440. Eloni
Lexical Summary
Eloni: Eloni

Original Word: אֵלוֹנִי
Part of Speech: Adjective
Transliteration: Elowniy
Pronunciation: eh-lo-NEE
Phonetic Spelling: (ay-lo-nee')
KJV: Elonites
NASB: Elonites
Word Origin: [patron from H438 (אַלּוֹן - Allon)]

1. an Elonite or descendant (collectively) of Elon

Strong's Exhaustive Concordance
Elonites

Or rather (shortened) oeloniy {ay-lo-nee'}; patron from 'Allown; an Elonite or descendant (collectively) of Elon -- Elonites.

see HEBREW 'Allown

NAS Exhaustive Concordance
Word Origin
from Elon
Definition
a desc. of Elon
NASB Translation
Elonites (1).

Brown-Driver-Briggs
אֵלֹנִי adjective, of a people of אֵלוֺן 1 (as collective noun) Numbers 26:26.

Topical Lexicon
Origin and Genealogical Context

אֵלוֹנִי refers to the clan descended from Elon, the second-named son of Zebulun (Genesis 46:14; 1 Chronicles 7:30–31). Elon’s name is preserved in the patronymic “Elonite,” identifying those who sprang from him within the wider tribe of Zebulun. In the patriarchal blessing Jacob foretold for Zebulun, seafaring and mercantile success are highlighted (Genesis 49:13). Moses later affirmed this maritime and commercial vocation (Deuteronomy 33:18–19). The Elonite clan would therefore have shared in the collective destiny and territorial inheritance of Zebulun, participating in the fulfillment of these prophetic promises.

Occurrence and Literary Setting

The term appears only once, in the wilderness census just prior to Israel’s entry into Canaan:

“ These were the descendants of Zebulun according to their clans: The Seredite clan from Sered; the Elonite clan from Elon; and the Jahleelite clan from Jahleel.” (Numbers 26:26)

Here the Holy Spirit inspired Moses to record the population of fighting men twenty years old and upward (Numbers 26:2). By naming the Elonites, Scripture establishes their covenant place among those eligible to receive territory west of the Jordan and to stand in battle for the Lord.

Historical Significance within Israel

1. Allocation of Land: Although individual clan allotments are not detailed, the national apportionment described in Joshua 19:10–16 implicitly included Elonite families. Zebulun’s tract, situated between Galilee and the Mediterranean corridor, later hosted trade routes linking Phoenicia, Galilee, and the Jezreel Valley, aligning with Jacob’s prophecy.
2. Military Role: The first census (Numbers 1) lists Zebulun with 57,400 warriors, increasing to 60,500 by Numbers 26. The growth indicates God’s blessing despite wilderness judgments. Elonite men contributed to this number, forming part of the host encamped with Judah on the east side of the Tabernacle (Numbers 2:3–7).
3. Participation in National Events: Though unnamed, Elonite representatives would have stood among Zebulun’s 50,000 “seasoned troops, equipped for battle with all the weapons of war, to help David with singleness of purpose” (1 Chronicles 12:33), and among those who “offered sacrifices of righteousness” with Zebulun in later worship gatherings (Deuteronomy 33:19).

Spiritual and Theological Insights

• Covenant Precision: The inclusion of minor clans like the Elonites illustrates God’s meticulous record of His people, reinforcing that no believer is overlooked in His redemptive plan (compare Luke 12:7).
• Faith and Inheritance: Census inclusion guaranteed a share in Canaan. Likewise, those counted among the household of faith receive an imperishable inheritance kept in heaven (1 Peter 1:4–5).
• Corporate Identity, Individual Responsibility: While Elonites inherited blessings as a group, each man still bore personal accountability in warfare, worship, and obedience. Christian discipleship maintains the same tension between membership in the body of Christ and personal faithfulness (Romans 12:4–6).

Lessons for Ministry and Faith

1. Value Every Member: Pastoral work should mirror God’s concern for every family and individual within the congregation, including those whose contributions receive little public notice.
2. Record and Remember: Church history, membership rolls, and testimonies matter; they chronicle God’s faithfulness across generations, inspiring current service.
3. Embrace Prophetic Purpose: Just as the Elonites inherited promises spoken centuries earlier, believers today labor in view of promises yet unseen (Hebrews 11:13), confident that God completes what He begins (Philippians 1:6).

Forms and Transliterations
הָאֵלֹנִ֑י האלני hā’êlōnî hā·’ê·lō·nî haeloNi
Links
Interlinear GreekInterlinear HebrewStrong's NumbersEnglishman's Greek ConcordanceEnglishman's Hebrew ConcordanceParallel Texts
Englishman's Concordance
Numbers 26:26
HEB: לְאֵל֕וֹן מִשְׁפַּ֖חַת הָאֵלֹנִ֑י לְיַ֨חְלְאֵ֔ל מִשְׁפַּ֖חַת
NAS: the family of the Elonites; of Jahleel,
KJV: the family of the Elonites: of Jahleel,
INT: of Elon the family of the Elonites of Jahleel the family

1 Occurrence

Strong's Hebrew 440
1 Occurrence


hā·’ê·lō·nî — 1 Occ.

439
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