Original Word: אֱלִיחֹרֶף
Part of Speech: Proper Name Masculine
Transliteration: Eliychoreph
Pronunciation: eh-lee-KHO-ref
Phonetic Spelling: (el-ee-kho'-ref)
KJV: Elihoreph
NASB: Elihoreph
Word Origin: [from H410 (אֵל - God) and H2779 (חוֹרֶף - winter)]

1. God of autumn
2. Elichoreph, an Israelite

Elihoreph

From 'el and choreph; God of autumn; Elichoreph, an Israelite -- Elihoreph.

see HEBREW 'el

see HEBREW choreph

Word Origin
from el and choreph
Definition
"God of autumn," one of Solomon's scribes
NASB Translation
Elihoreph (1).

אֱלִיחֹ֫רֶף proper name, masculine (Autumn God? compare Job 29:4) one of Solomon's scribes 1 Kings 4:3.

Identification

Elihoreph is mentioned once in Scripture. Alongside his brother Ahijah he served King Solomon as a royal scribe, succeeding their father Shisha in that office (1 Kings 4:3).

Biblical Context

1 Kings 4 presents the administrative structure of Solomon’s kingdom, enumerating officers responsible for finances, military, and provincial oversight. Verse 3 reads: “Elihoreph and Ahijah the sons of Shisha were secretaries; Jehoshaphat son of Ahilud was the recorder”. The inclusion of secretaries at the head of the list highlights the importance of written records in the consolidation of Solomon’s rule.

Role in Solomon’s Administration

1. Record-Keeping: As “secretaries,” Elihoreph and Ahijah would have drafted royal correspondence, maintained archives, and preserved covenantal law for reference in judicial matters (compare the similar functions of scribes in 2 Samuel 8:17; 2 Kings 22:3-13).
2. Policy Implementation: Letters to provincial governors (1 Kings 4:7-19) and alliances with foreign courts (1 Kings 5:1-12) required precise documentation, likely produced under their supervision.
3. Temple Preparation: Solomon’s detailed planning for the Temple (1 Kings 5–8) necessitated extensive contracts and inventories; the scribes ensured an ordered process consistent with divine instruction.

Historical Significance

Elihoreph’s brief appearance signals the transition from a charismatic monarchy under David to a bureaucratically sophisticated regime under Solomon. Written administration strengthened taxation, labor conscription, and international diplomacy. The office he occupied foreshadows the later prominence of scribes in Judah’s history, culminating in post-exilic figures such as Ezra (Ezra 7:6).

Ministry Insights

1. Stewardship of the Word: By preserving royal decrees and covenant statutes, Elihoreph participated in safeguarding revelation for future generations (Deuteronomy 17:18-20).
2. Order in Service: The meticulous record-keeping seen in Solomon’s court reflects God’s character of orderliness (1 Corinthians 14:33) and models administrative integrity for contemporary ministry.
3. Intergenerational Faithfulness: The succession from Shisha to Elihoreph and Ahijah illustrates how vocational skills and covenant commitment can be transmitted within families for kingdom purposes (Psalm 78:5-7).

Lessons for Believers

• Accuracy in handling information—whether Scripture, finances, or personal records—honors God and blesses His people.
• Unheralded roles such as clerks or secretaries can have enduring impact when executed faithfully.
• Civil service, when aligned with divine principles, becomes a platform for righteousness and peace in society (Proverbs 14:34).

Related Topics

Secretaries and scribes (2 Samuel 8:17; 2 Kings 12:10); Solomon’s cabinet (1 Kings 4:1-19); preservation of Scripture (Jeremiah 36:1-4); lineage of scribal families (Nehemiah 11:16-22).

אֱלִיחֹ֧רֶף אליחרף ’ĕ·lî·ḥō·rep̄ ’ĕlîḥōrep̄ eliChorefInterlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel Texts