Meaning & Origin
Elkanah in the Hebrew Bible is a man of God who had two wives, Hannah and Peninnah. He showed kindness and generosity to his wives, and Hannah, who was childless, prayed to the Lord for a son, whom she named Samuel. Elkanah's name signifies God's grace and generosity towards his people.
Spiritual meaning
Symbolizes God's grace and kindness.
Language details
Elkanah
God has possessed or acquired
Pronunciation & Numerology
Pronunciation
el-KAY-nuh
/ɛlˈkeɪnə/
Lucky number
13
Lucky day
Tuesday
Lucky colors
Life path
3
Lucky stone
Carnelian
Cultural & Spiritual notes
Elkanah is a Hebrew name derived from the root words "El," meaning God, and "kanah," meaning acquire, posses, or "my God." Historically, it was a name given to boys in ancient Israel, but its usage has extended beyond that context. In the diaspora, it became a popular name among Jewish communities as well as Christians.
The name Elkanah carries significant spiritual meaning as it underscores the idea of God's grace and generosity. In the biblical narrative, Elkanah is portrayed as a man of God who showed kindness and generosity to his wives, reflecting God's love and care for his people. Moreover, Elkanah's son, Samuel, would become a significant prophet in Israel's history and one of the last Judges. The name thus underscores the enduring connection between God's goodness, His people, and His provision.
Historical references
Historical records show that Elkanah is a son of Jeroham, the son of Eli, who was a priest in Shiloh. The name Elkanah carried significant spiritual weight in that era.
11th century BC
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