Elioenai, Son of Becher
Who was Elioenai, Son of Becher, in the Bible?
A Benjamite descendant and son of Becher, recorded in the genealogies of 1 Chronicles during the Egyptian Sojourn and Wilderness era.
This is one of 6 people named Elioenai in the Bible. See all 6 →
Elioenai was a member of the tribe of Benjamin, specifically identified as one of the nine sons of Becher. His name appears within the genealogical records of 1 Chronicles 7, which catalogs the descendants of the patriarchs. Living during the era of the Egyptian Sojourn and the subsequent transition into the Wilderness, Elioenai represents a specific branch of the Benjamite lineage that contributed to the tribal strength of Israel.
While his personal deeds are not detailed in the biblical narrative, his inclusion in the sacred text serves a vital purpose in establishing the continuity of the covenant family. As a son of Becher and grandson of Benjamin, Elioenai occupied a significant place in the early structural formation of the nation of Israel before their settlement in the Promised Land.
Background and Family
Elioenai is primarily defined by his heritage within the tribe of Benjamin. According to the genealogical records in 1 Chronicles 7:8, he was one of the sons of Becher. Becher himself was a son of Benjamin, making Elioenai a grandson of the patriarch. He was part of a large household, listed alongside eight brothers: Zemirah, Joash, Eliezer, Omri, Jeremoth, Abijah, Anathoth, and Alemeth.
This specific list of names reflects the growth of the tribe of Benjamin during the time the Israelites were in Egypt and moving through the Wilderness. The record notes that these sons were considered "heads of their fathers' houses," indicating that Elioenai likely held a position of ancestral authority or significance within his specific clan.
Major Life Events
There are no specific biographical events or actions recorded for Elioenai in the Masoretic Text or the Septuagint. His entire biblical footprint is contained within the genealogy of 1 Chronicles. This lack of narrative detail is typical for many figures of this era, whose primary importance to the chronicler was to preserve the integrity of the tribal lines and the fulfillment of the promise that Israel would become a numerous people.
Relationship to Other Biblical Figures
Elioenai’s most significant relationships are his horizontal ties to his siblings and his vertical tie to his father, Becher. As a member of the third generation from Benjamin, he would have been part of the tribal infrastructure that was reorganized during the census efforts in the Wilderness. His siblings, such as Anathoth and Alemeth, share names that were later associated with specific towns in Benjamin, suggesting that Elioenai’s family played a foundational role in the eventual geographical distribution of the tribe.
Spiritual Significance
The name Elioenai translates roughly to "toward the LORD are my eyes" or "my eyes look to God." This theophoric name suggests a spiritual orientation within the family of Becher during their time of sojourn. Even in a purely genealogical context, Elioenai represents the preservation of the elective line of Jacob. His presence in the text affirms that every individual within the tribal units was accounted for in the eyes of God, contributing to the legal and spiritual standing of the tribe of Benjamin as they prepared to inherit the land of Canaan.
The theological importance of Elioenai lies in the preservation of identity. In the Hebrew tradition, being recorded in a genealogy (yachas) was a proof of inclusion in the covenant of Abraham. Elioenai serves as a link in the chain that connects the patriarchal promises to the eventual establishment of the Davidic kingdom, as Benjamin remained a vital part of the faithful remnant.
Furthermore, his name serves as a testimony to the faith of his parents. During a period of hardship in Egypt or the uncertainty of the Wilderness, the declaration that 'mine eyes are toward the Lord' (Elioenai) provided a personal and communal focus on divine providence.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who was Elioenai's father?
Elioenai was the son of Becher, who was a son of the patriarch Benjamin.
Which tribe did Elioenai belong to?
He belonged to the tribe of Benjamin.
How many brothers did Elioenai have?
According to 1 Chronicles 7:8, Elioenai had eight brothers: Zemirah, Joash, Eliezer, Omri, Jeremoth, Abijah, Anathoth, and Alemeth.
What does the name Elioenai mean?
The name means 'Toward Jehovah are my eyes' or 'My eyes look to God.'
In which book of the Bible is this Elioenai mentioned?
He is mentioned only in the book of 1 Chronicles, specifically in chapter 7, verse 8.
Family & Relationships
Parents
Becher, Son of BenjaminFather1 Chronicles 7:8Stated
Elioenai, Son of BecherThis page
Abijah, Son of BecherBrother1 Chronicles 7:8Stated
Alemeth, Son of BecherBrother1 Chronicles 7:8Stated
Anathoth, Son of BecherBrother1 Chronicles 7:8Stated
Eliezer, Son of BecherBrother1 Chronicles 7:8Stated
Jeremoth, Son of BecherBrother1 Chronicles 7:8Stated
Joash, Son of BecherBrother1 Chronicles 7:8Stated
Omri, Son of BecherBrother1 Chronicles 7:8Stated
ZemirahBrother1 Chronicles 7:8Stated
Connected Figures
Family
Father · 1 Chronicles 7:8
Becher was a son of the patriarch Benjamin who migrated to Egypt with his family and became a foundational ancestor of a major Benjamite clan.
Brother · 1 Chronicles 7:8
A grandson of the patriarch Benjamin and son of Becher, recognized in the biblical genealogies as a head of a family within the tribe of Benjamin during the era of the Egyptian sojourn.
Egypt and WildernessFirst: 1 Chronicles 7:81 versesHead of a tribal householdBenjamin
Brother · 1 Chronicles 7:8
Alemeth was a prominent descendant of Benjamin and a son of Becher, listed among the heads of families during the Egyptian sojourn and wilderness era.
Brother · 1 Chronicles 7:8
Anathoth was a descendant of Benjamin through Becher, listed as a prominent head of a household during the Israelite sojourn in Egypt and the Wilderness.
Egypt and WildernessFirst: 1 Chronicles 7:81 versesHead of a tribal householdBenjamin
Brother · 1 Chronicles 7:8
Eliezer was a descendant of the tribe of Benjamin, specifically the third named son of Becher.
Egypt and WildernessFirst: 1 Chronicles 7:81 versesmighty man of valorBenjamin
Brother · 1 Chronicles 7:8
A Benjamite descendant and son of Becher recorded in the genealogical records of the tribe of Benjamin during the era of Egypt and the Wilderness.
Egypt and WildernessFirst: 1 Chronicles 7:81 versesHead of a paternal houseBenjamin
Brother · 1 Chronicles 7:8
Joash was a son of Becher and a grandson of the patriarch Benjamin, recorded as a tribal leader and head of a father's house during the Egyptian sojourn.
Brother · 1 Chronicles 7:8
A Benjamite listed in the genealogies of 1 Chronicles, identified as a son of Becher and a descendant of the patriarch Jacob.
Egypt and WildernessFirst: 1 Chronicles 7:81 verseswarriorBenjamin
Brother · 1 Chronicles 7:8
Zemirah was the firstborn son of Becher and a grandson of the patriarch Benjamin, listed in the tribal genealogies of 1 Chronicles.
Categories
Mentions by Book
- 1 Chronicles1
Scripture References
All 1 indexed verse, in canonical order, from the Berean Standard Bible.
1 Chronicles · 1
- 1 Chronicles 7:8
The sons of Becher: Zemirah, Joash, Eliezer, Elioenai, Omri, Jeremoth, Abijah, Anathoth, and Alemeth; all these were Becher’s sons.
Others Named Elioenai
Compare all 6 bearers →Elioenai, Musician Priest under NehemiahNehemiah 12:41
A post-exilic priest and trumpeter who participated in the joyful dedication ceremony of the rebuilt walls of Jerusalem under the leadership of Nehemiah.
Elioenai, Leader of Simeon1 Chronicles 4:36
A prominent tribal leader of the Simeonites listed in the genealogical records of 1 Chronicles during the era of the Divided Monarchy.
Elioenai, Son of Neariah1 Chronicles 3:23
A descendant of King David through the line of Zerubbabel, known for his large family of seven sons during the era of the Exile and Return.
Elioenai, Descendant of ZattuEzra 10:27
Elioenai was a descendant of Zattu who returned to Jerusalem from the Babylonian exile and was identified during Ezra's reforms as one who had married a foreign woman.
Elioenai, Descendant of PashhurEzra 10:22
A member of the priestly family of Pashhur who was required to divorce his foreign wife during Ezra's post-exilic reforms.