A leader sent by Ezra to find Levites.
Elnathan
Named in 1 verse of Ezra, first in Ezra 8:16.
אֶלְנָתָןElnathan
The name means “God hath given; the gift of God.” Hitchcock's Bible Names, 1869
About Elnathan Written by AI
Three men with this name occur in the same verse (Ezra 8:16), mentioned among the men sent by Ezra to Casiphia to find Levites for Temple service. This Elnathan is identified as a "leader," distinguishing him from the last Elnathan mentioned in the same verse. The designation of Elnathan as a teacher suggests that he held a position of authority and was recognized for his knowledge and ability to instruct others. Like the other leading men, this Elnathan was entrusted with the task of recruiting Levites to assist in the Temple service. The presence of a teacher among the group sent by Ezra underscores the importance of not only gathering Levites but also ensuring that they were properly educated and prepared for their roles in the Temple.
Drafted by an AI model for STEPBible's TIPNR (Tyndale House Cambridge, CC BY 4.0). Check it against the verses below.
Easton's Bible Dictionary, 1897
This entry is on the name Elnathan, and may cover more than one person or place by that name.
Whom God has given. (1.) An inhabitant of Jerusalem, the father of Nehushta, who was the mother of king Jehoiachin (2 Kings 24:8). Probably the same who tried to prevent Jehoiakim from burning the roll of Jeremiah’s prophecies (Jer. 26:22; 36:12). (2.) Ezra 8:16.
M. G. Easton, Illustrated Bible Dictionary, third edition (1897), public domain, from CrossWire. Shown as written; its Scripture quotes are from older translations.
Where the Bible names him
- Ezra 8:16
Then I summoned the leaders: Eliezer, Ariel, Shemaiah, Elnathan, Jarib, Elnathan, Nathan, Zechariah, and Meshullam, as well as the teachers Joiarib and Elnathan.
From STEPBible's TIPNR, Tyndale House Cambridge (CC BY 4.0): names, family, references and the AI written article. Verse text is the BSB.