Elishama
PeopleWhat is the meaning of Elishama in the Bible?
The name Elishama identifies several distinct biblical figures, most notably a prince of the tribe of Ephraim listed in the census of Numbers, a son of King David mentioned in Chronicles, and a scribe serving under King Jehoiakim during the Babylonian crisis.
SIGNIFICANCE
Distinguishing between these various individuals clarifies the specific historical and genealogical contexts within the biblical narrative, preventing conflation of separate lineages and administrative roles across different periods of Israelite history.
Bible Study Quick-Reference Guide
Genealogy & Community Insight: When reading, notice how the lineage and actions of Elishama reveal God's preservation of family clans and community records across generations.
Bible Study Reflection Prompts:
- Why did the biblical author mention Elishama in this passage?
- What cultural or historical assumption does Elishama clarify?
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
"Elishama." Ancient Context Dictionary. Accessed 2026. https://ancientcontext.com/context/elishama/