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<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "http://www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><head><meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=utf-8" /><meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width; initial-scale=1.0;"/><title>Topical Bible: Ethan: A Renowned Sage</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/topical/naves/e/ethan--a_renowned_sage.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/newtopical.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/print.css" type="text/css" media="Print" /><script type="application/javascript" src="https://scripts.webcontentassessor.com/scripts/8a2459b64f9cac8122fc7f2eac4409c8555fac9383016db59c4c26e3d5b8b157"></script><script src='https://qd.admetricspro.com/js/biblehub/biblehub-layout-loader-revcatch.js'></script><script id='HyDgbd_1s' src='https://prebidads.revcatch.com/ads.js' type='text/javascript' async></script><script>(function(w,d,b,s,i){var cts=d.createElement(s);cts.async=true;cts.id='catchscript'; cts.dataset.appid=i;cts.src='https://app.protectsubrev.com/catch_rp.js?cb='+Math.random(); document.head.appendChild(cts); }) (window,document,'head','script','rc-anksrH');</script></head> <script async src="https://www.googletagmanager.com/gtag/js?id=G-LR4HSKRP2H"></script> <script> window.dataLayer = window.dataLayer || []; function gtag(){dataLayer.push(arguments);} gtag('js', new Date()); gtag('config', 'G-LR4HSKRP2H'); </script><body><div id="fx"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx2"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="30" scrolling="no" src="/topical/vmenus/1_kings/4-31.htm" align="left" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div><div id="blnk"></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable"><tr><td><div id="fx5"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx6"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="245" scrolling="no" src="//biblehu.com/bmcde/e/ethan.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable3"><tr><td><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center" id="announce"><tr><td><div id="l1"><div id="breadcrumbs"><a href="/">Bible</a> > <a href="/topical/">Topical</a> > Ethan</div><div id="anc"><iframe src="/anc.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></div><div id="anc2"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/anc2.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></div></td></tr></table><div id="movebox2"><table border="0" align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tr><td><div id="topheading"><a href="/topical/e/ethan,_heman,_calcol,_and_dara.htm" title="Ethan, Heman, Calcol, and Dara">◄</a> Ethan: A Renowned Sage <a href="/topical/naves/e/ethan--a_renowned_sage--title.htm" title="Ethan: A Renowned Sage: Title">►</a></div></td></tr></table></div><div align="center" class="maintable2"><table border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><div id="topverse">Jump to: <a href="#nav" title="Nave's Topical Index">Nave's</a> • <a href="#sub" title="Subtopics">Subtopics</a> • <a href="#rel" title="Related Terms">Terms</a></div><div id="leftbox"><div class="padleft"><a name="te" id="te"></a><div class="vheading2">Topical Encyclopedia</div>Ethan is a biblical figure recognized for his wisdom and is often associated with the era of King Solomon. His name, meaning "enduring" or "firm," reflects the steadfastness and depth of his understanding. Ethan is mentioned in several passages within the Old Testament, where he is acknowledged as a wise man, though not as wise as Solomon, whose wisdom surpassed all others.<br><br><b>Lineage and Identity</b><br><br>Ethan is identified as a member of the Ezrahite lineage. The term "Ezrahite" suggests a connection to Zerah, a descendant of Judah, indicating that Ethan belonged to the tribe of Judah. This connection places him within the broader narrative of the Israelite tribes and their genealogies, which are significant in understanding the historical and spiritual context of the biblical text.<br><br><b>Biblical References</b><br><br>Ethan is most notably mentioned in <a href="/1_kings/4-31.htm">1 Kings 4:31</a>, where his wisdom is highlighted in comparison to Solomon's: "For he was wiser than all men—wiser than Ethan the Ezrahite, and Heman, Calcol, and Darda, the sons of Mahol. And his fame spread throughout the surrounding nations." This passage underscores Ethan's reputation as a sage, placing him among the wisest individuals of his time, yet still acknowledging Solomon's superior wisdom.<br><br>Additionally, Ethan is traditionally credited with the authorship of <a href="/bsb/psalms/89.htm">Psalm 89</a>, as indicated in the superscription: "A maskil of Ethan the Ezrahite." This psalm is a contemplative piece that reflects on God's covenant with David, expressing themes of divine faithfulness and the enduring nature of God's promises. The attribution of this psalm to Ethan suggests his role not only as a wise man but also as a contributor to the spiritual and liturgical life of Israel.<br><br><b>Role and Influence</b><br><br>Ethan's wisdom and his association with the psalmic tradition highlight his influence in the religious and intellectual spheres of ancient Israel. His inclusion in the list of wise men alongside Heman, Calcol, and Darda suggests a group of sages who were esteemed for their understanding and insight. These individuals likely played a role in advising leaders and contributing to the cultural and spiritual heritage of their people.<br><br>The mention of Ethan in the context of Solomon's wisdom serves to emphasize the extraordinary nature of Solomon's gift, as even those renowned for their wisdom, like Ethan, were surpassed by the king. This comparison not only elevates Solomon but also affirms the high regard in which Ethan was held.<br><br><b>Legacy</b><br><br>Ethan's legacy as a sage is preserved through the biblical text, where his wisdom is acknowledged and his contributions to the psalms are celebrated. His life and work exemplify the pursuit of understanding and the importance of wisdom in the life of faith. Through his association with <a href="/bsb/psalms/89.htm">Psalm 89</a>, Ethan's voice continues to resonate in the worship and reflection of believers, reminding them of the enduring nature of God's covenant and the call to trust in His faithfulness.<a name="nav" id="nav"></a><div class="vheading2">Nave's Topical Index</div><span class="rtext"><a href="/1_kings/4-31.htm">1 Kings 4:31</a></span><br>For he was wiser than all men; than Ethan the Ezrahite, and Heman, and Chalcol, and Darda, the sons of Mahol: and his fame was in all nations round about.<br><span class="source">Nave's Topical Index</span><p><a name="res" id="res"></a><div class="vheading2">Resources</div><a href="https://www.gotquestions.org/Book-of-Psalms.html">Summary of the Book of Psalms - Bible Survey | GotQuestions.org</a><br /><br /><a href="https://www.gotquestions.org/scorner-Bible.html">What is a scorner in the Bible? | GotQuestions.org</a><br /><br /><a href="https://www.gotquestions.org/sons-of-Korah.html">Who were the sons of Korah in the Old Testament? | GotQuestions.org</a><br /><br /><a href="/concordance/">Bible Concordance</a> • <a href="/dictionary/">Bible Dictionary</a> • <a href="/encyclopedia/">Bible Encyclopedia</a> • <a href="/topical/">Topical Bible</a> • <a href="/thesaurus/">Bible Thesuarus</a></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="sub" id="sub"></a><div class="vheading2">Subtopics</div><p class="pspc"><a href="/topical/e/ethan.htm">Ethan</a></p><p class="pspc"><a href="/topical/naves/e/ethan--a_renowned_sage.htm">Ethan: A Renowned Sage</a></p><p class="pspc"><a href="/topical/naves/e/ethan--a_renowned_sage--title.htm">Ethan: A Renowned Sage: Title</a></p><p class="pspc"><a href="/topical/naves/e/ethan--son_of_zerak.htm">Ethan: Son of Zerak</a></p><p class="pspc"><a href="/topical/naves/e/ethan--son_of_zerak--two_levites.htm">Ethan: Son of Zerak: Two Levites</a></p><a name="rel" id="rel"></a><div class="vheading2">Related Terms</div><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/z/zar'ethan.htm">Zar'ethan (1 Occurrence)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/e/ethan's.htm">Ethan's (1 Occurrence)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/e/ezrahite.htm">Ezrahite (5 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/c/calcol.htm">Calcol (2 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/a/asaph.htm">Asaph (47 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/k/korahites.htm">Korahites (7 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/s/sons.htm">Sons (2429 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/h/heman.htm">Heman (17 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/k/kishi.htm">Kishi (1 Occurrence)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/j/joah.htm">Joah (10 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/m/merari.htm">Merari (38 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/d/darda.htm">Darda (2 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/m/malluch.htm">Malluch (6 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/m/mahol.htm">Mahol (1 Occurrence)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/m/merar'i.htm">Merar'i (32 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/m/merarites.htm">Merarites (7 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/a/abdi.htm">Abdi (3 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/k/korah.htm">Korah (51 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/m/maschil.htm">Maschil (26 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/a/azariah.htm">Azariah (47 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/z/zarethan.htm">Zarethan (4 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/e/etham.htm">Etham (4 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/z/zimmah.htm">Zimmah (3 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/z/zarethshahar.htm">Zarethshahar (1 Occurrence)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/k/kushaiah.htm">Kushaiah (1 Occurrence)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/k/kusha'iah.htm">Kusha'iah (1 Occurrence)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/j/jeduthun.htm">Jeduthun (15 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/j/jo'el.htm">Jo'el (19 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/l/loudly.htm">Loudly (31 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/w/wiser.htm">Wiser (11 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/e/etam.htm">Etam (5 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/e/ez'rahite.htm">Ez'rahite (1 Occurrence)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/e/ethanim.htm">Ethanim (1 Occurrence)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/e/eth'anim.htm">Eth'anim (1 Occurrence)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/e/ethanus.htm">Ethanus</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/d/dara.htm">Dara (1 Occurrence)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/m/maskil.htm">Maskil (13 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/m/melody.htm">Melody (55 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/b/berechi'ah.htm">Berechi'ah (11 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/b/berechiah.htm">Berechiah (12 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/b/berekiah.htm">Berekiah (11 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/c/contemplation.htm">Contemplation (11 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/c/chalcol.htm">Chalcol (1 Occurrence)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/c/cymbals.htm">Cymbals (15 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/c/chalkol.htm">Chalkol</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/a/azari'ah.htm">Azari'ah (46 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/a/amaziah.htm">Amaziah (41 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/s/singers.htm">Singers (41 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/f/fame.htm">Fame (38 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/s/shim'e-i.htm">Shim'ei (40 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/p/psalms.htm">Psalms (44 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/s/sounding.htm">Sounding (99 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/k/kinsmen.htm">Kinsmen (74 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/s/surrounding.htm">Surrounding (78 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/z/zerah.htm">Zerah (22 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/z/zimri.htm">Zimri (16 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/l/loving-kindness.htm">Loving-kindness (150 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/i/instruments.htm">Instruments (136 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/i/including.htm">Including (90 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/i/instruction.htm">Instruction (117 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/a/aloud.htm">Aloud (141 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/i/intercession.htm">Intercession (12 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/s/shimei.htm">Shimei (43 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/r/relatives.htm">Relatives (132 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/s/sing.htm">Sing (147 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/a/appoint.htm">Appoint (114 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/b/bronze.htm">Bronze (146 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/h/hard.htm">Hard (733 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/h/harddiness.htm">Harddiness</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/h/hardly.htm">Hardly (26 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/h/hardiness.htm">Hardiness</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/s/steadfast.htm">Steadfast (194 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/b/brass.htm">Brass (168 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a 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