☀️
← Back to Lexicon
H387 · Hebrew · Old Testament
אֵיתָן
Ethan
Proper noun, masculine
Ethan (ever-flowing)

Definition

Strong's H387 is the proper name Ethan (אֵיתָן), used specifically for the named individuals in the biblical text — distinct from the adjective form (H386). Several men bear this name in the Old Testament: the Ezrahite sage who authored Psalm 89, a Levitical musician in David's court, and others in genealogical records.

Usage & Theological Significance

Ethan the Ezrahite's authorship of Psalm 89 is theologically significant because the psalm grapples honestly with apparent covenant failure — David's dynasty seemed imperiled — yet ends in confident praise and supplication. The name ethan (perennial, constant) is fitting for a man who clung to God's unchanging faithfulness even in distress. In David's worship organization, Ethan son of Kushaiah was one of the chief musicians assigned to the bronze cymbals (1 Chronicles 15:17–19), appointed to lead Israel in praise before the ark of God.

Key Bible Verses

1 Chronicles 15:17 So the Levites appointed Heman son of Joel; from his relatives, Asaph son of Berekiah; and from their relatives the Merarites, Ethan son of Kushaiah.
1 Chronicles 15:19 The musicians Heman, Asaph and Ethan were to sound the bronze cymbals.
Psalm 89:1 I will sing of the LORD's great love forever. (A maskil of Ethan the Ezrahite.)
Psalm 89:49 Lord, where is your former great love, which in your faithfulness you swore to David?
1 Kings 4:31 Solomon was wiser than anyone else, including Ethan the Ezrahite.

Related Words

External Resources

🌙
☀️