from בַּת and יָהּ; daughter (i.e. worshipper) of Jah; Bithjah, an Egyptian woman; Bithiah.
Transliteration:Bithyâh
Pronunciation:bith-yaw'
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew lemma בִּתְיָה (Bithyâh, `{{H1332}}`) is a proper noun, a feminine personal name. Its etymology is transparent, being a compound of two Hebrew words: בַּת (bat, `{{H1323}}`), meaning "daughter," and יָהּ (Yah, `{{H3050}}`), a shortened form of the divine name YHWH. Thus, the name literally translates to "Daughter of Yah" or "Daughter of the Lord." The appended definition "worshipper of Jah" provides a crucial interpretive layer, suggesting that the name is not merely descriptive of familial relationship but indicative of spiritual allegiance and devotion to the God of Israel. As a proper noun, its semantic range is narrow in terms of lexical variation, but its inherent meaning carries significant theological weight, marking the individual as one belonging to or devoted to YHWH.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The name Bithiah (בִּתְיָה, `{{H1332}}`) appears only once in the biblical text, specifically in the genealogies of the tribe of Judah in [[1 Chronicles 4:18]]. The verse states: "And his wife Jehudijah bare Jered the father of Gedor, and Heber the father of Socho, and Jekuthiel the father of Zanoah. And these are the sons of Bithiah the daughter of Pharaoh, whom Mered took."
The context is highly significant. Bithiah is identified as "the daughter of Pharaoh," unequivocally marking her as an Egyptian princess by birth. Her marriage to Mered, a descendant of Caleb from the tribe of Judah, is noteworthy, as it represents an intermarriage between an Israelite of high standing and a foreign royal. The most striking aspect, however, is the juxtaposition of her Egyptian royal lineage with her Hebrew name, "Daughter of Yah." This strongly implies a conversion or a profound personal allegiance to YHWH, the God of Israel, despite her origins in a polytheistic culture. Her inclusion in the meticulously preserved genealogies of Judah suggests that she was fully integrated into the Israelite community, and her sons continued the lineage, bearing names that are also Israelite. This singular occurrence thus provides a powerful testament to the transformative power of faith and God's capacity to draw individuals from all nations into His covenant people.
### Related Words & Concepts
The primary components of Bithiah's name, בַּת (bat, `{{H1323}}`) and יָהּ (Yah, `{{H3050}}`), are foundational to understanding its significance.
* **בַּת (bat, `{{H1323}}`):** This common Hebrew word for "daughter" emphasizes her feminine identity and her role in lineage. In the context of "Daughter of Yah," it elevates the concept of daughterhood to a spiritual plane, implying a filial relationship with God.
* **יָהּ (Yah, `{{H3050}}`):** This is the abbreviated, poetic form of the divine name YHWH. Its inclusion in a personal name signifies dedication, worship, or a special relationship with the God of Israel. Many Hebrew names incorporate this element (e.g., Isaiah, Jeremiah, Hezekiah), but its presence in the name of an Egyptian princess is exceptional.
Related concepts include:
* **Proselytism/Conversion:** While the Bible does not explicitly detail Bithiah's conversion, her name serves as strong evidence of her embracing the worship of YHWH. This aligns with broader biblical themes of non-Israelites joining the covenant community (e.g., Rahab, Ruth).
* **Divine Adoption/Inclusion:** The name "Daughter of Yah" can be seen as an early biblical example of God's gracious inclusion and "adoption" of individuals from outside the Israelite nation into His spiritual family.
* **Intermarriage:** Her marriage to Mered highlights the complex dynamics of intermarriage in ancient Israel, particularly when it involved the integration of a foreign, high-status individual who seemingly embraced the Israelite faith.
### Theological Significance
Bithiah's unique presence in the biblical record carries profound theological significance:
* **God's Universal Sovereignty and Grace:** Her story powerfully demonstrates that God's redemptive plan is not limited to the physical descendants of Abraham. He is sovereign over all nations and can draw individuals from any background, even from the most powerful pagan empire (Egypt), to Himself. Her name, "Daughter of Yah," is a testament to His grace, extending salvation and fellowship beyond ethnic or national boundaries.
* **The Nature of True Kinship:** Bithiah's name challenges the notion that belonging to God's people is solely a matter of physical lineage. Her identity as "daughter of Pharaoh" by birth is superseded by her spiritual identity as "Daughter of Yah," indicating that true kinship with God is rooted in faith and allegiance to Him. This prefigures the New Testament emphasis on spiritual rebirth and being children of God through faith in Christ, irrespective of ethnic origin.
* **Divine Initiative in Redemptive History:** Her story, albeit brief, highlights God's active involvement in human affairs, weaving diverse individuals into the tapestry of His redemptive history. Her integration into the lineage of Judah, the tribe from which the Messiah would come, underscores the intricate and often surprising ways God works to accomplish His purposes.
* **A Witness to God's Transforming Power:** Bithiah serves as a quiet but potent witness to the transforming power of YHWH, capable of converting the heart of an Egyptian princess and integrating her into the sacred lineage of His chosen people. Her name itself is a declaration of her transformed allegiance.
### Summary
Bithiah (בִּתְיָה, `{{H1332}}`), meaning "Daughter of Yah," is a singular and significant figure in the biblical genealogies. Appearing only in [[1 Chronicles 4:18]], she is identified as an Egyptian princess, "the daughter of Pharaoh," who married Mered of the tribe of Judah. Her name, a composite of בַּת (bat, `{{H1323}}`) and יָהּ (Yah, `{{H3050}}`), strongly implies a personal conversion or deep allegiance to the God of Israel, despite her foreign royal origins. Theologically, Bithiah's story underscores God's universal sovereignty and His gracious inclusion of individuals from all nations into His covenant community. She stands as a compelling, albeit brief, biblical example of a Gentile brought into the family of God, demonstrating that true kinship with YHWH transcends ethnic boundaries and is founded upon faith and devotion to Him.
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