אֶלְתְּקֵא (el.te.qe)
el.te.qe
Eltekeh
N:N--LQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 2 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- N:N--L
Word Overview
The name Eltekeh identifies a specific Levitical city assigned to the tribe of Dan during the distribution of the Promised Land. It appears only twice in the Hebrew Bible, both within the book of Joshua, where it is listed among the towns provided for the descendants of Aaron (Joshua 21:23; 19:45). Its location is described as being situated between Ekron and Timna.
Traditional lexicons offer an etymology meaning "let God spue thee out," a phrase that likely reflects a local tradition or perhaps a cautionary memory regarding the region's earlier inhabitants. While this interpretation provides a vivid, if harsh, linguistic root, the primary function of the name in the text is simply to mark a place of refuge and residence for the priestly class.
Because the references are limited to genealogical and territorial lists, Eltekeh carries no narrative weight or theological teaching. It serves as a concrete marker of God’s provision for the priests, grounding the abstract promise of land in specific, named communities within Dan’s inheritance.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
When you read lists of ancient cities in Joshua, it is easy to feel disconnected from the text. These names can seem like dry footnotes rather than living history. Yet, each entry represents a specific place where real people lived, worked, and worshipped. God did not leave His priests without a home; He provided Eltekeh as their inheritance within the territory of Dan.
This detail reminds us that God’s care is often practical and tangible. He supplies the basic needs for daily life—shelter, land, and community. For you today, this offers comfort. Your Creator is attentive to the concrete realities of your existence, not just abstract spiritual concepts. He knows where you stand and provides stability in uncertain times.
The name itself may carry a harsh historical memory, but its function in Scripture is one of provision. It marks a boundary of God’s faithfulness to His chosen servants. We can trust that the same God who allocated land for Levites also holds your life in His hands with equal precision and care.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 2 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- and/ Eltekeh1×
- Eltekeh1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- וְ/אֶלְתְּקֵ֥ה1×
- אֶלְתְּקֵ֖א1×
Key Verses
-
Joshua 19:44
Eltekeh, Gibbethon, Baalath,
This verse places Eltekeh within the specific territorial boundaries assigned to the tribe of Dan, showing its role in the broader distribution of the land.
-
Joshua 21:23
Out of the tribe of Dan, Elteke with its pasture lands, Gibbethon with its pasture lands,
Here the text explicitly links Eltekeh to the priestly descendants of Aaron, highlighting its purpose as a Levitical city with designated pasture lands for their sustenance.