Elhanan
PeopleWhat is the meaning of Elhanan in the Bible?
Elhanan, a warrior from Bethlehem, is recorded in 2 Samuel 21:19 as having killed Goliath the Gittite, whereas 1 Chronicles 20:5 attributes the killing of Lahmi, the brother of Goliath, to the same individual, suggesting a textual variation or scribal conflation in the biblical tradition.
SIGNIFICANCE
Analyzing the discrepancy between these two accounts clarifies the textual history of the Samuel and Chronicles narratives and helps readers distinguish between the legendary figure of David and other military heroes in the biblical tradition.
Bible Study Quick-Reference Guide
Genealogy & Community Insight: When reading, notice how the lineage and actions of Elhanan reveal God's preservation of family clans and community records across generations.
Bible Study Reflection Prompts:
- Why did the biblical author mention Elhanan in this passage?
- What cultural or historical assumption does Elhanan clarify?
Scripture Passages Mentioned:
2 Samuel 21:191 Chronicles 20:5
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
"Elhanan." Ancient Context Dictionary. Accessed 2026. https://ancientcontext.com/context/elhanan/