הָאֶ֫לֶף (e.leph)
e.leph
Haeleph
N:N--LQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 1 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- N:N--L
Word Overview
The noun eleph primarily means "thousand," serving as a standard unit of number in Biblical Hebrew. However, the specific form haeleph refers to Eleph, a city located within the territory of the tribe of Benjamin. This geographical usage appears only once in the Hebrew Bible, in Joshua 18:28, where it is listed among the towns assigned to Benjamin.
While eleph is common as a numeral, its application here is strictly topographical. The sources identify this Eleph not as a measure of people or wealth, but as a physical settlement. Its singular occurrence in the biblical record highlights its role in the detailed distribution of land among the tribes, marking it as a specific point on the map rather than a general concept.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word eleph usually brings to mind large numbers or vast armies, yet in this single instance it names a specific place called Eleph within the tribe of Benjamin. This reminds us that God’s plan includes not just grand movements but also quiet, local details. Every town listed in Joshua 18:28 had a name and a purpose.
When we read these ancient land divisions, we see how carefully God guided His people into their inheritance. Eleph may be small on the map, but it was part of a larger story of provision. This shows that no place is too insignificant in God’s eyes. He knows every location and every family.
For your faith, this means you are part of a detailed plan. Just as Eleph had its place in Israel, you have your place in God’s kingdom. Trust that He sees the small things as well as the great ones. His care extends to every corner of your life.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 1 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- Haeleph1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- הָאֶ֜לֶף1×
Key Verses
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Joshua 18:28
Zelah, Eleph, the Jebusite (also called Jerusalem), Gibeath, and Kiriath; fourteen cities with their villages. This is the inheritance of the children of Benjamin according to their families.
This verse identifies Eleph as a specific town in Benjamin, showing the word refers to a place rather than a number.