ETHAN (Hebr. ’Ethān = firm, steadfast). — Three or four biblical figures.
1. Descendant of Zerah, famous for his wisdom. In I Reg. 4:31 (Hebr. 5:11), in order to magnify Solomon’s knowledge, he is ranked above that of E. In the title of Ps. 88 (Hebr. 89), E. is designated as the author of the hymn. It is unlikely that this refers to one and the same person.
2. Son of Cassia, a Levite of the family of Merari. Along with Heman and Asaph, he was appointed by David over the Temple singers (I Par. 15:17-19).
3. Ancestor of Asaph, a Levite of the family of Gershon (I Par. 6:42; Hebr. 6:26).
4. In Ps. 73 (Hebr. 74), 15, the Vulgate has the curious reading fhuios E. In reality, this is a common noun (“perpetuity, strength”), and the meaning of the expression is “ever-flowing rivers.” Angelo Penna