The Hebrew name Bithyâh, represented by H1332, means daughter (i.e. worshipper) of Jah. This name appears only 1 time in 1 unique verse in the entire Bible, marking a singular but significant figure identified as an Egyptian woman.
The sole appearance of H1332 is within a genealogical record in 1 Chronicles 4:18. In this verse, Bithiah is identified as "the daughter H1323 of Pharaoh H6547, which Mered H4778 took H3947." The passage lists her sons as Jered, the father H1 of Gedor H1446; Heber, the father H1 of Socho H7755; and Jekuthiel, the father H1 of Zanoah H2182. This places an Egyptian princess directly into the lineage of Judah.
Several related words in the surrounding text clarify the identity and context of Bithiah:
- H1323 bath (daughter): This word, forming the root of Bithiah's name, is used to specify her relationship to Pharaoh 1 Chronicles 4:18. It defines her by her origin before she is defined by her new family.
- H6547 Parʻôh (Pharaoh): This title signifies Bithiah's royal Egyptian heritage, identifying her father as a king of Egypt and making her assimilation into an Israelite family all the more notable 1 Chronicles 4:18.
- H4778 Mered (Mered): Identified as an Israelite, Mered is the one who took Bithiah. His name is directly associated with hers in the genealogical listing 1 Chronicles 4:18.
- H3947 lâqach (to take): This verb describes the action of Mered towards Bithiah. It is a broad term used for taking, receiving, or bringing someone or something 1 Chronicles 4:18.
While brief, the mention of H1332 carries theological weight, primarily through her name and lineage.
- A Converted Identity: The name Bithyâh itself means "daughter of Jah" or "worshipper of Jah." For an Egyptian woman, and a daughter of Pharaoh no less, to bear this name suggests a profound change of allegiance and faith.
- Inclusion of the Gentile: Her inclusion in the formal genealogies of Judah is significant. It demonstrates the incorporation of a non-Israelite into the covenant people, whose sons become founders of Israelite communities.
- A Royal Connection: The specific mention of her as Pharaoh's daughter underscores the power of God to draw people from any station or nation, grafting even members of a historically adversarial royal house into His own lineage.
In summary, H1332 represents far more than just a name in a genealogy. Bithyâh embodies a powerful narrative of adoption and faith. Though she appears only once, her identity as the "daughter of Pharaoh" who became a "worshipper of Jah" and a mother in the line of Judah serves as a concise testament to the integration of outsiders into the family of God. Her story is captured in a single verse but illustrates a rich theological truth.
TRV