אֱלִישָׁמָע (e.li.sha.ma)
e.li.sha.ma
Elishama
N:N-M-PQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 17 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- N:N-M-P
Word Overview
The name Elishama, meaning "my God has heard," appears seventeen times in Scripture, referring to several distinct individuals across different eras. The most prominent figure is the Ephraimite chief of the wilderness generation, son of Ammihud and father of Nun, who leads his tribe during the census in Numbers 1:10.
Later biblical records identify other men with this name, including a son of King David listed among the royal brothers in 2 Samuel 5:16, and a secretary serving King Jehoiakim in Jeremiah 36:12. The recurrence of this name suggests it was a popular choice for families seeking to express confidence that God listens to their prayers.
While the individuals share a name, they serve different roles in Israel's history, from tribal leadership under Moses to administrative duties in the monarchy. This variety highlights how a single name can span centuries and social statuses while retaining its core theological significance.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The name Elishama carries a simple but powerful promise: "My God has heard." In a world where silence can feel heavy, this name reminds us that our prayers are never lost to the void. When Elishama led the tribe of Ephraim in the wilderness, he stood as a representative for his people before God and man. His role shows how ordinary faithfulness in leadership can reflect God's attentive care.
Throughout Israel's history, other men named Elishama served in different capacities, from royal scribes to tribal officials. Each one bore this name, keeping the memory alive that God listens. This continuity suggests that across generations, believers have found comfort in knowing their Creator is not distant, but actively engaged with those who call on Him.
For you today, this word offers a gentle assurance. Whether you are leading a team or navigating personal struggles, your voice matters to God. He hears the quiet prayers and the loud cries alike. Rest in that truth, knowing you are known and heard by the One who holds all things together.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 17 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- Elishama12×
- and/ Elishama4×
- [was] Elishama1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- אֱלִישָׁמָ֣ע4×
- אֱלִישָׁמָ֖ע4×
- וֶ/אֱלִישָׁמָ֥ע2×
- אֱלִישָׁמָ֥ע2×
- וֶ/אֱלִישָׁמָ֧ע1×
- וֶ/אֱלִישָׁמָ֖ע1×
- אֱלִישָׁמָֽע\׃1×
- אֱלִֽישָׁמָ֖ע1×
- אֱלִ֨ישָׁמָ֜ע1×
Key Verses
-
Numbers 1:10
Of the children of Joseph: of Ephraim: Elishama the son of Ammihud; of Manasseh: Gamaliel the son of Pedahzur.
This verse identifies Elishama as the tribal leader of Ephraim during the census, establishing his role in organizing God's people.
-
Numbers 2:18
“On the west side shall be the standard of the camp of Ephraim according to their divisions. The prince of the children of Ephraim shall be Elishama the son of Ammihud.
Here Elishama is designated to lead the western camp, showing how his leadership was central to Israel's military and spiritual order.
-
Jeremiah 36:12
he went down into the king’s house, into the scribe’s room; and behold, all the princes were sitting there, Elishama the scribe, Delaiah the son of Shemaiah, Elnathan the son of Achbor, Gemariah the son of Shaphan, Zedekiah the son of Hananiah, and all the princes.
This occurrence highlights a different Elishama serving as a scribe, demonstrating how the name persisted through centuries of changing political landscapes.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the name Elishama mean?
Are all Elishamas in the Bible the same person?
Why does this name appear so often in Scripture?
Every Occurrence (17 verses across 6 books)
Numbers 5 verses
Of the children of Joseph: of Ephraim: Elishama the son of Ammihud; of Manasseh: Gamaliel the son of Pedahzur.
Numbers 2:18“On the west side shall be the standard of the camp of Ephraim according to their divisions. The prince of the children…
Numbers 7:48On the seventh day Elishama the son of Ammihud, prince of the children of Ephraim,
Numbers 7:53and for the sacrifice of peace offerings, two head of cattle, five rams, five male goats, and five male lambs a year…
Numbers 10:22The standard of the camp of the children of Ephraim set forward according to their armies. Elishama the son of Ammihud…