עֵילָם (e.lam)
e.lam
Elam
N:N--LQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 25 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- N:N--L
Word Overview
The name `עֵילָם` (Elam) appears in Scripture as both a geographic region and a personal name, with its etymology traditionally linked to the concept of "eternity." The most prominent usage refers to the ancient province located east of Babylon and northeast of the lower Tigris River. This land is frequently mentioned in prophetic literature, particularly in Jeremiah, where it serves as a symbol of distant powers that oppose God’s people.
Beyond its geographical identity, the name belongs to several distinct individuals across Israel's history. It identifies one of Shem’s sons in the genealogies of Genesis and Chronicles, marking him as an ancestor of the Elamite nation. In later periods, multiple men named Elam appear among the returning exiles who rebuilt Jerusalem under Zerubbabel and Nehemiah, including chiefs of families, priests, and Levites who signed the covenant to restore communal faithfulness.
The recurrence of this name highlights a thematic tension in the biblical narrative. While the land of Elam represents foreign political strength, the individuals bearing the name are integrated into the restored community of Israel. This duality allows readers to see how names carry historical weight, connecting ancient patriarchs with post-exilic restoration efforts without conflating their distinct roles.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The name Elam carries a quiet weight of history, appearing as both a distant land and a faithful ancestor. In Genesis, it marks the lineage of Shem, connecting the early chapters of Scripture to the nations that would later surround Israel. This geographic region often stood in prophetic texts as a symbol of powerful empires east of Babylon, reminding readers that human strength is temporary.
Yet the name also appears among those who returned from exile to rebuild Jerusalem. Men named Elam signed covenants and served in the temple, showing how God can use even the names associated with foreign powers for His redemptive work. This duality invites us to see that no history is beyond God’s reach.
When we encounter this word, we are reminded of God’s sovereignty over nations and individuals alike. Whether referring to a distant kingdom or a faithful family line, Elam points to a larger story where God gathers His people from every corner of the earth. This perspective offers comfort, knowing that our lives are woven into a divine narrative that transcends political boundaries.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 25 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- Elam18×
- and/ Elam3×
- in/ Elam1×
- and/ from/ Elam1×
- [were] Elam1×
- [is] in/ Elam1×
- O Elam1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- עֵילָ֔ם5×
- עֵילָ֣ם4×
- עֵילָ֑ם3×
- עֵילָם֙2×
- עֵילָֽם\׃1×
- עֵילָ֤ם1×
- עֵילָ֜ם1×
- עֵילָ֗ם1×
- עֵילָ֖ם1×
- עֵ֠ילָם1×
- וּ/מֵ/עֵילָ֤ם1×
- וְ/עֵילָם֙1×
Key Verses
-
Genesis 10:22
The sons of Shem were: Elam, Asshur, Arpachshad, Lud, and Aram.
This verse establishes Elam as a son of Shem, grounding the name in the foundational genealogies of humanity.
-
Isaiah 11:11
It will happen in that day that the Lord will set his hand again the second time to recover the remnant that is left of his people from Assyria, from Egypt, from Pathros, from Cush, from Elam, from Shinar, from Hamath, and from the islands of the sea.
Here Elam is listed among the distant lands from which God will recover His remnant, highlighting the scope of future restoration.
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Jeremiah 49:35
“Yahweh of Armies says: ‘Behold, I will break the bow of Elam, the chief of their might.
This prophecy declares that God will break the bow of Elam, illustrating His authority over even the mightiest eastern empires.
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Ezra 10:2
Shecaniah the son of Jehiel, one of the sons of Elam, answered Ezra, “We have trespassed against our God, and have married foreign women of the peoples of the land. Yet now there is hope for Israel concerning this thing.
Shecaniah, identified as a son of Elam, confesses Israel’s sin and offers hope, showing the name’s presence in the post-exilic community.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the name Elam mean?
Is Elam mentioned in the New Testament?
Why is Elam significant in prophecy?
Every Occurrence (25 verses across 7 books)
Genesis 3 verses
The sons of Shem were: Elam, Asshur, Arpachshad, Lud, and Aram.
Genesis 14:1In the days of Amraphel, king of Shinar; Arioch, king of Ellasar; Chedorlaomer, king of Elam; and Tidal, king of Goiim,
Genesis 14:9against Chedorlaomer king of Elam, Tidal king of Goiim, Amraphel king of Shinar, and Arioch king of Ellasar; four kings…