אֱלִיפֶלֶט

Eliphelet or Elpelet, the name of six Israelites

Definition

Eliphelet is a Hebrew proper name meaning 'God of deliverance' or 'God is deliverance.' It belongs to six distinct individuals in the Old Testament, primarily appearing in genealogical lists. The name is borne by a son of King David (2 Samuel 5:16; 1 Chronicles 3:6; 14:5), a son of Ahasbai who was one of David's mighty men (2 Samuel 23:34), a descendant of Saul (1 Chronicles 8:39), and a leader who returned from exile with Ezra (Ezra 8:13). While the name's meaning is consistent, each bearer is a separate figure, distinguished by their lineage and historical context.

Biblical Usage

The name Eliphelet is used exclusively in historical and genealogical contexts within the Old Testament, appearing in the books of 2 Samuel, 1 Chronicles, and Ezra. Its usage follows a pattern of identifying individuals within family lineages, particularly of David (1 Chronicles 3:6, 8) and Saul (1 Chronicles 8:39), and among the returning exiles (Ezra 8:13). It serves to preserve the identity and heritage of these figures within Israel's national and religious history.

Etymology

The name Eliphelet (אֱלִיפֶלֶט) is a compound of two Hebrew elements: 'El' (אֵל, H410), meaning 'God,' and a form derived from the root 'palat' (פלט, H6405), meaning 'to escape, deliver, or slip away.' Thus, the name literally translates to 'God of deliverance' or 'God is deliverance.' A shortened variant, Elpelet (אֱלְפֶּלֶט), also appears (1 Chronicles 14:5). This name reflects a common Hebrew naming convention that attributes acts of salvation or hope directly to God.

Semantic Range

As a theophoric name (containing God's name, 'El'), Eliphelet is a tangible expression of Israelite faith, embedding a theological confession into personal identity. It declares God as the source of rescue and safety. While the individuals themselves may not be central to major biblical narratives, the name collectively witnesses to a community that understood its history and survival—from royal lineage to exile and return—as fundamentally under the deliverance of God. It enriches reading by reminding us that even minor names in genealogies can carry profound statements of trust in God's saving power.

In ancient Israelite culture, names were often descriptive and carried significant meaning, sometimes reflecting circumstances of birth or parental hopes. A name like Eliphelet, invoking God's deliverance, likely expressed gratitude for a safe birth or a hope for God's protection over the child's life. Its use across different eras—from the united monarchy to the post-exilic period—shows the enduring importance of this theological concept in Israel's self-understanding, contrasting with modern names that are often chosen for sound or family tradition rather than explicit meaning.

Eliab (ʼEliyʼab, H446) — Another theophoric name meaning 'God is father,' focusing on God's paternal care rather than deliverance. | Eliezer (ʼEliyʻezer, H461) — Means 'God is help,' a closely related concept of divine assistance. | Joshua (Yĕhowshuwaʻ, H3091) — Means 'Yahweh is salvation,' sharing the core theme of God as savior but using the divine name Yahweh.

Word Details

Scripture References