Alnathan
PeopleWhat is the meaning of Alnathan in the Bible?
Alnathan, also known as Elnathan, was a learned man summoned by Ezra to assist in his journey to Jerusalem. He was sent to Iddo to ask for ministers for the house of Yahweh.
SIGNIFICANCE
Identifying Alnathan clarifies the administrative structure and personnel involved in the early post-exilic community, illustrating the collaborative effort required to re-establish religious institutions in Jerusalem.
Bible Study Quick-Reference Guide
Genealogy & Community Insight: When reading, notice how the lineage and actions of Alnathan reveal God's preservation of family clans and community records across generations.
Bible Study Reflection Prompts:
- Why did the biblical author mention Alnathan in this passage?
- What cultural or historical assumption does Alnathan clarify?
Source Attribution
Built upon the 1915 International Standard Bible Encyclopedia and Easton's Bible Dictionary (1897). Entries have been modernized, checked for academic truthfulness, and shortened for clarity.
How to Cite This Entry
"Alnathan." Ancient Context Dictionary. Accessed 2026. https://ancientcontext.com/context/alnathan/