Ela
PeopleWhat is the meaning of Ela in the Bible?
Ela is recorded in 1 Kings 4:18 as the father of Shimei, one of Solomon's governors. Some scholars suggest he may be the same individual as Elam mentioned in Ezra 10:26 among those who had married foreign wives.
SIGNIFICANCE
Identifying Ela helps clarify the administrative structure of Solomon's kingdom and the genealogical records of post-exilic Jewish families.
Bible Study Quick-Reference Guide
Genealogy & Community Insight: When reading, notice how the lineage and actions of Ela reveal God's preservation of family clans and community records across generations.
Bible Study Reflection Prompts:
- Why did the biblical author mention Ela in this passage?
- What cultural or historical assumption does Ela clarify?
Scripture Passages Mentioned:
1 Kings 4:18Ezra 10:26
Related Topics
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
"Ela." Ancient Context Dictionary. Accessed 2026. https://ancientcontext.com/context/ela/