"The LORD said unto Samuel, Look not on his countenance, or on the height of his stature; because I have refused him: for the LORD seeth not as man seeth; for man looketh on the outward appearance, but the LORD looketh on the heart."
Biblical Name · Hebrew Origin
Eliab Meaning in the Bible
Eliab
boy
Eliab means "My God is father; God is my father", a boy's name of Hebrew origin. Eliab appears in the King James Bible, and 1 Samuel 17:28 is the passage most often tied to it. Eliab looked like a king but wasn't chosen to be one. His story permanently teaches that God's selection criteria are invisible to human eyes — the heart matters more than the height.
Is Eliab in the Bible?
Yes — Eliab appears in the King James Bible, including 1 Samuel 17:28.
Pronunciation:/eh-LY-ab/
OriginHebrew
MeaningMy God is father; God is my father
What does Eliab mean?
Eliab is a boy name of Hebrew origin meaning "My God is father; God is my father". Eliab means "my God is father" in Hebrew. He was the eldest son of Jesse and David's oldest brother — the man Samuel initially assumed would be God's chosen king because of his impressive appearance.
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What does Eliab mean in the Bible?
Eliab means "My God is father; God is my father" and is a name of Hebrew origin. Below is what Scripture and Christian tradition attach to that meaning.
Eliab means "my God is father" in Hebrew. He was the eldest son of Jesse and David's oldest brother — the man Samuel initially assumed would be God's chosen king because of his impressive appearance.
When Samuel came to Jesse's house to anoint the next king, Eliab made a strong first impression: "Surely the LORD's anointed is before him." But God corrected Samuel with one of Scripture's most quoted principles: "Look not on his countenance, or on the height of his stature; because I have refused him: for the LORD seeth not as man seeth; for man looketh on the outward appearance, but the LORD looketh on the heart."
Eliab later served in Saul's army when Goliath challenged Israel. When young David arrived and asked about the giant, Eliab reacted with anger: "I know thy pride, and the naughtiness of thine heart." This eldest brother's resentment of his youngest sibling's boldness mirrors the universal human tendency to dismiss what God is doing through unexpected people.
Despite being passed over for the throne, Eliab's daughter Abihail married King Rehoboam — keeping his family connected to royalty, if not on the throne itself.
Where does Eliab appear in the Bible (KJV)?
Eliab is connected to 1 key passage in the King James Bible, beginning with 1 Samuel 17:28. Each verse is quoted in full below.
"And Eliab his eldest brother heard when he spake unto the men; and Eliab's anger was kindled against David."
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What are the variants and nicknames of Eliab?
Eliab has 3 recorded variants, short forms, and translations across languages and biblical traditions.
Which books of the Bible mention Eliab?
Eliab is mentioned across 4 books of the Bible. Follow any book below to read it in the KJV.
What is the spiritual meaning of Eliab?
Eliab looked like a king but wasn't chosen to be one. His story permanently teaches that God's selection criteria are invisible to human eyes — the heart matters more than the height.
Related Promises of God
Promises connected to the meaning of the name Eliab:
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God Promises Contentment Through Him
Bible promises about finding true satisfaction and contentment in God.
God Promises to Answer Prayer
Bible promises that God hears and answers the prayers of His people.
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What names are related to Eliab?
Names like Eliab
Other Hebrew biblical names that share the spirit of "My God is father; God is my father" — discovered by matching meaning category and origin.
Names that pair well with Eliab
Sibling sets, middle-name combinations, and complementary pairings chosen for matching origin, meaning, and similar syllable weight.
Share the meaning of Eliab
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Eliab name meaning: frequently asked questions
Yes — Eliab appears in the King James Bible, including 1 Samuel 17:28.
Eliab means "My God is father; God is my father." It is a Hebrew name. The King James Bible uses it in 1 Samuel 17:28, so the meaning is carried by a real person in Scripture.
Hebrew. Eliab comes into English from Hebrew and carries the sense "My God is father; God is my father." It appears in the King James Bible, including 1 Samuel 17:28.
Common questions about the name Eliab
Can I download a free King James Bible PDF to study the name Eliab?
Yes. The complete King James Bible is available as a free PDF download — all 66 books, 1,189 chapters, ready to read offline or print. No sign-up required.
Where can I read the full biblical context for Eliab?
You can read every verse where Eliab appears in the King James Bible by downloading the free KJV PDF or reading online. The download page also includes a bookmarked Book of Psalms KJV PDF for easy reference.