Boy · Hebrew · Old Testament

Elihu

ee-LY-hew · means “He is my God”

Elihu is a Hebrew name meaning He is my God. In the Book of Job, Elihu was the youthful counselor who spoke with passion and wisdom, defending God's justice and sovereignty when Job's older friends failed. His story teaches us that true wisdom comes from God's Spirit, regardless of age.

“But it is the spirit in a person, the breath of the Almighty, that gives them understanding.”

The story behind the name

Elihu appears late in the Book of Job, having listened quietly while the older men debated Job's suffering. Out of respect for their age, he waited to speak, but his anger burned when he saw that they had no answers. He realized that it is the breath of the Almighty that gives people true understanding.

Unlike the other friends, Elihu did not accuse Job of secret sins but focused on the majestic power and justice of God. He described God as a teacher who uses trials to instruct and save, rather than simply to punish. His speeches prepared the way for God Himself to speak from the whirlwind.

Elihu's role highlights the truth that youth can possess deep spiritual insight when guided by the Holy Spirit. He was not condemned by God at the end of the book, unlike Job's other three companions. A boy named Elihu is encouraged to speak truth with humility and to defend the honor of God.

Middle names that sing with Elihu

Chosen for rhythm and meanings that speak to each other.

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