Who was Elkanah in the Bible?

Elkanah was a Levite from the line of Kohath, as recorded in the genealogies of 1 Chronicles 6:26,35. He is most famously known as the husband of Hannah and the father of the prophet Samuel.

Why is Elkanah significant in the Bible?

Elkanah's primary significance is as the faithful father of Samuel, one of Israel's greatest prophets and judges. His story, found in 1 Samuel 1, provides the family context for Samuel's miraculous birth and dedication to God's service.

What key events involve Elkanah in the Bible?

The key event is his annual pilgrimage to Shiloh to worship and sacrifice (1 Samuel 1:3-5). His story centers on supporting his wife Hannah through her barrenness and then raising their dedicated son, Samuel, after he was weaned.

Elkanah

Old TestamentUnited MonarchyMaleLevite

Elkanah was a Levite descendant of Kohath mentioned in the genealogies (1Ch.6.26,35).

Elkanah

Biography

This Elkanah is listed in the Levitical genealogies of 1 Chronicles 6:26 and 6:35 as a Kohathite Levite in the ancestral line descending toward Samuel the prophet. He appears as an intermediate ancestor in the carefully preserved priestly lineage recorded by the Chronicler, positioned within the chain of Levitical succession that the text traces through Kohath, Izhar, Korah, and eventually to the family of Elkanah, Samuel's father. While no independent narrative is associated with this particular Elkanah, his place in the genealogy affirms the theological importance of traceable, preserved lineage in Levitical families, a record that authenticated both priestly service and prophetic calling for the Israelite community.

Significance

This Elkanah's significance lies primarily in his position within the sacred genealogy of 1 Chronicles 6, a passage the Chronicler used to establish the legitimate ancestry of temple musicians and priests. The meticulous preservation of such genealogies reflects the biblical conviction that God's purposes are carried out through generational faithfulness, not merely individual heroism. By being named in this line, Elkanah is recognized as part of the living chain that connected the wilderness community's worship structure to the monarchical period's temple service. His record affirms that every generation of faithful Levites played an irreplaceable role in maintaining the covenant between God and Israel.

Verse Appearances (2)

1Chr

1Chr 6:26 1Chr 6:35

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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