The Hebrew word Yᵉhûwdîyth, represented by H3067, is the proper name Judith. It appears only 1 time in 1 unique verse in the entire Bible. The definition identifies her as a Canaanitess, and the scriptural context specifies her role as one of the wives of Esau.
The sole appearance of H3067 is in Genesis 26:34, which records a significant event in the life of Esau. At forty H705 years H8141 old, Esau H6215 took H3947 to wife H802 two women. The first is Judith H3067, who is identified as the daughter H1323 of Beeri H882 the Hittite H2850. The verse also notes his marriage to Bashemath H1315, the daughter of another Hittite, Elon H356.
Several related words provide the context for Judith's identity and her relationship with Esau:
- H6215 ʻÊsâv (Esau): As the one who marries Judith, Esau's actions are central to the narrative. He is defined as "a son of Isaac, including his posterity" Genesis 26:34.
- H802 ʼishshâh (wife): This word defines Judith's role in the account. Its definition as "a woman... wife" establishes her marital connection to Esau Genesis 26:34.
- H1323 bath (daughter): Judith is identified by her parentage as the "daughter" of Beeri. This term is crucial for establishing lineage in biblical accounts Genesis 26:34.
- H2850 Chittîy (Hittite): This defines Judith's national and ethnic origin as a "descendant of Cheth." The Hittites were one of the Canaanite peoples inhabiting the promised land Genesis 26:34.
The theological weight of H3067 comes not from the name itself, but from the event it describes. Esau's marriage to Judith the Hittite carries significant implications.
- Foreign Alliances: Judith's identity as a Hittite H2850 is critical. The Hittites are repeatedly listed among the nations of Canaan that Israel was to remain separate from and ultimately drive out of the land (Deuteronomy 7:1, Joshua 3:10).
- Esau's Path: The choice by Esau H6215 to take H3947 Judith and Bashemath, both Hittite women, as wives demonstrates his connection to the people of the land, a stark contrast to the covenantal path followed by his lineage.
- Symbolic Language: The negative connotation of such unions is later used in prophecy, where having a Hittite H2850 mother is part of a divine rebuke against Jerusalem for its unfaithful origins Ezekiel 16:3.
In summary, H3067 is the name of a specific individual, Judith, whose single mention in scripture is highly significant. While the name itself is rare, her identity as a Hittite H2850 wife H802 of Esau H6215 serves as a key detail in the patriarchal narrative. It illustrates a pivotal choice by Esau, highlighting his divergence from the covenant line by marrying into the Canaanite peoples of the land Genesis 26:34.
TRV