Lexical Summary Eliphelehu: Eliphelehu Original Word: אֱלִיפְלֵהוּ Strong's Exhaustive Concordance Elipheleh From 'el and palah; God of his distinction; Eliphelehu, an Israelite -- Elipheleh. see HEBREW 'el see HEBREW palah NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom el and palah Definition "may God distinguish him," a doorkeeper NASB Translation Eliphelehu (2). Brown-Driver-Briggs אֱלִיפְלֵ֫הוּ proper name, masculine (may God distinguish him) one of the doorkeepers 1 Chronicles 15:18,21. Topical Lexicon Biblical Occurrences Eliphelehu appears twice in the Old Testament, both in the narrative that records King David’s joyful procession of the Ark of the Covenant to Jerusalem (1 Chronicles 15). First, he is listed among the “second division” of Levites appointed to assist the chief musicians (1 Chronicles 15:18). A few verses later, his particular task is noted: “Mattithiah, Eliphelehu, Mikneiah, Obed-edom, Jeiel, and Azaziah were to lead the songs with lyres according to Alamoth” (1 Chronicles 15:21). Historical Setting The occasion is David’s carefully organized second attempt to move the Ark after the earlier disaster at Perez-uzza (1 Chronicles 13). Determined to honor the divine prescriptions, David turns to the tribe of Levi, charging them to carry the Ark and to lead the worship that accompanies it (1 Chronicles 15:2, 13–15). Within this re-established Levitical structure, Eliphelehu is named among the musicians. His service coincides with a watershed moment: the Ark’s arrival inaugurates Jerusalem as the nation’s spiritual center and establishes a model for choral and instrumental praise that will shape Israel’s worship in the generations that follow. Levitical Office and Ministry Function 1 Chronicles 15 enumerates three kinds of servants: carriers, singers, and instrumentalists. Eliphelehu belongs to the third group. The lyre (Hebrew “kinnor”) was a stringed instrument associated with joyful praise. The notation “according to Alamoth” points to higher pitched voices or instruments, indicating that Eliphelehu and his cohort handled a distinct musical register. Though ranked in the “second division,” his ministry complements that of the chief musicians (Asaph, Heman, and Jeduthun), illustrating the layered structure of Israel’s worship teams. Spiritual Significance of the Name While lexical studies render varying nuances, the name combines “El” (God) with a root that conveys distinction or marvel. The narrative subtly underscores this idea: God “distinguishes” those who participate in His ordained worship. Eliphelehu’s placement reminds readers that even lesser-known servants are set apart by the Lord for meaningful roles. Contribution to Corporate Worship Eliphelehu’s service models several enduring principles: Theological Reflections and Contemporary Application 1. Preparedness precedes public ministry. The Levites “consecrated themselves” before lifting either Ark or instrument (1 Chronicles 15:14). Legacy Though mentioned only twice, Eliphelehu stands as a representative of the many faithful servants whose devotion undergirded Israel’s liturgy. His inclusion in Scripture affirms God’s recognition of every act of consecrated service and invites believers to take their places—however public or private—in the ongoing symphony of praise. Forms and Transliterations וֶאֱלִ֨יפְלֵ֜הוּ וֶאֱלִֽיפְלֵ֗הוּ ואליפלהו veeLifeLehu we’ĕlîp̄əlêhū we·’ĕ·lî·p̄ə·lê·hūLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance 1 Chronicles 15:18 HEB: וּמַֽעֲשֵׂיָ֡הוּ וּמַתִּתְיָהוּ֩ וֶאֱלִ֨יפְלֵ֜הוּ וּמִקְנֵיָ֨הוּ וְעֹבֵ֥ד NAS: Mattithiah, Eliphelehu, Mikneiah, KJV: and Mattithiah, and Elipheleh, and Mikneiah, INT: Maaseiah Mattithiah Eliphelehu Mikneiah Obed-edom 1 Chronicles 15:21 2 Occurrences |
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