Lexical Summary Elteqon: Elteqon Original Word: אֶלְתֵּקֹן Strong's Exhaustive Concordance Eltekon From 'el and taqan; God (is) straight; Eltekon, a place in Palestine -- Eltekon. see HEBREW 'el see HEBREW taqan NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originof uncertain derivation Definition a city in Pal. NASB Translation Eltekon (1). Brown-Driver-Briggs אֶלְתְּקן proper name, of a location a city in the tribe of Judah north of Hebron Joshua 15:59. Topical Lexicon Name and MeaningThe name “Eltekon” is generally understood to carry the idea of “God is firm” or “God is secure,” highlighting divine stability. Although only a single reference appears in Scripture, the name itself contributes to the larger biblical theme that every place within Israel’s inheritance ultimately rests on the sure foundation of the Lord (Psalm 125:1). Biblical Reference Joshua 15:58-59 lists Eltekon among the “six cities with their villages” that lay in the hill-country allotment to the tribe of Judah: “Halhul, Beth Zur, and Gedor; Maarath, Beth Anoth, and Eltekon—six cities with their villages.” (Berean Standard Bible) Eltekon’s placement in this catalog of towns underscores the comprehensive detail with which Joshua records the fulfillment of God’s land promise to Abraham (Genesis 15:18-21; Joshua 21:43-45). Even seemingly minor settlements receive attention, illustrating the meticulous faithfulness of God’s covenant. Geographical Setting 1. Regional context 2. Possible modern identification Historical and Archaeological Insights • Strategic value: The Judahite hill country formed a natural barrier against Philistine incursions from the coastal plain, and towns such as Eltekon contributed to a network of fortified sites. Relationship to Similar Names Eltekon (אֶלְתֵּקֹן, Strong’s 515) should not be confused with Eltekeh (אֶלְתְּקֵהַ, Strong’s 513), a Levitical city in the territory of Dan (Joshua 19:44; 21:23). The distinction illustrates the precision of the biblical text even when rendering closely related place-names. Theological and Ministry Reflections 1. Faithfulness in detail The single mention of Eltekon affirms that God’s promises extend to every boundary stone. No portion of His inheritance is overlooked (Deuteronomy 32:9). For modern believers, this underscores that individual callings and congregations, however small, occupy a significant place in God’s kingdom purposes. 2. Covenant fulfillment Recording towns like Eltekon demonstrates the tangible completion of the land promise; Joshua “left nothing undone of all that the Lord had commanded” (Joshua 11:15). The meticulous listing foreshadows the consummate fulfillment of all divine promises in Christ (2 Corinthians 1:20). 3. Community identity The Judahite towns formed linked communities that enabled mutual defense, worship, and agricultural cooperation. Likewise, churches today flourish when interconnected in fellowship and mutual support (Hebrews 10:24-25). Lessons for Today • God honors the obscure. Eltekon’s lone appearance testifies that obscurity in human records does not equate to insignificance in God’s sight (Matthew 10:29-31). Summary Eltekon stands as a modest yet meaningful witness to God’s covenant faithfulness, geographic precision, and concern for every community within His redeemed people. Though mentioned only once, its inclusion in the inspired record continues to encourage believers that the Lord’s promises extend to the smallest details and the most ordinary places. Forms and Transliterations וְאֶלְתְּקֹ֑ן ואלתקן veelteKon wə’eltəqōn wə·’el·tə·qōnLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance Joshua 15:59 HEB: וּבֵית־ עֲנ֖וֹת וְאֶלְתְּקֹ֑ן עָרִ֥ים שֵׁ֖שׁ NAS: and Beth-anoth and Eltekon; six KJV: and Bethanoth, and Eltekon; six INT: and Maarath and Beth-anoth and Eltekon cities six 1 Occurrence |
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