Elkanah

Elkanah is a masculine given name appearing in the English Bible, derived from the Hebrew 'Elqana (אֱלְקָנָה), meaning "God has purchased" or "God has acquired." The name is composed of the elements ʾel meaning "God" and qana meaning "to acquire, to purchase." In the Old Testament, Elkanah is the father of the prophet Samuel, best known from the First Book of Samuel.

Biblical Narrative

Elkanah is a minor yet important figure in the story of Samuel. He is described as a man of the hill country of Ephraim, specifically from Ramathaim-Zophim (1 Samuel 1:1). He had two wives: Hannah, who was barren, and Peninnah, who bore him children. Despite Peninnah's provocations, Elkanah showed special favor to Hannah, offering her a double portion and comforting her grief. Eventually, God answered Hannah's prayer, and she gave birth to Samuel, whom she dedicated to the Lord. Elkanah supported this vow, accompanying Samuel to the sanctuary at Shiloh. According to 1 Chronicles 6, Elkanah was a Levite through Kohath, which explains his presence at the tabernacle.

Cultural and Religious Significance

The name Elkanah reflects the Hebrew custom of naming children with theophoric elements, acknowledging God's sovereignty and provision alongside themes of acquisition or purchase. This naming convention is consistent with other biblical names like Elkan, a shortened form in Hebrew. Elkanah's story emphasizes faith and God's responsiveness to sincere prayer, as seen in Hannah's vow and the birth of Samuel. As a name, Elkanah appears in post-biblical usage primarily among Jewish communities and in English-speaking Christian contexts, often as a traditional, scholarly, or family name. Related forms include the Biblical Hebrew variant 'Elqana.

• Meaning: God has purchased
• Origin: Hebrew
• Type: Biblical given name
• Usage regions: English Bible, Jewish communities
• Related names: Elkan (Hebrew), 'Elqana (Biblical Hebrew)