An inhabitant of Elam — the ancient kingdom east of Babylon, corresponding roughly to southwestern Iran. Elamites are mentioned in Acts 2:9 among the nations present at Pentecost, representing the multinational fulfillment of Joel's prophecy.
The presence of Elamitēs at Pentecost is theologically significant. Elam was one of the earliest and most powerful nations in the ancient Near East — ancient enemies of Israel who had participated in taking exiles captive. Yet on the Day of Pentecost, Elamites heard the gospel in their own language and were included in the first harvest of the Spirit. This is the reversal of Babel: where language had divided and scattered humanity, the Spirit now unites and gathers people from every nation. The worldwide church was born on that day, and the Elamites are part of its foundation — a powerful sign that no ancient enmity stands between God and His desire to gather all peoples.