Who was Jeroham in the Bible?

Jeroham was an Ephraimite, known primarily as the father of Elkanah and the grandfather of the prophet Samuel. He is mentioned in the genealogical record of Samuel's family in 1 Chronicles 6:27, 34.

Why is Jeroham significant?

Jeroham's significance lies in his lineage, as he was the grandfather of Samuel, one of Israel's greatest prophets and judges. His family line connects to the Levitical priesthood, establishing Samuel's religious heritage.

What do we know about Jeroham's life?

The Bible provides very few details about Jeroham's life events. He is identified solely by his family relationships and his tribal affiliation as an Ephraimite, as recorded in 1 Samuel 1:1 and 1 Chronicles 6:27.

Jeroham

Old TestamentUnited MonarchyMaleLeviteFather

Jeroham was an Ephraimite, the father of Elkanah and grandfather of the prophet Samuel.

Jeroham

Biography

Jeroham was an Ephraimite from Ramathaim-zophim in the hill country of Ephraim, the son of Elihu and father of Elkanah (1 Samuel 1:1; 1 Chronicles 6:27, 34). His son Elkanah would marry Hannah and Peninnah, and through Hannah's fervent prayer and God's gracious answer, Jeroham became the grandfather of Samuel, one of the most pivotal figures in Israel's entire history. Though 1 Samuel presents Elkanah's family as Ephraimites, the Chronicler traces their lineage through Levi via Kohath, suggesting they were Levites residing within Ephraim's territory. Jeroham's household was characterized by faithful annual pilgrimage to worship at Shiloh, modeling the covenant piety that would produce and shape the great prophet Samuel.

Significance

Jeroham's significance in redemptive history is inseparable from his role as the grandfather of Samuel. Though Scripture says little of Jeroham directly, the spiritual environment he helped establish in his family line created the conditions for Samuel's birth, consecration, and prophetic ministry. Samuel would bridge the era of the judges and the monarchy, anoint both Saul and David, and stand as one of Israel's greatest prophets (Acts 3:24; 13:20). Jeroham thus represents the hidden, generational faithfulness that prepares the ground for God's decisive interventions in history. His legacy is a powerful reminder that faithful, covenant-keeping families are essential instruments in God's redemptive plan.

Authority Records

Wikidata

FatherElihuChildElkanah

Verse Appearances (3)

1Sam

1Sam 1:1

1Chr

1Chr 6:27 1Chr 6:34

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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