☀️
← Back to Lexicon
H476 · Hebrew · Old Testament
אֱלִישָׁמָע
Elishama
Proper Noun (masculine personal name)
God has heard

Definition

Elishama (אֱלִישָׁמָע) combines El (God) and shama (to hear, listen, obey). The name means "God has heard" or "My God hears." Multiple OT individuals bear this name, including a son of David, a scribe in Jehoiakim's court, and a leader of Ephraim in the wilderness.

Usage & Theological Significance

The divine attribute of hearing (shama) is central to Israel's covenant theology. God hears the cries of His people — this is the testimony of Hagar (Genesis 16:11), Hannah (1 Samuel 1), Israel in Egypt (Exodus 2:24). The name Elishama confesses this. The root shama also gives us the Shema (Deuteronomy 6:4): "Hear, O Israel." The God who hears demands to be heard. Elishama the scribe kept Jeremiah's scroll in his chamber — a fitting role for one whose name declares that God listens.

Key Bible Verses

Numbers 1:10 From Ephraim, Elishama son of Ammihud.
2 Samuel 5:16 Elishama, Eliada and Eliphelet.
Jeremiah 36:12 Elishama the secretary, Delaiah son of Shemaiah and other officials were sitting there.
Genesis 16:11 You are now pregnant and you will give birth to a son. You shall name him Ishmael, for the LORD has heard of your misery.
Exodus 2:24 God heard their groaning and he remembered his covenant with Abraham, with Isaac and with Jacob.

Related Words

External Resources

🌙
☀️