אֱלִישֶׁבַע

Elisheba, the wife of Aaron

Definition

אֱלִישֶׁבַע (Elisheba) is a proper noun referring to the wife of Aaron, the first high priest of Israel, and the sister of Nahshon, a tribal leader of Judah. Her sole biblical appearance is in Exodus 6:23, where she is identified as the mother of Aaron's four sons: Nadab, Abihu, Eleazar, and Ithamar. The name itself means 'God is (my) oath' or 'God of the oath,' signifying a covenantal relationship. As Aaron's wife, she holds a foundational role in the priestly lineage, connecting the tribe of Judah (through her brother) with the priestly tribe of Levi.

Biblical Usage

This word is used only once in the Old Testament, in Exodus 6:23. It appears in a genealogical context, establishing the family line of Aaron and Moses. The usage is purely identificatory, providing the name of Aaron's wife and her familial connections, with no narrative or descriptive action attached to her personally.

Etymology

The name is a compound of two Hebrew elements: אֵל (ʼēl, H410), meaning 'God,' and שֶׁבַע (shevaʻ, H7651), meaning 'seven' or 'oath' (derived from the root שָׁבַע, shāvaʻ, H7650, 'to swear'). Thus, the name literally translates to 'God of the oath' or 'God is (my) oath,' indicating a person under a solemn promise or covenant with God. It is the Hebrew equivalent of the Greek name 'Elizabeth.'

Semantic Range

Elisheba's role, though mentioned briefly, is theologically significant as she links the priestly and royal lines in Israel's history. As Aaron's wife, she is the matriarch of the Aaronic priesthood. Her brother, Nahshon, was a prince of Judah (Numbers 1:7), the tribe from which King David and ultimately the Messiah would come. This connection subtly foreshadows the unification of priestly and kingly offices later realized in Christ (Psalm 110:4, Hebrews 7). Her name, meaning 'God of the oath,' also echoes the covenant faithfulness of God to His people.

In ancient Israelite culture, names often carried descriptive or aspirational meaning about one's character or destiny. A name meaning 'God is my oath' would reflect a family's devotion and recognition of God's covenantal promises. As the wife of the high priest, Elisheba would have occupied a position of honor and responsibility within the community, associated with the religious center of Israelite life.

There are no direct synonyms for this proper name. However, conceptually related names include: אֱלִישָׁמָע (ʼĔlîyshāmāʻ, H476) — 'God has heard'; אֱלִיעֶזֶר (ʼĔlîyʻezer, H461) — 'God of help'; both are compound names beginning with 'El' (God).

Word Details

Scripture References