### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
H3159 (Yizrᵉʻêʼlîyth) is the feminine singular form of H3158 (Yizrᵉʻêʼlîy), meaning "a Jezreelite." It specifically denotes a female inhabitant or native of Jezreel. The place name Jezreel (יִזְרְעֶאל, `{{H3157}}`), from which this ethnonym derives, carries a dual semantic range rooted in the verb זרע (`{{H2232}}`, "to sow"). It can signify "God sows" (implying fruitfulness or establishment) or "God scatters" (implying dispersion or judgment). While H3159 itself primarily functions as a straightforward geographical descriptor, this inherent duality of the root word provides a rich backdrop for the broader theological context of Jezreel.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
H3159 appears exclusively in reference to Ahinoam, one of King David's wives.
* In [[1 Samuel 27:3]], Ahinoam is mentioned as one of David's two wives (alongside Abigail the Carmelitess) during his sojourn with Achish, king of Gath. This highlights David's growing retinue and the strategic alliances or acquisitions of wives from various regions, even while he is an outcast.
* [[1 Samuel 30:5]] recounts her capture by the Amalekites during their raid on Ziklag, underscoring David's personal loss and the urgency of his pursuit to recover his family.
* [[2 Samuel 2:2]] places Ahinoam accompanying David to Hebron after Saul's death, where he is anointed king over Judah. Her presence signifies her status as a primary wife and mother of David's firstborn son, Amnon.
* [[2 Samuel 3:2]] explicitly states that Amnon, David's firstborn, was born to Ahinoam the Jezreelitess. This verse establishes her critical role in the royal succession and the lineage of David.
* Finally, [[1 Chronicles 3:1]], in the genealogical list of David's sons born in Hebron, Amnon is again listed as the son of Ahinoam the Jezreelitess, reinforcing her importance in the dynastic record.
In all instances, the designation "Jezreelitess" serves to identify Ahinoam geographically, distinguishing her from other wives and providing context for her origin within the broader Israelite territory.
### Related Words & Concepts
* **יִזְרְעֶאל (`{{H3157}}`, Jezreel):** The city and valley from which Ahinoam hailed. Jezreel was a strategically important location, known for its fertile land and as a royal residence under King Ahab and Queen Jezebel. It was the site of significant historical events, including Naboth's vineyard ([[1 Kings 21:1-16]]) and the dramatic judgment against Ahab's house by Jehu ([[2 Kings 9:1-37]]).
* **יִזְרְעֵאלִי (`{{H3158}}`, Jezreelite):** The masculine form of the ethnonym, referring to a male inhabitant of Jezreel.
* **זרע (`{{H2232}}`, zara):** The Hebrew verb "to sow" or "to scatter," which forms the linguistic root of Jezreel. This root imbues the place name with its potent double meaning, which is particularly explored in prophetic literature.
* **Ahinoam:** The specific individual identified by H3159. Her identity is intertwined with David's early struggles and the establishment of his kingdom. It is important to distinguish her from Ahinoam, Saul's wife ([[1 Samuel 14:50]]).
### Theological Significance
While H3159 itself is a descriptive term for an individual's origin, its theological weight derives from the broader significance of "Jezreel" in biblical narrative and prophecy.
* **Dynastic Importance:** Ahinoam the Jezreelitess is the mother of Amnon, David's firstborn son. This makes her a foundational figure in David's nascent dynasty, even though Amnon's later actions and tragic death would bring great sorrow to the royal household. Her designation as a "Jezreelitess" grounds David's lineage geographically within the land of Israel.
* **Prophetic Symbolism of Jezreel:** The name "Jezreel" takes on profound theological significance in the book of Hosea.
* In [[Hosea 1:4-5]], God commands Hosea to name his first son Jezreel, signifying divine judgment upon the house of Jehu and the impending end of the Northern Kingdom, implying "God will scatter" or "God will sow disaster."
* However, in a powerful reversal of meaning, [[Hosea 2:22-23]] (and [[Hosea 1:11]]) uses "Jezreel" to symbolize restoration and new life: "I will sow her for Myself in the land." Here, "God sows" implies divine planting, fruitfulness, and the re-gathering of Israel and Judah.
Thus, the simple descriptor "Jezreelitess" implicitly connects Ahinoam to a place that embodies both divine judgment and ultimate divine restoration, serving as a microcosm of Israel's covenant history.
### Summary
The Hebrew word H3159 (Yizrᵉʻêʼlîyth) designates a "Jezreelitess," specifically a female inhabitant of the city or region of Jezreel. Its sole biblical application is to Ahinoam, one of King David's wives and the mother of his firstborn son, Amnon. Her identification as a Jezreelitess highlights her geographical origin and her significant role in the early formation of David's royal household. While H3159 is primarily a geographical descriptor, it draws implicit theological depth from the broader significance of Jezreel (`{{H3157}}`). The name Jezreel, derived from the verb "to sow" ({{H2232}}`), carries a potent dual meaning in prophetic literature, symbolizing both divine judgment ("God scatters") and future restoration ("God sows" for fruitfulness). Thus, the "Jezreelitess" is linked to a place deeply interwoven with Israel's historical narrative and its covenant destiny of both scattering and ultimate re-gathering by God.
TRV