ELOHIST (ĕl’ ō hĭst). A designation for the author or editor of the so-called “E” source of the Pentateuch. Elohist is derived from Elohim (אֱלֹהִים, H466) the Heb. name for God characteristic of the “E” document, supposedly originating c. 750 b.c. in the northern kingdom.

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E (ELOHIST) ĕl’ ō hĭst. A document prominent in higher critical theory which allegedly was written in the 8th cent. b.c. It stemmed from the northern kingdom and reflected a more objective style than “J.” “E” refers to the characteristic Heb. name for God in this source, אֱלֹהִים, H466. Critics regard it as an important source of the Pentateuch.