Elkanah אֶלְקָנָה
A Levite ancestor of Samuel.
Who is Elkanah in the Bible?
Elkanah was a Levite ancestor of the prophet Samuel, appearing in the genealogical records of 1 Chronicles 6:25 and 6:36. He is traced through the line of Kohath, one of the sons of Levi, and represents an earlier generation in Samuel's ancestral lineage, distinct from Elkanah the father of Samuel who lived centuries later. The inclusion of Elkanah in these genealogies serves to establish the priestly credentials and Levitical heritage of Samuel and his descendants, underscoring their designated role in Israel's religious life and temple service.
Biography
Elkanah is mentioned in the genealogies of the Levites as an ancestor of the prophet Samuel (1Ch.6.25,36). He appears in the lineage traced from Kohath, the son of Levi, to Samuel and his descendants. This Elkanah is different from the Elkanah who was the father of Samuel, as the genealogy spans several generations. The mention of Elkanah in these passages serves to establish the Levitical lineage of Samuel and his family, highlighting their role in the priesthood and temple service.
Family
In Scripture
1 biblical book1 Chronicles 2 verses
- 1 Chronicles 6:25
"The descendants of Elkanah: Amasai, Ahimoth,"
- 1 Chronicles 6:36
"the son of Elkanah, the son of Joel, the son of Azariah, the son of Zephaniah,"
Names & Aliases
| Form | Language | Script |
|---|---|---|
| Named | Hebrew | אֶלְקָנָה |