Elah

Etymology

Elah is a Hebrew name meaning "terebinth tree." The terebinth, a sparsely-leaved oak tree, was significant in biblical times for its shade, oil, and symbolic associations with strength and longevity. In the Old Testament, Elah appears as the name of the fourth king of Israel.

Historical Context

King Elah ruled Israel for two years (c. 886–885 BCE) and was the son of Baasha. According to 1 Kings 16:8-10, Elah was assassinated by his army commander Zimri, who then succeeded him. Zimri’s reign lasted only seven days, ending when Omri was proclaimed king.

Related Names

In its original Hebrew, the name appears as אֵלָה (Ela), also known as Ela 3. The name Elah is notably distinct from the shorter variant Ela 3, though they share the same root meaning.

Cultural Significance

Outside of biblical contexts, Elah is rare as a given name. It remains primarily a masculine name in English Bible translations.

• Meaning: Terebinth tree
• Origin: Hebrew
• Type: Possibly matronymic or penteously contextualized distinct from Levitical names.
• Usage Regions: English-speaking Christian communities referencing the Old Testament.