Bible Dictionary
Elnathan
Elnathan was the name of several men, including the grandfather of King Jehoiachin and a court official who opposed the burning of Jeremiah’s prophetic scroll.
Definition
Elnathan is a name meaning “God has given.” It was borne by several men, including the grandfather of Jehoiachin, a courtier of Jehoiakim, and men associated with Ezra’s return. One Elnathan was connected with the reading of Jeremiah’s prophetic roll.
Biblical Usage
Elnathan appears in royal genealogical and court contexts and among the men connected with Ezra. The courtier heard Jeremiah’s roll and entreated Jehoiakim not to burn it; he was also sent to bring back the prophet Uriah.
Historical Background
The courtier Elnathan may have been the same person as Jehoiachin’s grandfather. Other bearers were described as chief men or a teacher summoned by Ezra from the camp at the river Ahava.
Scripture References
Related Figures
Historical Bible Dictionaries
Easton's Bible Dictionary
Whom God has given. (1.) An inhabitant of Jerusalem, the father of Nehushta, who was the mother of king Jehoiachin (2 Kings 24:8). Probably the same who tried to prevent Jehoiakim from burning the roll of Jeremiah’s prophecies (Jer. 26:22; 36:12). (2.) Ezra 8:16.
International Standard Bible Encyclopedia (ISBE)
<p>el-na'-than ('elnathan, "God has given"):</p><p>(1) The grandfather of Jehoiachin (2Ki 24:8).</p><p>(2) A courtier of Jehoiakim; he was one of those sent to Egypt to bring back the prophet Uriah (Jer 26:22), and one of those who heard the reading of Jeremiah's roll and entreated Jehoiakim not to burn the roll (Jer 36:12,25)--possibly the same person as (1) above.</p><p>(3, 4, 5) The name of two "chief men"--unless textual corruption has introduced the name at its second occurrence--and of one "teacher" sent for by Ezra from the camp at the river Ahava (Ezr 8:16).</p><p>F. K. Farr</p>