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H469 · Hebrew · Old Testament
אֶלִיצָפָן
Elitsaphan
Proper Name, masculine
My God has hidden/protected

Definition

The name Elitsaphan is closely related to H468 (Eltsaphan) with a slightly different orthographic form, both deriving from El + tsaphan. It is borne by a Kohathite Levite leader (Leviticus 10:4; Numbers 3:30) who was appointed to carry the most holy items of the tabernacle and who was called to carry the bodies of Nadab and Abihu out of the sanctuary after they offered unauthorized fire before God.

Usage & Theological Significance

The task of removing Nadab and Abihu's bodies (Leviticus 10:4) assigned to Elitsaphan — "My God has protected" — is full of grim irony. God's holiness consumed those who approached presumptuously, and the priests were commanded not to mourn (Leviticus 10:6), lest they too come under judgment. Elitsaphan's role reminds us that God's protection is not indiscriminate — it covers those who approach Him rightly. "Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God" (Matthew 5:8).

Key Bible Verses

Leviticus 10:4 Moses summoned Mishael and Elzaphan, sons of Aaron's uncle Uzziel, and said to them, "Come here; carry your cousins outside the camp, away from the front of the sanctuary."
Numbers 3:30 The leader of the families of the Kohathite clans was Elizaphan son of Uzziel.
Leviticus 10:1 Aaron's sons Nadab and Abihu took their censers, put fire in them and added incense; and they offered unauthorized fire before the Lord, contrary to his command.
Leviticus 10:3 Moses then said to Aaron, "This is what the Lord spoke of when he said: 'Among those who approach me I will be proved holy.'"
Hebrews 12:29 For our God is a consuming fire.

Related Words

External Resources

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