ETHAN (Hebrew 'Ethan', firm, steadfast). — Three or four biblical figures.
1. A descendant of Zerah (Hebrew Zerah), renowned for his wisdom. In 1 Kings 4:31 (Hebrew 5:11), he is mentioned to magnify Solomon’s knowledge, being placed before Ethan. In the title of Psalm 88 (Hebrew 89), Ethan is designated as the author of the hymn. It is unlikely that these refer to the same person.
2. Son of Kishi, a Levite of the Merari family. Along with Heman and Asaph, he was appointed by David to supervise the Temple musicians (1 Chronicles 15:17-19).
3. An ancestor of Asaph, a Levite of the Gershon family (1 Chronicles 6:42; Hebrew 6:26).
4. In Psalm 73:15 (Hebrew 74:15), the Vulgate has the curious reading *fluvios E.* In reality, this is a common noun (cf. perpetuity, strength), and the meaning of the phrase is “perennial rivers.” Angelo Penna