Elzaphan
Jump to: Hitchcock'sSmith'sISBEConcordanceThesaurusHebrewLibrarySubtopicsTerms
Topical Encyclopedia
Name Meaning: The name Elzaphan is believed to mean "God has protected" or "God is my treasure," reflecting a common theme in Hebrew names that emphasize divine protection and providence.

Biblical References:

1. Lineage and Family: Elzaphan, also referred to as Elizaphan in some translations, is a notable figure in the Old Testament. He is identified as the son of Uzziel, who was a son of Kohath, making Elzaphan a member of the Kohathite clan of the Levites. This lineage is significant as the Kohathites were entrusted with the care of the most sacred objects of the tabernacle. Elzaphan's family is mentioned in the genealogical records in the Book of Exodus: "The sons of Kohath were Amram, Izhar, Hebron, and Uzziel" (Exodus 6:18).

2. Role in the Tabernacle: As a Kohathite, Elzaphan's family had specific duties related to the tabernacle. The Kohathites were responsible for the care and transportation of the sanctuary's most sacred items, including the Ark of the Covenant, the table, the lampstand, the altars, and the sacred utensils. This role underscores the trust and responsibility placed upon Elzaphan and his kin.

3. Leadership Position: Elzaphan is mentioned as a leader among the Levites during the wilderness period. In Numbers 3:30, he is identified as the chief of the Kohathite families: "The leader of the families of the Kohathites was Elizaphan son of Uzziel" (Numbers 3:30). This position of leadership highlights his importance within the Levitical community and his role in maintaining the sanctity and order of the tabernacle services.

4. Involvement in the Burial of Nadab and Abihu: Elzaphan is also noted for his involvement in the aftermath of the tragic incident involving Nadab and Abihu, the sons of Aaron. When Nadab and Abihu offered unauthorized fire before the Lord and were struck down, Moses instructed Elzaphan and his brother Mishael to carry their bodies out of the camp: "So Moses summoned Mishael and Elzaphan, the sons of Aaron’s uncle Uzziel, and said to them, 'Come here and carry your cousins outside the camp, away from the front of the sanctuary'" (Leviticus 10:4). This task was significant, as it was necessary to maintain the purity of the camp and the holiness of the sanctuary.

Theological Significance:

Elzaphan's role and responsibilities underscore the importance of obedience and reverence in the service of God. His involvement in the burial of Nadab and Abihu serves as a sobering reminder of the consequences of disobedience and the need for holiness among those who serve in the presence of the Lord. As a leader among the Kohathites, Elzaphan exemplifies the dedication required to fulfill the sacred duties assigned to the Levites, ensuring that the worship and service of God were conducted according to divine instructions.
Hitchcock's Bible Names Dictionary
Elzaphan

God of the northeast wind

Smith's Bible Dictionary
Elzaphan

(whom God protects), second son of Uzziel, who was the son of Kohath son of Levi. (Exodus 6:22)

International Standard Bible Encyclopedia
ELZAPHAN

el-za'-fan.

See ELIZAPHAN.

Strong's Hebrew
469. Elitsaphan -- "God has protected," two Israelites
... Word Origin from el and tsaphan Definition "God has protected," two Isr. NASB
Word Usage Elizaphan (4), Elzaphan (2). Elizaphan, Elzaphan. ...
/hebrew/469.htm - 6k
Library

Strange Fire
... And Aaron held his peace.4. And Moses called Mishael and Elzaphan, the sons of Uzziel
the uncle of Aaron, and said unto them, Come near, carry your brethren ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture k/strange fire.htm

Thesaurus
Elzaphan (2 Occurrences)
... Standard Bible Encyclopedia ELZAPHAN. el-za'-fan. See ELIZAPHAN. ...Elzaphan (2 Occurrences).
Exodus 6:22 The sons of Uzziel: Mishael, and Elzaphan, and Sithri. ...
/e/elzaphan.htm - 7k

Elza'phan (2 Occurrences)
Elza'phan. Elzaphan, Elza'phan. Emadabun . ... Elza'phan (2 Occurrences). Exodus
6:22 And the sons of Uzziel: Mishael, and Elzaphan, and Sithri. (See RSV). ...
/e/elza'phan.htm - 6k

Mishael (8 Occurrences)
... He and his brother Elzaphan carried out Moses' order to remove from the sanctuary
and the camp the corpses of Nadab and Abihu (Leviticus 10:4 f). (2) A ...
/m/mishael.htm - 10k

Uz'ziel (16 Occurrences)
... thirty-three years. (See RSV). Exodus 6:22 The sons of Uzziel: Mishael,
and Elzaphan, and Sithri. (See RSV). Leviticus 10:4 Moses ...
/u/uz'ziel.htm - 10k

Uzziel (17 Occurrences)
... (WEB KJV JPS ASV BBE DBY WBS YLT NAS NIV). Exodus 6:22 The sons of Uzziel: Mishael,
and Elzaphan, and Sithri. (WEB KJV JPS ASV BBE DBY WBS YLT NAS NIV). ...
/u/uzziel.htm - 14k

Zithri (1 Occurrence)
... ZITHRI. zith'-ri. See SITHRI. Multi-Version Concordance Zithri (1 Occurrence). Exodus
6:22 And the sons of Uzziel; Mishael, and Elzaphan, and Zithri. (KJV WBS). ...
/z/zithri.htm - 6k

Uncle (14 Occurrences)
... Leviticus 10:4 Moses called Mishael and Elzaphan, the sons of Uzziel the uncle of
Aaron, and said to them, "Draw near, carry your brothers from before the ...
/u/uncle.htm - 11k

Tent-circle (45 Occurrences)
... Leviticus 10:4 And Moses sent for Mishael and Elzaphan, the sons of Uzziel, the
brother of Aaron's father, and said to them, Come near and take your brothers ...
/t/tent-circle.htm - 20k

Elizaphan (4 Occurrences)
... He is called Elzaphan in Exodus 6:22 Leviticus 10:4. (2) A "prince" or chief of
Zebulun, who represented that tribe in the division of the land (Numbers 34:25 ...
/e/elizaphan.htm - 8k

Elza'bad (2 Occurrences)
Elza'bad. Elzabad, Elza'bad. Elzaphan . Multi-Version Concordance Elza'bad
(2 Occurrences). ... (See RSV). Elzabad, Elza'bad. Elzaphan . Reference Bible.
/e/elza'bad.htm - 6k

Resources
Bible ConcordanceBible DictionaryBible EncyclopediaTopical BibleBible Thesuarus
Concordance
Elzaphan (2 Occurrences)

Exodus 6:22
The sons of Uzziel: Mishael, and Elzaphan, and Sithri.
(WEB KJV JPS ASV BBE DBY WBS YLT NAS NIV)

Leviticus 10:4
Moses called Mishael and Elzaphan, the sons of Uzziel the uncle of Aaron, and said to them, "Draw near, carry your brothers from before the sanctuary out of the camp."
(WEB KJV JPS ASV BBE DBY WBS YLT NAS NIV)

Subtopics

Elzaphan

Related Terms

Emadabun

Elzaphan (2 Occurrences)

Elzabad: A Korhite
Top of Page
Top of Page