Bible Dictionary
Ethan
Ethan was the name of several biblical men, including a wise man compared with Solomon and a Merarite Levite who led temple music. Ethan the Ezrahite is associated with Psalm 89.
Definition
Ethan is the name of several biblical men. Ethan the Ezrahite was known for wisdom and is associated with Psalm 89. Another Ethan was a Merarite Levite appointed over temple music, and a further Ethan appears as an ancestor of Asaph.
Biblical Usage
Ethan the Ezrahite is compared with Solomon for wisdom and is named in the title of Psalm 89. The Merarite Ethan served with Heman and Asaph in the service of song.
Historical Background
The name means firm or enduring. The Merarite Ethan is also connected with Jeduthun in the supplied material.
Scripture References
Related Figures
Historical Bible Dictionaries
Easton's Bible Dictionary
Firm. (1.) “The Ezrahite,” distinguished for his wisdom (1 Kings 4:31). He is named as the author of the 89th Psalm. He was of the tribe of Levi. (2.) A Levite of the family of Merari, one of the leaders of the temple music (1 Chr. 6:44; 15:17, 19). He was probably the same as Jeduthun. He is supposed by some to be the same also as (1).
Smith's Bible Dictionary
(enduring).
International Standard Bible Encyclopedia (ISBE)
<p>e'-than ('ethan, "firm," "enduring"; Gaithan):</p><p>(1) A wise man with whom Solomon is compared (1Ki 4:31). Called there "Ethan the Ezrahite," to whom the title of Ps 89 ascribes the authorship of that poem.</p><p>(2) A "son of Kishi," or "Kishaiah," of the Merari branch of the Levites, and, along with Heman and Asaph, placed by David over the service of song (1Ch 6:44; 15:17,19).</p><p>See JEDUTHUN.</p><p>(3) An ancestor of Asaph of the Gershomite branch of the Levites (1Ch 6:42).</p>