Who was Elnaam in the Bible?

Elnaam is a minor biblical figure known only as the father of Jeribai and Joshaviah, two of King David's mighty warriors. He is mentioned in a single verse listing the names of these valiant men (1 Chronicles 11:46).

Why is Elnaam mentioned in the Bible?

Elnaam is mentioned to establish the lineage and identity of his sons, who were honored among David's elite fighters. His inclusion highlights that God often works through entire families and records even supporting names in His story of faithfulness.

What can we learn from Elnaam's life?

While no specific events from Elnaam's life are recorded, his legacy was defined by raising sons who served God's chosen king with great courage and loyalty. This teaches that a parent's faithful influence can produce significant service in God's kingdom.

Elnaam

Old TestamentDivided MonarchyMaleFather

Elnaam was the father of Jeribai and Joshaviah, two of David's mighty men (1Ch.11.46).

Elnaam

Biography

Elnaam appears in Scripture only as the father of Jeribai and Joshaviah, two warriors listed among the extended catalog of David's mighty men in 1 Chronicles 11:46. The Chronicler's expanded list of David's champions goes beyond the core thirty mentioned in 2 Samuel 23 to include additional warriors whose valor contributed to the establishment of David's kingdom. Elnaam himself is not described in any narrative episode, and no genealogical or tribal affiliation is provided for him in the text. His significance in Scripture is entirely paternal, his identity is preserved because he raised two sons whose military excellence was deemed worthy of inclusion in the royal honor roll of Israel's greatest warriors during the era of David's kingship.

Significance

Elnaam illustrates the biblical pattern in which a parent's most lasting legacy is not personal achievement but the character and faithfulness of the children they raise. His sons Jeribai and Joshaviah earned a place among David's elite warriors, men whose combined courage helped secure Israel's borders and advance the kingdom of God's anointed. The inclusion of Elnaam's name in 1 Chronicles 11:46 is a quiet acknowledgment that behind every notable servant of God's purposes stands a family history that shaped them. His record invites reflection on the formative power of faithful parenthood and its often unrecognized contribution to the unfolding of God's plans for his people.

Verse Appearances (1)

1Chr

1Chr 11:46

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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