Ebal to Ezra
Dictionary of Bible Names

Several Biblical people are named Eber, the most noteworthy of which was the son of Salah born in 2246 B.C. His name is used to derive the term "Hebrew" to describe his descendants. The word is Biblically used for the first time, six generations later, when Abram (Abraham) is called a Hebrew (Genesis 14:13).

Ed
Witness
Strong's #H5707

Ed is the name of an altar built, east of the Jordan River, by the tribes of Gad and Reuben. It was constructed in order to be a witness that Yahweh is God.

As an interesting side note, the word Ed, at just two letters, is one of the shortest names in the entire Bible. Others short references include Ai (Joshua 7:2), Ar (Numbers 21:15), Er (Genesis 38:3) and others.

References
Joshua 22:34

Eden
Read our dedicated article on this topic.

Eder
A flock
Strong's #H5740

Eder was a city given to the tribe of Judah as an inheritance in the Promised Land. Eder was also the name of a person in the tribe of Benjamin and another one who was a Levite.

References
Joshua 15:21, 1Chronicles 23:23, 24:30

Edom
Read our dedicated article on this topic.

Edrei
Mighty, goodly pasture
Strong's #H154

Edrei was a city in the tribe of Manasseh's territory east of the Jordan River. The city was east of a major north-south trading route known as the King's Highway.

References
Numbers 21:33, Deuteronomy 1:4, 3:1, 10, Joshua 12:4, 13:12, 31, 19:37

Eglaim
Double reservoir (pond)
Strong's #H97

Eglaim was a city located east of the Dead Sea in the land of Moab.

References
Isaiah 15:8

Eglon
Calf-like
Strong's #H5700

The king of Eglon was one of the thirty-one rulers conquered by Joshua. His city was given to the tribe of Judah as an inheritance in the Promised Land.

Eglon was also the name of a Moabite King who oppressed ancient Israel for eighteen years. God's people were set free from his domination, however, through the Israelite Judge Ehud.

Egypt
Read our dedicated article on this topic.

Ehud, from the tribe of Benjamin, was a rare left-handed warrior. After freeing the people from domination by King Eglon, he serves as Judge of God's people for eighty years (1292 to 1212 B.C.). His service is the longest of any Israelite Judge.

Ekron
Read our dedicated article on this topic.

Elah
An oak
Strong's #H425

The Valley of Elah is where a young David, after Samuel annointed him Israel's new king to replace Saul, defeated Goliath the giant.

Several Biblical people are named Elah. One of Esau's eleven sons who were considered chieftains ("dukes" in the KJV) of Edom was named Elah.

The fourth ruler over the Kingdom of Israel, after its split with Judah, was also named Elah. He ruled from 886 to 885 B.C. Later, another Elah was the father of Hoshea, the last king of Israel before the nation went into captivity. Others who possessed this name include one of Caleb's sons and a son of Uzzi.

Elam
Read our dedicated article on this topic.

Elbethel
The God of the House of God, God of Bethel
Strong's #H416

Elbethel was a location named by the patriarch Jacob after God appeared to him.

References
Genesis 35:7

Eleasah
God has made
Strong's #H501

At least two people are named Eleasah. The first is a descendant of Judah while the second is in the lineage of King Saul.

References
1Chronicles 2:39 - 40, 8:37, 9:43

Eleazar
God is helper, God has helped
Strong's #H499

References
Exodus 6:23 - 25, 28:1, Leviticus 10:6 - 16, Numbers 3:2 - 4, 32, 4:16, 16:37 - 39, etc.

Elelohe-Israel
The mighty God of Israel (Jisrael)
Strong's #H415

Elelohe-Israel was the name Jacob gave an altar he erected near the city of Shalem.

References
Genesis 33:20

Elhanan
God has been gracious
Strong's #H445

Elhanan was the name of one of King David's thirty-seven mighty men of valor. He is noteworthy for killing Lahmi, the giant brother of Goliath, in battle.

References
2Samuel 21:19, 23:24, 1Chronicles 11:26, 20:5

Eli
Lofty, ascension
Strong's #H5941

Eli was both a High Priest and Judge in Israel. He took care of a young Samuel after his mother Hannah dedicated him to God's service.

His corrupt behavior, and that of his two sons Phinehas and Hophni who ministered at God's tabernacle in Shiloh, earned him God's condemnation (1Samuel 3:11 - 14). Both his sons would eventually die in battle and he would die through an accident. King Solomon fulfilled the prophecies given against Eli by removing Abiathar, his descendant, from serving as High Priest.

Eliab
God of his father, my God is father
Strong's #H446

There are at least six men named Eliab in the Old Testament. One of these was the eldest son of Jesse and older brother of King David. Another man was a warrior from the tribe of Gad who served in David's army.

References
Numbers 1:9, 2:7, 7:24, 29, 10:16, 16:1, 12, 26:8 - 9, Deuteronomy 11:6, 1Samuel 16:6, 17:13, 28, 1Chronicles 2:13, 6:27, 12:9, 15:18 - 20, 16:5, 2Chronicles 11:18

Eliahba
God hides
Strong's #H455

Eliahba was one of King David's thirty-seven mighty men of valor who zealously fought for him.

Eliakim
God of raising, God sets up
Strong's #H471, #G1662

References
2Kings 18:18 - 37, 19:2, 23:34, 2Chronicles 36:4, Nehemiah 12:41, Isaiah 22:20, 36:3, 11, 22, 37:2, Matthew 1:13, Luke 3:30

Eliam
God of the people, God is kinsman
Strong's #H463

References
2Samuel 11:3, 23:34

Elias
See our entry for Elijah.

Eliasaph
Gatherer, God has added
Strong's #H460

References
Numbers 1:14, 2:14, 3:24, 7:42, 47, 10:20

Eliashib
God restores
Strong's #H475

At least six Old Testament men are named Eliashib. One of these is in the royal lineage of King David. Another Eliashib headed up one of the courses of priests, established by David, for serving in God's temple.

References
1Chronicles 3:24, 24:12, Ezra 10:6, 24 - 36, Nehemiah 3:1, 20 - 21, 12:10 - 23, 13:4 - 7, 28

Eliezer
God is (of) help
Strong's #H461, #G1663

References
Genesis 15:2, Exodus 18:4, 1Chronicles 7:8, 15:24, 23:15 - 17, 26:25, 27:16, 2Chronicles 20:37, Ezra 8:16, 10:18, 23, 31, Luke 3:29

Elihu
God of him, He is my God
Strong's #H453

Several Old Testament people are named Elihu, the most famous of which righteously corrected Job when Job's three friends could not.

References
1Samuel 1:1, 1Chronicles 12:20, 26:7, 27:18, Job 32:2 - 6, 34:1, 35:1, 36:1

References
1Kings 17 - 19, 21:17 - 28, 2Kings 1 - 2, 3:11, 9:36, 10:10 - 17, 2Chronicles 21:12, Ezra 10:21, Malachi 4:5, Matthew 11:14, 16:14,17:3 - 12, 27:47, 49, etc.

Eliphaz
My God is gold
Strong's #H464

Eliphas was the name of one of Esau's sons and the name of one of Job's three friends.

References
Genesis 36:4 - 16, 1Chronicles 1:35 - 36, Job 2:11, 4:1, 15:1, 22:1, 42:7, 9

Elisabeth (Elizabeth)
Oath of God
Strong's #G1665

Elisabeth is the King James New Testament spelling of Elizabeth. She is noteworthy not only for giving birth to John the Baptist but also being the cousin of Mary, Jesus' mother.

Elisha
God is salvation
Strong's #H477

Elisha was Elijah's prophetic successor. He received 'a double portion' of Elijah's spirit after seeing him leave on a chariot of fire.

References
1Kings 19:16 - 19, 2Kings 2 - 9, 13:14 - 21

Eliud
God is majesty, God his praise
Strong's #G1664

References
Matthew 1:14 - 15

Ellasar
God is chastener
Strong's #H495

Arioch, king of Ellasar, was part of a confederation of kings, led by Chedorlaomer, that initiated the first wars in Scripture.

References
Genesis 14:1, 9

Elon
Terebinth, mighty, oakgrove
Strong's #H356

Elon, from the tribe of Zebulon, was one of Israel Judges. He served from 1074 to 1064 B.C.

References
Genesis 26:34, 36:2, 46:14, Numbers 26:26, Joshua 19:43, Judges 12:11 - 12

Eltekeh
Let God spue thee out
Strong's #H514

Eltekeh was a Levitical city within the tribe of Dan's inheritance in the Promised Land.

References
Joshua 19:44

Eltekon
God is straight
Strong's #H515

Eltekon was a Levitical city within the tribe of Judah's inheritance in the Promised Land.

References
Joshua 15:59

Eltolad
God is generator, God's generations
Strong's #H513

Eltolad was a city given to the tribe of Judah as an inheritance in the Promised Land.

References
Joshua 15:30

Elymas
A wise man
Strong's #G1681

Elymas the sorcerer was also known as Bar-jesus, a name which means "son of Jesus" (Strong's #G919).

References
Acts 13:6, 8

Emims
Terrors
Strong's #H368

The Emins were a group of giants that were defeated at Shaveh Kiriathaim by Chedorlaomer's forces. According to Deuteronomy, these people, who at one time were quite numerous and tall, lived in the land that was later inhabited by the Moabites.

References
Genesis 14:5, Deuteronomy 2:10 - 11

Emmanuel
God with us
Strong's #G1694

Emmanuel, spelled Immanuel in most translations other than the King James, is one of the many names and titles given to Jesus Christ.

Emmaus
Read our dedicated article on this topic.

Enam
Double spring (fountain)
Strong's #H5879

Enam was a city given to the tribe of Judah as an inheritance in the Promised Land.

References
Joshua 15:34

Endor
Read our dedicated article on this topic.

Engannim
Fountain of gardens
Strong's #H5873

Engannim was a Levitical city in the tribe of Isaachar's territory. It is also the name of a city within Judah's territory.

References
Joshua 15:34, 19:21, 21:29

Engedi
Read our dedicated article on this topic.

Enhazor
Fountain of a village, fount of Hazor
Strong's #H5877

Enhazor was a city given to the tribe of Naphtali as an inheritance in the Promised Land.

References
Joshua 19:37

Enmishpat
Read our dedicated article on this topic.

References
Genesis 4:17 - 18, 5:18 - 24, Luke 3:37, Hebrews 11:5, Jude 1:14

Enos
Man, mortal man
Strong's #H583, #G1800

Enos is a King James Bible variant spelling of Enosh. He was the son of Seth and grandson of Adam. At a lifespan of 905 years, Enosh is one of only six Biblical people known to have lived more than 900 years.

References
Genesis 4:26, 5:6 - 11, Luke 3:38

Enrogel
Fountain of a traveller, fount of the fuller
Strong's #H5883

References
Joshua 15:7, 18:16, 2Samuel 17:17, 1Kings 1:9

Epaphras
Lovely
Strong's #G1889

Please see listing under people connected to Apostle Paul.

References
Colossians 1:7, 4:12, Philemon 1:23

Epaphroditus
Lovely
Strong's #G1891

Please see listing under people connected to Apostle Paul.

References
Philippians 2:25 - 30, 4:18, 23

Epenetus
Praised, praiseworthy
Strong's #G1866

Epenetus is spelled Epaenetus in the King James New Testament. Please see listing under people connected to Apostle Paul.

References
Romans 16:5

Ephesus
Read our dedicated article on this topic.

Ephraim
Read our dedicated article on this topic.

Ephratah
Ash heap, place of fruitfulness
Strong's #H672

The Bible lists both a man and a woman named Ephratah. It is also an early name for the city of Bethlehem.

References
Ruth 4:11, 1Chronicles 2:50, 4:4, Psalm 132:6, Micah 5:2

Ephron
Read our dedicated article on this topic.

Er
Awake, watchful
Strong's #H6147, #G2262

Three men are named Er in the Bible. The first Er was the firstborn son of tribal founder Judah. Sometime after Er married Tamar, a woman selected by his father Judah, God personally killed him because he was wicked.

One of Judah's other children, a man named Shelah, produced a son and named him Er (making him Judah's grandson).

A third man named Er is listed in Jesus' bloodline, which starts with Joseph as a placeholder for Mary, which goes all the way back to King David and Adam.

References
Genesis 38:3, 6 - 7, 46:12, Numbers 26:19, 1Chronicles 2:3, 4:21, Luke 3:28

Erastus
Beloved
Strong's #G2037

Please see listing under people connected to Apostle Paul.

References
Acts 19:22, Romans 16:23, 2Timothy 4:20

Erech
Length, long
Strong's #H751

Erech is also known by the name Uruk. It was one of the first cities built by Nimrod after the great flood. In the New King James translation of Ezra 4 verses 6 to 10, the people of Erech are mentioned as some of those whom the Assyrians forced to repopulate Samaria after they had conquered it.

References
Genesis 10:10

Esaias
Jehovah's help
Strong's #G2268

Esaias is the King James New Testament spelling of Isaiah.

References
Matthew 3:3, 4:14, 8:17, 12:17, 13:14, 15:7, etc.

Esarhaddon
Ashur has given a brother
Strong's #H634

Esarhaddon was one of the sons of King Sennacherib of Assyria. He succeeded to the throne of Assyria after two of his brothers killed Sennacherib and fled to Ararat.

References
2Kings 19:37, Ezra 4:2, Isaiah 37:38

Esau
Read our dedicated article on this topic.

Eshcol
Cluster
Strong's #H812

Eshcol is the name of both a brook and valley located near Hebron. It is from this location that some of the spies sent by Moses cut down a branch with a huge cluster of grapes as proof of the Promised Land's fertility.

Eshcol was also an Amorite man who, with his brothers Aner and Mamre, aided Abram (Abraham) in defeating a mighty army led by Chedorlaomer. The defeat allowed Abraham to save Lot and his family.

References
Numbers 13:23 - 24, Numbers 32:9, Deuteronomy 1:24

Eshtaol
Entreaty
Strong's #H847

Eshtaol was a city originally given to Judah as an inheritance in the Promised Land but then later given to the tribe of Dan. It is at Eshtaol that God's spirit began to move Samson to fulfill his will. After Samson's death he was buried near the city.

Eshtemoa
Obedience, I shall cause my own ruin, fire of astonishment, I shall soar aloft
Strong's #H851

Eshtemoa was a Levitical city within the tribe of Judah's inheritance in the Promised Land. After one of King David's military victories he sent some of the spoils to Eshtemoa.

Eshtemoa is also the name of one of Caleb's descendants. Only Caleb and Joshua, of all those who left Egyptian slavery under Moses, were allowed by God to enter the Promised Land.

References
Joshua 21:14, 1Samuel 30:28, 1Chronicles 4:17, 19, 6:57

References
Book of Esther

Etam
Lair of wild beasts, hawk ground
Strong's #H5862

References
Judges 15:8, 11, 1Chronicles 4:3, 32, 2Chronicles 11:6

Etham
With them: their plowshare
Strong's #H864

The wilderness of Etham was one of the earliest stops of the Israelites after they left Egyptian bondage.

References
Exodus 13:20, Numbers 33:6 - 8

Ethan
Permanent, enduring
Strong's #H387

References
1Kings 4:31, 1Chronicles 2;6, 8, 6:42, 44, 15:17, 19, Psalm 89:1

Ethbaal
With Baal
Strong's #H856

Ethbaal was the king of the Zidonians and the father of Jezebel who married King Ahab.

References
1Kings 16:31

Ether
Abundant, abundance
Strong's #H6281

Ether was a city given to the tribe of Simeon as an inheritance in the Promised Land.

References
Joshua 15:42, 19:7

Ethiopia
Black
Strong's #H3568, #G128

In the King James, the same Hebrew word translated "Ethiopia" in many verses is also translated as "Cush" in several others (Genesis 10:6 - 8, 1Chronicles 1:8 - 10, Psalm 7:1, Isaiah 11:11).

Eubulus
Good willer, prudent
Strong's #G2103

Please see listing under people connected to Apostle Paul.

References
2Timothy 4:21

Eunice
Good victory, victorious
Strong's #G2131

Eunice was the mother of Timothy, the Apostle Paul's most trusted friend and fellow evangelist. Please see listing under people connected to Apostle Paul

References
2Timothy 1:5

Euodias
Fine travelling, fragrant
Strong's #G2136

Please see listing under people connected to Apostle Paul.

References
Philippians 4:2 - 3

Euphrates (River)
Read our dedicated article on this topic.

Eutychus
Forunate, well fated
Strong's #G2161

Eutychus was a young man whom the Apostle Paul brought back from the dead. Please see listing under people connected to Apostle Paul

References
Acts 20:9 - 10

Eve
Life, living, lifegiver
Strong's #H2332, #G2096

Eve, the first woman, was created from one of Adam's ribs. She gave birth to Cain, the world's first murderer, as well as Abel, Seth and many other children.

Evilmerodach
Man of Merodach, soldier of Merodak
Strong's #H192

Evil-merodach was the son of Babylon's King Nebuchadnezzar. He succeeded his father on the throne but ruled for roughly one year (561 to 560 B.C.).

References
2Kings 25:27, Jeremiah 52:31

Ezekiel
God will strengthen
Strong's #H3168

Ezekiel is considered one of the Bible's major prophets. He is known for having visions of God's throne ("wheel in the middle of a wheel" vision) and of a valley of dry bones.

Eziongeber
Backbone of (like) a man
Strong's #H6100

Eziongeber was the last stop on the major north-south route, east of the Jordan River, called the King's Highway. It was also one of the stops along the route the children of Israel took to the Promised Land.

Eziongeber, located at the Gulf of Aqaba, was one of the few ports known to have been used by ancient Israel. During the time of King Solomon it was utilized for ship building and for excursions to Ophir to gather gold and other riches.

Ezra
Help
Strong's #H5830, #H5834

There are two Ezras mentioned in Scripture. The first, mentioned only in 1Chronicles 4:17, has his name derived from a different Hebrew word (#H5830) than the more well known Ezra of the Bible.

The other Ezra, who authored the Biblical book of the same name, was a priest who led the effort to collect and canonize the writings that would become the Old Testament.

References
1Chronicles 4:17, Ezra 7, 10, Nehemiah 8, 12