Who is…
Elhanan

Meaning: whom God has graciously bestowed

This is the name of 2 different exceptional warriors during the time of David. Both are sons of men of Bethlehem of Judah.

Elhanan, a mighty warrior at the time of David, famed for his exploits

Elhanan’s father is Jair (aka Jaare-oregim) the Bethlehemite.

And there was war with the Philistines again, and Elhanan the son of Jair struck down Lahmi the brother of Goliath the Gittite, the shaft of whose spear was like a weaver’s beam. —1 Chronicles 20:5

There was war with the Philistines again at Gob, and Elhanan the son of Jaare-oregim the Bethlehemite struck down Goliath the Gittite, the shaft of whose spear was like a weaver’s beam. —2 Samuel 21:19

Clarification: Goliath the Gittite was killed by David in his youth (1 Samuel 17). Whereas the exploit of Elhanan took place much later—during David’s reign as King. The giant that Elhanan killed was possibly a brother or relative of the one that David killed. His name was Lahmi, but he was apparently also called Goliath.

Elhanan, son of Dodo

This man is also an exceptinal warrior. He is the son of Dodo of Bethlehem.

Elhanan is listed among 37 of King David’s mighty men in 2 Sam. 23:24.

Article Version: March 26, 2026