Boy Old Testament Rare
Elihu
he is my God himself
אֱלִיהוּ e.li.hu
Elihu (Hebrew: אֱלִיהוּ, e.li.hu) means “he is my God himself”, by traditional interpretation. Five men in scripture bear the name; the best attested belongs to the Divided Kingdom period. In 2025 it was given to 14 children in the United States. Around 1,236 Americans have been given it since 1880. Appears with Adnah in 1 Chronicles 12.
Which Elihu?
Five men in scripture bear this name. Here is each of them.
-
Elihu
son of Barachel
-
Elihu
-
Elihu
-
Elihu
-
Elihu
Scripture against society
The two measures, side by side
At a glance
- Verses
- 13 across 3 books
- Bearers
- 5 distinct people in scripture
- Testament
- Old
- Era
- Divided Kingdom
Using it today
Based on 2025 births across the United States.
| Measure | Value | Reading |
|---|---|---|
| Given in 2025 | 14 | Steady |
| All-time total | 1,236 | Since records begin in 1880 |
| Peak | 26 in 1928 | Its highest year on record |
| Strongest state | TX | Highest share relative to births |
In scripture
| Fact | Detail |
|---|---|
| First appears | 1 Samuel 1:1 |
| Last appears | Job 36:1 |
| Cross-references | 94 linked passages |
Names connected to this one
- Jeroham co-occurrence Appears with Jeroham in 1 Chronicles 6.
- Buzites co-occurrence Appears with Buzites in Job 32.
- Barachel co-occurrence Appears with Barachel in Job 32.
- Tohu co-occurrence Appears with Tohu in 1 Samuel 1.
- Ram co-occurrence Appears with Ram in Job 32.
- Elkanah co-occurrence Appears with Elkanah in 1 Chronicles 6.
- Zillethai co-occurrence Appears with Zillethai in 1 Chronicles 12.
- Michael co-occurrence Appears with Michael in 1 Chronicles 12.
Origin & meaning
A man living at the time of Divided Monarchy, only mentioned at 1Ch.12.20
§ Elihu = "He is my God"
1) the younger man who rebuked Job and his three friends
2) an Ephraimite, Samuel's great grandfather
3) a Manassite warrior chief for David
4) son of Shemaiah and Korhite gatekeeper
5) David's brother
Elihu was one of the Manassites who joined David at Ziklag.
The biblical story
Elihu is listed as one of the Manassites who joined David at Ziklag when he was fleeing from King Saul (1Ch.12.20). Along with several other warriors from the tribe of Manasseh, Elihu defected to David's side and helped him fight against the raiding bands. These Manassites were described as brave warriors, commanders, and expert with shield and spear. The Bible does not provide any additional details about Elihu's life or his role in David's army.
Key verses
Elihu appears in 1 verse. Here are some of the most notable:
-
As he went to Ziklag, there fell to him of Manasseh, Adnah, and Jozabad, and Jediael, and Michael, and Jozabad, and Elihu, and Zilthai, captains of the thousands that were of Manasseh.
1 Chronicles 12:20
Show all 1 reference
1 Chronicles (1)
- 1 Chronicles 12:20