Who was Dodo in the Bible?

Dodo was a man from Bethlehem, known only as the father of Elhanan, who was one of King David's elite warriors known as the 'mighty men' (2 Samuel 23:24; 1 Chronicles 11:26).

Why is Dodo mentioned in the Bible?

Dodo is mentioned solely to establish the lineage of his more significant son, Elhanan, who was a renowned fighter in David's army. His inclusion highlights the importance of family heritage and the records of David's loyal supporters.

What does the name Dodo mean?

The name Dodo likely means 'his beloved' or 'loving.' While the Bible does not explain the meaning, names in biblical genealogies often carried significant meaning, reflecting character or divine blessing.

Dodo

Old TestamentUnited MonarchyMaleFather

Dodo the Bethlehemite was the father of Elhanan, one of David's mighty men. (2Sa.23.24; 1Ch.11.26)

Dodo

Biography

Dodo the Bethlehemite was an Israelite of the tribe of Judah who lived during the era of David's united monarchy. He is identified in 2 Samuel 23:24 and 1 Chronicles 11:26 as the father of Elhanan, who is numbered among the celebrated Thirty, the extended group of David's mighty men who formed an elite corps of warriors renowned for their valor in battle. The Bethlehemite designation links this Dodo to David's own hometown, suggesting a close geographic and possibly clan connection to the royal household. Though Dodo himself is not described as a warrior, his significance in the biblical text rests on his paternal role in producing a son who stood among Israel's most distinguished soldiers during the zenith of the united kingdom.

Significance

Dodo the Bethlehemite, like several other fathers of David's mighty men, represents the unnamed but essential generational foundation upon which Israel's military and national strength was built. His son Elhanan's inclusion in the elite Thirty speaks to a heritage of courage and loyalty that shaped the men closest to David's throne. The careful recording of these warriors and their fathers in 2 Samuel 23 and 1 Chronicles 11 reflects Israel's understanding that individual valor is rooted in family and community. Dodo stands as a reminder that faithful, unheralded parents often raise children whose service to God's people is celebrated long after the parent's own name has faded from prominence.

Authority Records

Wikidata

ChildPuah

Verse Appearances (2)

2Sam

2Sam 23:24

1Chr

1Chr 11:26

References

Orr, J. (ed.) (1915) The International Standard Bible Encyclopedia. Chicago: Howard-Severance Company. [Public Domain]
Tyndale House, Cambridge (n.d.) Translators Individualised Proper Names with all References (TIPNR). STEPBible. Available at: https://www.stepbible.org. [CC BY 4.0]
Wikidata contributors (n.d.) Wikidata. Available at: https://www.wikidata.org. [CC0]
Church of England (1769) The Holy Bible, Authorized (King James) Version. [Public Domain]

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