אֱלִישָׁפָט (e.li.sha.phat)
e.li.sha.phat
Elishaphat
N:N-M-PQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 1 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- N:N-M-P
Word Overview
The name Elishaphat, meaning "my God has judged," belongs to a single figure mentioned in 2 Chronicles 23:1. He appears only once in the Hebrew Bible as the son of Zichri and serves as a captain under the high priest Jehoiada during the reign of Athaliah.
His brief appearance places him at the center of a pivotal political and religious crisis. As one of Jehoiada’s trusted military leaders, Elishaphat helped organize the secret covenant to restore the rightful Davidic king, Joash, to the throne. This action was crucial in ending Athaliah’s usurpation and reestablishing proper worship in Jerusalem.
The name itself carries theological weight, asserting divine justice in a time of chaos. By including Elishaphat in the narrative, the text highlights that God’s judgment is carried out through human agents who remain faithful to their covenant duties. His role underscores the importance of loyal service in preserving religious order.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The name Elishaphat means "my God has judged." It appears only once in Scripture, attached to a captain named Elishaphat son of Zichri. In 2 Chronicles 23:1, he joins the high priest Jehoiada and other leaders in a secret plan to restore King Joash. This was not just a political move; it was an act of faith during a time when the rightful king had been replaced by Athaliah.
His brief mention reminds us that God works through ordinary people who stand firm in their duties. Elishaphat did not seek fame or power. He simply served, trusting that God’s justice would prevail. When we face confusion or injustice, this story encourages us to remain faithful in our small roles, knowing that God sees and acts.
We may never be called to lead a rebellion or restore a throne, but we are all invited to stand for what is right. Elishaphat’s name points to a simple truth: God judges fairly, and He uses those who trust Him to bring order out of chaos. Let this inspire you to serve faithfully, even when the path is unclear.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 1 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- Elishaphat1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- אֱלִישָׁפָ֥ט1×
Key Verses
-
II Chronicles 23:1
In the seventh year, Jehoiada strengthened himself, and took the captains of hundreds—Azariah the son of Jeroham, Ishmael the son of Jehohanan, Azariah the son of Obed, Maaseiah the son of Adaiah, and Elishaphat the son of Zichri—into a covenant with him.
This verse lists Elishaphat among the captains who joined Jehoiada in a covenant to restore Joash, showing his active role in God’s plan to end Athaliah’s rule.