Aaron and Elisheba became the parents of Nadab, Abihu, Eleazar, and Ithamar, establishing the line through which the priestly service would continue.
The name itself carries theological weight, reflecting a covenantal relationship with God. By bearing a name that references an oath, Elisheba’s identity is tied to divine faithfulness. Her brief mention in Scripture serves to document the origins of the priestly family, emphasizing that the service of the tabernacle was rooted in specific human lineages chosen and sustained by God.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The name Elisheba means 'my God has sworn,' a quiet declaration of trust in God’s faithfulness. Though she appears only once in Scripture, her presence anchors the priestly lineage within the tribe of Judah, linking spiritual authority to community roots. This connection reminds us that God often works through families and relationships, not just isolated individuals.
As the wife of Aaron and mother of the first priests, Elisheba’s life illustrates how ordinary people participate in God’s larger plan. Her name itself reflects a covenantal relationship, suggesting that her identity was shaped by divine promise rather than human effort. In our own lives, we too are part of a story written by God, where our names and roles carry meaning beyond what we can see.
When we reflect on Elisheba’s brief mention, it invites us to consider how our own lives might be woven into God’s purposes. Whether through family, service, or quiet faithfulness, every detail matters to Him. May we find comfort in knowing that our steps are ordered by One who keeps His promises.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 1 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- Elisheba1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- אֱלִישֶׁ֧בַע1×
Key Verses
-
Exodus 6:23
Aaron took Elisheba, the daughter of Amminadab, the sister of Nahshon, as his wife; and she bore him Nadab and Abihu, Eleazar and Ithamar.
This verse establishes Elisheba’s role as Aaron’s wife and mother of the priestly line, grounding her identity in both familial duty and divine calling.