Lexical Summary Elnaam: Elnaam Original Word: אֶלְנַעַם Strong's Exhaustive Concordance Elnaam From 'el and na'em; God (is his) delight; Elnaam, an Israelite -- Elnaam. see HEBREW 'el see HEBREW na'em NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom el and naem Definition "God is pleasantness," the father of two of David's heroes NASB Translation Elnaam (1). Brown-Driver-Briggs אֶלְנָ֑עַם proper name, masculine (God is pleasantness) father of two of David's heroes 1 Chronicles 11:46 (not in Samuel). Topical Lexicon Name and theological resonance The composite elements of the name suggest delight or pleasantness in God, reflecting a piety that worships the Lord as the true source of joy (compare Psalms 16:11; 36:8). Even though Scripture records no deeds of Elnaam himself, the spiritual tenor implicit in his name becomes visible through the lives of his sons. Placement in Scripture Elnaam is mentioned once, in 1 Chronicles 11:46: “Eliel the Mahavite, Jeribai and Joshaviah sons of Elnaam, and Ithmah the Moabite”. The verse stands within the Chronicler’s expanded catalogue of “the mighty men” who supported David. By situating Elnaam in this prestigious roll, the text silently underscores the covenantal breadth of David’s following and the generational faithfulness that supplied it. Historical setting 1 Chronicles was compiled after the exile, yet its narrative looks back to the reign of David (tenth century BC). The list in chapter 11 probably reflects various periods of David’s rise and consolidation of power, from his wilderness years (1 Samuel 22:2) to his capture of Jerusalem (1 Chronicles 11:4–9). Elnaam’s sons joined an elite group characterized by bravery, loyalty, and devotion to the anointed king. Their presence testifies that families across Israel—and possibly from its fringe territories—rallied to David’s throne. Contribution to the Davidic kingdom Jeribai and Joshaviah, designated “sons of Elnaam,” are not merely footnotes; they embody the intergenerational transmission of covenant loyalty. By raising sons who became distinguished warriors, Elnaam indirectly strengthened the kingdom. Their prowess would have safeguarded Israel’s borders, upheld justice, and advanced David’s military campaigns (2 Samuel 5:17–25). Hence Elnaam’s family served the larger redemptive program that, through the Davidic line, culminates in the Messiah (Luke 1:32–33). Character and legacy Although Scripture supplies no narrative about Elnaam’s personal life, several implications emerge: Lessons for ministry today 1. Generational discipleship matters. Leaders who nurture faith at home may never become public heroes, yet their spiritual investment equips the next generation for kingdom service (2 Timothy 1:5). Christological reflections The mighty men prefigure the ultimate Champion, Jesus Christ, who gathers around Himself faithful servants (Mark 3:13–15). Elnaam’s sons model the disciples’ calling, while their father anticipates believers who, though unseen, shape the future by pointing their children to God’s King. Intertextual echoes The Chronicler’s preference for family designations recalls Joshua 24:15, “As for me and my house, we will serve the Lord.” By echoing such household commitments, the text places Elnaam in a line of covenantal households that includes Noah (Genesis 7:1), Abraham (Genesis 18:19), and the Philippian jailer (Acts 16:31–34). Summary Elnaam stands as a quiet but instructive witness to the power of a God-centered home. Through him the Chronicler teaches that behind every public advance of the kingdom lies hidden faithfulness, and that the Lord delights to honor even a single sentence of obedience by weaving it into His everlasting story. Forms and Transliterations אֶלְנָ֑עַם אלנעם ’el·nā·‘am ’elnā‘am elNaamLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance 1 Chronicles 11:46 HEB: וְיוֹשַׁוְיָ֖ה בְּנֵ֣י אֶלְנָ֑עַם וְיִתְמָ֖ה הַמּוֹאָבִֽי׃ NAS: the sons of Elnaam, and Ithmah KJV: the sons of Elnaam, and Ithmah INT: and Joshaviah the sons of Elnaam and Ithmah the Moabite 1 Occurrence |
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