אֶלְקָנָה (el.qa.nah)
el.qa.nah
Elkanah
N:N-M-PQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 12 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- N:N-M-P
Word Overview
The name Elkanah, meaning "God has possessed" or "God has created," appears twelve times in the Hebrew Bible, primarily within the historical books of Samuel and Chronicles. While it identifies several distinct individuals—including a Korahite ancestor, a Jerusalem official under King Ahaz, and a warrior of David—the most significant figure bearing this name is the father of the prophet Samuel.
In 1 Samuel, Elkanah is portrayed as a devout man from Ramathaim-zophim who travels annually to Shiloh to offer sacrifices. The narrative highlights his role as a husband to two wives, Hannah and Peninnah, and his patient efforts to comfort Hannah during her struggle with barrenness (1 Samuel 1:8). His actions underscore the theme of divine timing in biblical history.
As a proper noun, Elkanah serves as a crucial link in the genealogical and prophetic lineage leading to the monarchy. The sources emphasize his identity as a Levite, connecting him to the priestly traditions of Israel. By recording his name alongside those of his sons and brothers, the text preserves the heritage of the family that would produce one of Israel’s most influential leaders.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The name Elkanah means "God has possessed" or "God has created." In Scripture, this name is most closely linked to the father of the prophet Samuel. He lived in Ramathaim-zophim and traveled yearly to Shiloh to offer sacrifices. His story shows us that faithfulness often looks like quiet presence rather than dramatic action.
Elkanah’s relationship with his wife Hannah reveals a deep, patient love. When she wept over her barrenness, he did not dismiss her pain but offered comfort and affection (1 Samuel 1:8). His life reminds us that God works through ordinary families to bring about significant change. Even when answers seem delayed, trust remains a vital part of the journey.
While other men named Elkanah appear in genealogies or as warriors, this devoted husband stands out for his gentle spirit. We can learn from his example of supporting those we love through their hardest seasons. May you find strength in knowing that God sees and values your faithful steps, even when they go unnoticed by the world.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 12 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- Elkanah9×
- and/ Elkanah2×
- [was] Elkanah1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- אֶלְקָנָ֣ה2×
- אֶלְקָנָ֖ה2×
- וְ/אֶלְקָנָ֖ה1×
- וְ/אֶלְקָנָ֔ה1×
- אֶלְקָנָה֙1×
- אֶלְקָנָ֨ה1×
- אֶלְקָנָ֛ה1×
- אֶלְקָנָ֔ה1×
- אֶלְקָנָ֑ה1×
- אֶ֠לְקָנָה1×
Key Verses
-
I Samuel 1:1
Now there was a certain man of Ramathaim Zophim, of the hill country of Ephraim, and his name was Elkanah, the son of Jeroham, the son of Elihu, the son of Tohu, the son of Zuph, an Ephraimite.
This verse introduces Elkanah as a resident of Ephraim, establishing his geographical and tribal identity as an Ephraimite before detailing his lineage.
-
I Samuel 1:8
Elkanah her husband said to her, “Hannah, why do you weep? Why don’t you eat? Why is your heart grieved? Am I not better to you than ten sons?”
Here Elkanah directly addresses Hannah’s grief with questions that reveal his desire to comfort her despite her emotional distance.
-
I Samuel 1:23
Elkanah her husband said to her, “Do what seems good to you. Wait until you have weaned him; only may Yahweh establish his word.” So the woman waited and nursed her son until she weaned him.
Elkanah grants Hannah permission to wait until their son is weaned, showing respect for her decision and trust in God's timing.
-
I Samuel 2:20
Eli blessed Elkanah and his wife, and said, “May Yahweh give you offspring from this woman for the petition which was asked of Yahweh.” Then they went to their own home.
Eli’s blessing upon Elkanah and his wife highlights the divine favor that followed their faithful petition and sacrifice.