אֶלְעָדָה

Eladah, an Israelite

Definition

Eladah is a proper name meaning 'God has decked' or 'God has adorned.' It belongs to an Israelite man listed in the genealogy of Ephraim in 1 Chronicles 7:20. As a personal name, it functions solely to identify this individual within the biblical record. There are no other major senses or differing meanings in Scripture, as it appears only this once.

Biblical Usage

The name Eladah is used exactly once in the Old Testament, in 1 Chronicles 7:20. It appears in a genealogical list tracing the descendants of Ephraim, the son of Joseph. This context is typical for many proper names in the Chronicler's records, serving to establish lineage and tribal identity within Israel's history.

Etymology

Eladah is a compound name derived from 'El' (H410), the common Hebrew word for God, and the verb 'adah' (H5710), meaning 'to pass by,' 'to advance,' or 'to adorn.' The combined sense is 'God has adorned' or 'God has decked,' suggesting an act of divine beautification or honor bestowed upon the individual or his family.

Semantic Range

While the name itself is not central to major doctrines, it reflects the common Israelite practice of using theophoric names (names containing God's name, 'El'). Such names served as daily reminders of God's presence and activity in the life of the individual and the community. Understanding this naming convention enriches reading by highlighting the personal and familial piety embedded in Israel's culture.

In ancient Israel, names were often descriptive and carried significant meaning, sometimes reflecting circumstances of birth or parental hopes. A name like Eladah, which acknowledges God's adornment, likely expressed gratitude or recognized a perceived blessing from God upon the child or the family line.

Eliel (ʼEliyʼel, H447) — A similar theophoric name meaning 'My God is God.' Elkanah (ʼElqânâh, H511) — Another name with 'El,' meaning 'God has created.'

Word Details

Scripture References