Persons of the Bible: Letter E

As we explore the people of the Bible whose names begin with E, we encounter prophets, priests, workers, warriors, and faithful women used by God across generations. Elijah and Elisha show God’s power and compassion; Esther reveals His unseen providence; Ezra calls His people back to Scripture. Even the minor names—often tucked quietly into genealogies—remind us that every life plays a part in the story God is writing. Throughout these names, we see God’s steady hand guiding His people toward the hope fulfilled in Jesus Christ.

Ebal

Ebal was a son of Joktan in the post-flood genealogy. Another Ebal appears as a descendant of Shobal.
Scripture: Genesis 10:28; 1 Chronicles 1:22; 1 Chronicles 1:40

Ebed

Ebed is listed as the father of Gaal, who opposed Abimelech in the time of the judges.
Scripture: Judges 9:26–41

Ebed-melech

Ebed-melech was an Ethiopian servant in King Zedekiah’s court who courageously rescued Jeremiah from a muddy cistern. God promised him deliverance because he trusted in the Lord.
Scripture: Jeremiah 38:7–13; Jeremiah 39:15–18

Eber

Eber was a descendant of Shem and the ancestor of the Hebrews. His line preserved the promise that would eventually lead to Abraham.
Scripture: Genesis 10:21–25; Genesis 11:14–17

Ebiasaph (also spelled Abiasaph)

Ebiasaph was a Levite and descendant of Korah whose family line contributed to temple service.
Scripture: 1 Chronicles 6:23; 1 Chronicles 6:37

Edaiah

Edaiah appears multiple times in post-exilic genealogies as a priestly or Levitical descendant.
Scripture: Ezra 8:6; Nehemiah 7:10

Eden

Eden was one of the Levites appointed by King Hezekiah to distribute offerings faithfully in Judah’s cities.
Scripture: 2 Chronicles 31:15

Eglah

Eglah was one of David’s wives.
Scripture: 2 Samuel 3:5

Eglon

Eglon was the king of Moab who oppressed Israel until Ehud delivered them. Though a ruler of another nation, he is included here as a real historical figure.
Scripture: Judges 3:12–30

Ehud

Ehud was a judge of Israel who delivered the people from Moab by courageously striking down King Eglon. His story shows God unexpectedly using an unexpected deliverer.
Scripture: Judges 3:12–30

Eker

Eker was the son of Ram, listed in the genealogy of Judah.
Scripture: 1 Chronicles 2:27

Eladah

Eladah appears in the genealogies of Ephraim’s descendants.
Scripture: 1 Chronicles 7:20

Ela

Ela is listed as a son of Zophah in the genealogies of Asher.
Scripture: 1 Chronicles 7:36

Elah

Elah is the name of several individuals: a son of Caleb, a father of Hoshea (Israel’s last king), and a king of Israel whom Zimri assassinated.
Scripture: 1 Chronicles 4:15; 2 Kings 15:30; 1 Kings 16:8–14

Elam

Elam appears as the name of several men in the Old Testament, including a descendant of Shem and various leaders among the returning exiles. These entries show multiple generations connected to temple and community restoration.
Scripture: Genesis 10:22; Ezra 2:7; Ezra 10:2; Nehemiah 7:12

Elasah

Elasah was one of the men sent by King Zedekiah with a message to Babylon, carrying Jeremiah’s prophetic letter.
Scripture: Jeremiah 29:3

Eldad

Eldad was one of the two men upon whom the Spirit of the Lord rested in the wilderness, prophesying among the people despite not being at the tabernacle.
Scripture: Numbers 11:26–29

Elead

Elead was a descendant of Ephraim, whom the men of Gath killed. His death caused great sorrow within the family.
Scripture: 1 Chronicles 7:20–22

Eleasah

Eleasah appears as the name of several individuals in genealogies, including descendants of Judah and Benjamin.
Scripture: 1 Chronicles 2:39; 1 Chronicles 8:37

Eleazar

Eleazar was the son of Aaron and succeeded him as high priest. He helped oversee the distribution of the land in Canaan and played a key role in maintaining Israel’s priestly order. His leadership pointed Israel back to God’s holiness and faithfulness.
Scripture: Exodus 6:23; Numbers 20:25–28; Joshua 14:1; Joshua 24:33

Eleazar

Eleazar, the son of Dodo, was one of David’s mighty warriors who stood his ground against the Philistines when others fled.
Scripture: 2 Samuel 23:9–10

Eleazar (son of Abinadab)

Eleazar was consecrated to guard the Ark of the Covenant while it remained in his father’s house.
Scripture: 1 Samuel 7:1

Eleazar (son of Mahli)

A Levite recorded in the genealogies.
Scripture: 1 Chronicles 23:21–22

Eli

Eli was a priest and judge of Israel who raised Samuel. Though he served faithfully in many ways, he failed to restrain his corrupt sons. God called Samuel under Eli’s guidance, showing that God’s purposes continue even when leaders fall short.
Scripture: 1 Samuel 1–4

Eliab

Eliab appears as the name of several men: the eldest brother of David who misunderstood David’s intentions at the battle lines, a leader under Moses, and a Levite in later generations.
Scripture: 1 Samuel 17:28; Numbers 1:9; 1 Chronicles 6:27

Eliada

Eliada was one of King David’s sons born in Jerusalem.
Scripture: 2 Samuel 5:16

Eliah

Eliah was one of the sons of Shimei listed among the family descendants of Benjamin.
Scripture: 1 Chronicles 8:21

Eliahba

Eliahba the Shaalbonite was one of David’s mighty warriors listed among the “thirty.”
Scripture: 2 Samuel 23:32; 1 Chronicles 11:33

Eliakim

Eliakim appears as the name of several men, including a son of Josiah, a steward under King Hezekiah, and others in post-exilic genealogies. One Eliakim faithfully assisted Isaiah during the Assyrian crisis.
Scripture: 2 Kings 23:34; Isaiah 22:20–25; Ezra 10:23

Eliam

Eliam was the father of Bathsheba, and another Eliam served as one of David’s mighty warriors.
Scripture: 2 Samuel 11:3; 2 Samuel 23:34

Elias (Greek form of Elijah)

The Greek form of Elijah, used in the New Testament.
Scripture: Matthew 17:3

Elijah

Elijah was a prophet raised up by God during a time of deep idolatry in Israel. He confronted King Ahab and the prophets of Baal, demonstrating that the Lord alone is God. Elijah experienced God’s power, heard His gentle whisper, and was taken into heaven in a whirlwind. His ministry prepared the way for the coming of Christ, and his name reappears in the New Testament as a symbol of prophetic restoration.
Scripture: 1 Kings 17–19; 2 Kings 2; Malachi 4:5; Matthew 17:1–13

Elijah

Some genealogical lists include additional men named Elijah with little detail provided.
Scripture: 1 Chronicles 8:27

Elijah (descendant of Harim)

Elijah is listed among the men who pledged to put away foreign wives during the reforms under Ezra.
Scripture: Ezra 10:21

Elihoreph

Elihoreph, along with Ahijah, served as a scribe under King Solomon.
Scripture: 1 Kings 4:3

Elihu

Elihu was a young man who spoke to Job after the others had finished. He affirmed God’s justice and sovereignty, preparing the way for the Lord’s own response.
Scripture: Job 32–37

Elihu

Several minor genealogical figures share this name.
Scripture: 1 Chronicles 12:20; 1 Chronicles 26:7

Elimelech

Elimelech was the husband of Naomi and the father of Mahlon and Chilion. His family’s difficulties in Moab set the stage for the story of Ruth and the lineage that would eventually lead to David and ultimately to Christ.
Scripture: Ruth 1:1–5

Elioenai

Elioenai is the name of several individuals in post-exilic and royal genealogies, often connected with families who faithfully returned to rebuild Jerusalem.
Scripture: 1 Chronicles 3:23–24; Ezra 10:27

Eli-shama

Elishama was the name of multiple men in Scripture, including a leader of Ephraim during the wilderness period and a scribe serving under King Jehoiakim.
Scripture: Numbers 1:10; Jeremiah 36:12

Eli-shaphat

Elishaphat was one of the princes who supported Jehoiada in removing the wicked queen Athaliah.
Scripture: 2 Kings 11:1–12

Eli-shua

Elishua was one of the sons born to King David in Jerusalem.
Scripture: 2 Samuel 5:15

Eli-shud

A variant name appearing in certain genealogical traditions.
Scripture: Genealogical variant tradition

Eliud

Eliud appears in the genealogy of Jesus recorded in Matthew’s Gospel.
Scripture: Matthew 1:15

Elisha

Elisha was the prophet who succeeded Elijah. He performed miracles of healing, provision, and restoration, revealing God’s compassion for individuals and nations. His ministry foreshadowed the mercy and power later fulfilled in Jesus.
Scripture: 1 Kings 19:19–21; 2 Kings 2–13; Luke 4:27

Elishah

Elishah was a descendant of Javan, listed in the table of nations.
Scripture: Genesis 10:4

Elishama (son of Ammihud)

Elishama was a leader of the tribe of Ephraim during the census in the wilderness.
Scripture: Numbers 1:10

Elishaphat

Elishaphat was the son of Zichri and one of the captains who helped the priest Jehoiada install Joash as king.
Scripture: 2 Chronicles 23:1

Elisheba

Elisheba was the wife of Aaron and the mother of his sons Nadab, Abihu, Eleazar, and Ithamar.
Scripture: Exodus 6:23

Elisheba (variant of Elizabeth)

A variant spelling of Elizabeth, the mother of John the Baptist.
Scripture: Variant of Luke 1

Elishua

A son of David born in Jerusalem, with variations such as Elishama and Elishua appearing across genealogies.
Scripture: 2 Samuel 5:15

Elkanah

Elkanah is the name of several men in Scripture, most prominently the father of the prophet Samuel. His faith and yearly worship shaped the spiritual life of his family.
Scripture: 1 Samuel 1–2; 1 Chronicles 6:23–27

Elkanah

Additional men named Elkanah appear in priestly genealogies.
Scripture: 1 Chronicles 6:36; 2 Chronicles 20:14

Elon

Elon the Hittite was the father of one of Esau’s wives. Another Elon served as a judge of Israel for ten years.
Scripture: Genesis 26:34; Judges 12:11–12

Elpaal

Elpaal was a descendant of Benjamin whose children and family lines contributed to the rebuilding of Jerusalem.
Scripture: 1 Chronicles 8:12–18

El-uzai

Eluzai was a warrior in David’s army, listed among his mighty men.
Scripture: 1 Chronicles 12:5

Elzabad

Elzabad was a Levite gatekeeper and a warrior in David’s forces, named in tribal records.
Scripture: 1 Chronicles 12:12; 1 Chronicles 26:7

Elzaphan

Elzaphan was a chief of the Kohathite Levites, assigned to care for the sacred things of the tabernacle.
Scripture: Numbers 3:30

Emmanuel (variant spelling of Immanuel)

A prophetic name meaning “God with us,” referring to Christ.
Scripture: Isaiah 7:14; Matthew 1:23

Enan

Enan was the father of a leader named Ahira, representing the tribe of Naphtali during Israel’s census.
Scripture: Numbers 1:15

Enoch (son of Cain)

Enoch was the son of Cain and father of Irad. His name appears in the early generations following Adam.
Scripture: Genesis 4:17–18

Enoch (descendant of Seth)

Enoch, the seventh from Adam, “walked with God” and was taken by Him without seeing death. His life is a picture of close fellowship with God and points forward to the hope of resurrection fulfilled in Christ.
Scripture: Genesis 5:21–24; Hebrews 11:5; Jude 14–15

Enos

Enos (also spelled Enosh) was the grandson of Adam through Seth. In his day, “people began to call on the name of the Lord,” signaling a revival of worship in humanity’s early generations.
Scripture: Genesis 4:26; Genesis 5:6–11

Enosh (variant spelling of Enos)

A textual spelling variation of Enos, descendant of Adam through Seth.
Scripture: Variant of Genesis 4:26

Enosh (post-exilic, minor)

A separate Enosh appears in later genealogical lists among temple-serving families.
Scripture: 1 Chronicles 4:14

Epher

Epher was the name of multiple minor individuals, including a Midianite descendant and a son of Ezra.
Scripture: Genesis 25:4; 1 Chronicles 4:17

Ephlal

Ephlal appears in the genealogies of Judah and the descendants of Jerahmeel.
Scripture: 1 Chronicles 2:37

Ephod

Ephod was a descendant of Midian listed in Abraham’s extended family line through Keturah.
Scripture: Genesis 25:4

Ephraim

Ephraim was Joseph’s younger son, whom Jacob blessed above his older brother Manasseh. His descendants became a powerful tribe in Israel, often representing the northern kingdom. Ephraim’s story shows how God exalts the humble and shapes His people through unexpected choices.
Scripture: Genesis 41:52; Genesis 48:13–20; Hosea 7–14

Ephraim

Several additional individuals named Ephraim appear in genealogical records.
Scripture: 1 Chronicles 6:9; 2 Chronicles 13:19

Ephron

Ephron the Hittite sold Abraham the cave of Machpelah as a burial place for Sarah. His interaction with Abraham is part of the earliest recorded land transaction in the Bible.
Scripture: Genesis 23:8–20

Ephrath

Ephrath was the wife of Caleb and mother of Hur, connected to Judah’s genealogy.
Scripture: 1 Chronicles 2:19

Er

Er was the firstborn son of Judah. He was struck down by the Lord because of wickedness, and his death initiated the events that led to the birth of Perez and ultimately the line of David.
Scripture: Genesis 38:6–7

Eran

Eran was a descendant of Ephraim, identified as the father of the Eranites.
Scripture: Numbers 26:36

Eri

Eri was a descendant of Gad, whose family formed the clan of the Erites.
Scripture: Genesis 46:16

Esar-haddon

Esar-haddon was a king of Assyria after Sennacherib. He is mentioned in connection with exiled peoples resettling Samaria.
Scripture: Ezra 4:2

Esau

Esau, the elder twin of Jacob, sold his birthright for a meal and later sought the blessing he had lost. His life shows the consequences of despising spiritual inheritance. Though he prospered materially, Scripture contrasts his choices with Jacob’s role in God’s covenant plan leading to Christ.
Scripture: Genesis 25–36; Romans 9:10–13; Hebrews 12:16–17

Eshbaal

Eshbaal (also called Ish-bosheth) was the son of Saul who briefly ruled over Israel before David’s kingship was fully established. His leadership struggled because he lacked God’s anointing.
Scripture: 2 Samuel 2–4; 1 Chronicles 8:33

Eshan

Eshan appears in the genealogical records of Judah’s descendants.
Scripture: 1 Chronicles 4:20

Eshban

Eshban was a son of Dishon, listed among the ancient families of Seir.
Scripture: Genesis 36:26

Eshcol

Eshcol was an Amorite ally of Abram, mentioned alongside Aner and Mamre.
Scripture: Genesis 14:13

Eshek

Eshek was a descendant of Benjamin whose family lines are recorded in Jerusalem after the exile.
Scripture: 1 Chronicles 8:38

Eshtemoa

Eshtemoa appears as the name of a descendant of Ishbah in Judah’s genealogy.
Scripture: 1 Chronicles 4:17

Eshton

Eshton was a descendant of Judah, noted among the early family builders in the tribe.
Scripture: 1 Chronicles 4:12

Esther

Esther was a Jewish woman who became queen of Persia and courageously saved her people from destruction. Her faith and bravery revealed God’s quiet providence, working through ordinary events to protect His covenant people. Her story points ahead to Christ, the One who delivers His people fully.
Scripture: Esther 1–10

Ethan

Ethan is the name of several men in Scripture, including a wise man in Solomon’s day and a Levitical singer.
Scripture: 1 Kings 4:31; 1 Chronicles 6:42

Ethan

Ethan the Ezrahite authored Psalm 89, reflecting deeply on God’s covenant faithfulness.
Scripture: Psalm 89; 1 Chronicles 2:6

Ethbaal

Ethbaal was the king of the Sidonians and the father of Jezebel.
Scripture: 1 Kings 16:31

Ethni

Ethni was a Levite descended from Gershom, listed among the musicians who served in the temple.
Scripture: 1 Chronicles 6:41

Ethnan

Ethnan was a descendant of Judah.
Scripture: 1 Chronicles 4:7

Etienne (Apocrypha/Greek name for Stephen)

A Greek variant of Stephen, appearing in apocryphal traditions.
Scripture: Apocryphal reference; variant of Acts 6–7

Etam

Etam was a descendant of Judah whose name appears among the family chiefs.
Scripture: 1 Chronicles 4:3

Etan (variant of Ethan)

A shorter variant of the name Ethan.
Scripture: Variant genealogical usage

Ethaiah

Ethaiah was one of the men of Judah who lived in Jerusalem after the exile.
Scripture: Nehemiah 11:4

Ethanai (variant of Ethaiah)

A textual variation of the name Ethaiah.
Scripture: Variant of Nehemiah 11:4

Eubulus

Eubulus was one of the believers who greeted Paul near the end of his life, mentioned in Paul’s final letter.
Scripture: 2 Timothy 4:21

Euodias

Euodias (also spelled Euodia) was a woman in the Philippian church whom Paul urged to pursue unity in Christ.
Scripture: Philippians 4:2

Eunice

Eunice was the mother of Timothy and a woman of sincere faith. Her discipleship, along with that of Timothy’s grandmother Lois, helped shape one of the early church’s most important leaders.
Scripture: 2 Timothy 1:5

Eutychus

Eutychus was the young man who fell from a window while Paul was preaching and was miraculously restored to life.
Scripture: Acts 20:7–12

Evi

Evi was one of the Midianite kings slain by Israel under Moses’ leadership after the incident at Peor.
Scripture: Numbers 31:8

Ezbai

Ezbai was the father of Naarai, one of David’s mighty warriors.
Scripture: 1 Chronicles 11:37

Ezbon

Ezbon was a descendant of Gad, listed among his sons or grandsons.
Scripture: Genesis 46:16; Numbers 26:16

Ezer

Ezer appears multiple times in Scripture as the name of several individuals, including descendants of Seir and certain warriors in David’s service.
Scripture: Genesis 36:21; 1 Chronicles 12:9

Ezra

Ezra was a priest and scribe skilled in the Law of Moses. God used him to lead a group of exiles back to Jerusalem and to call the people to renewed faithfulness. His dedication to Scripture shaped Israel’s spiritual restoration and points toward the importance of God’s Word in the life of every believer.
Scripture: Ezra 7–10; Nehemiah 8; Nehemiah 12:36

Ezrah

Ezrah was the father of Jether, Mered, Epher, and Jalon, listed among the descendants of Judah.
Scripture: 1 Chronicles 4:17

Ezrahi

Ezrahi refers to the family line descending from Ezrah, including contributors to Israel’s early tribal structure.
Scripture: 1 Chronicles 2:6

Ezri

Ezri was an overseer of those who worked the king’s farmland during David’s reign.
Scripture: 1 Chronicles 27:26

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The people in the letter E highlight many sides of God’s character—His faithfulness, His mercy, His justice, and His tender care. From bold leaders to humble servants, from well-known prophets to almost-forgotten names preserved in Scripture, each one adds a thread to the story of redemption.

As we move next into the letter F, we will encounter more men and women whose lives point us once again to God’s unfolding plan and the Savior at the center of it all.