Elizaphan אֱלִיצָפָן
A Levite leader from the Kohathite clan.
Who is Elizaphan in the Bible?
Elizaphan was a Levite leader from the Kohathite clan whose family played important roles in Israel's worship throughout biblical history. He served as a supervisor of the Kohathites in the tabernacle (Numbers 3:30) and was the son of Uzziel, making him a cousin of Moses and Aaron. Early in his ministry, Elizaphan and his brother Mishael were instructed by Moses to remove the bodies of Nadab and Abihu, Aaron's sons who were struck down for offering unauthorized fire before the Lord (Leviticus 10:4). His descendants continued this legacy of temple service, with his line contributing Levites who carried the ark of the covenant under King David (1 Chronicles 15:8) and later participated in the temple cleansing during King Hezekiah's religious reforms (2 Chronicles 29:13). Elizaphan's significance lies in establishing a priestly lineage devoted to maintaining Israel's sacred worship practices across multiple generations.
Biography
Elizaphan was a Levite leader from the clan of Kohath (Num.3.30). He was the son of Uzziel, who was the brother of Amram, the father of Moses and Aaron (Exo.6.22). Elizaphan and his brother Mishael were instructed by Moses to carry the bodies of Nadab and Abihu, Aaron's sons who were killed for offering unauthorized fire before the Lord (Lev.10.4). During the time of King David, Elizaphan's descendants, Shemaiah and his sons, were among the Levites appointed to carry the ark of the covenant (1Ch.15.8). Later, during the reign of King Hezekiah, a descendant of Elizaphan named Shimri is mentioned as one of the Levites who helped cleanse and consecrate the temple (2Ch.29.13). The Bible portrays Elizaphan and his descendants as having significant roles in the tabernacle and temple service throughout Israel's history.
Family
Siblings
- Mishael Tribe of LeviSon of UzzielA Levite who helped remove the bodies of Nadab and Abihu.View full profile →
- Sithri Tribe of LeviSon of UzzielSon of Uzziel, a Levite of the Kohathite clan.View full profile →
- Micah Tribe of LeviSon of UzzielA Levite, son of Uzziel, during David's reign.View full profile →
- Isshiah MaleDavid's warriorKorahite warrior who joined David at Ziklag.View full profile →
In Scripture
5 biblical books ; 2 with study contentNumbers 1 verse
- Numbers 3:30
"and the leader of the families of the Kohathites was Elizaphan son of Uzziel."
1 Chronicles 1 verse
- 1 Chronicles 15:8
"from the Elizaphanites, Shemaiah the chief and 200 of his relatives;"
2 Chronicles 1 verse
- 2 Chronicles 29:13
"Shimri and Jeuel from the Elizaphanites; Zechariah and Mattaniah from the Asaphites;"
Exodus 1 verse
- Exodus 6:22
"The sons of Uzziel were Mishael, Elzaphan, and Sithri."
Study Exodus →
Leviticus 1 verse
- Leviticus 10:4
"Moses summoned Mishael and Elzaphan, sons of Aaron’s uncle Uzziel, and said to them, “Come here; carry the bodies of your cousins outside the camp, away from the front of the sanctuary.”"
Study Leviticus →
Names & Aliases
| Form | Language | Script | Meaning |
|---|---|---|---|
| Named | Hebrew | אֱלִיצָפָן | Elitsaphan or Eltsaphan , an Israelite |
| (same form as previous) | Hebrew | אֱלִיצָפָן | Elitsaphan or Eltsaphan , an Israelite |
Elizaphan
(1) The son of Uzziel, the son of Kohath, and so a prince of the Levitical class of the Kohathites (Nu 3:30; 1Ch 15:8; 2Ch 29:13). But in 1Ch 15:8; 2Ch 29:13 his class seems to be coordinate with that of the Kohathites. He is called Elzaphan in Ex 6:22; Le 10:4.
(2) A "prince" or chief of Zebulun, who represented that tribe in the division of the land (Nu 34:25). Walter R. Betteridge
e-li'-zur ('elitsur; Septuagint Eleiour, Elisour, "My God is a rock"; compare Zuriel "my rock is God" (Nu 3:35)):
A chief or prince of the tribe of Reuben (<ref osisRef="Bible: