The Hebrew word Yuṭṭâh, represented by H3194, refers to a place in Palestine named Juttah. The name's base definition is extended. It appears 2 times in 2 unique verses within the biblical text, identifying a specific geographical location.
In its biblical appearances, H3194 is consistently used as a geographical identifier. In Joshua 15:55, Juttah is named in a list of cities in the hill country of Judah, alongside Maon, Carmel, and Ziph. Later, in Joshua 21:16, Juttah is specified as one of the nine H8672 cities H5892 with its suburbs H4054 that were given to the priests out of the inheritance of two H8147 tribes H7626.
Several related words help clarify the context surrounding Juttah:
- H5892 ʻîyr (city): This word defines the fundamental nature of Juttah as a city Joshua 21:16. It refers to a guarded place or town.
- H4054 migrâsh (suburb): Directly associated with Juttah, this term describes its suburbs or the open country around it, which were also allotted Joshua 21:16.
- H7626 shêbeṭ (tribe): This term provides the broader administrative context, as Juttah was one of the cities taken from two H8147 tribes for the priests Joshua 21:16.
The significance of H3194 is rooted in its role within the biblical geography and the organization of ancient Israel.
- A City of Inheritance: Juttah is first mentioned as part of the territory allotted to the tribe of Judah, marking its place within the fulfillment of God's promise of the land to Israel Joshua 15:55.
- A Levitical City: The designation of Juttah and its suburbs H4054 as one of the cities for the priests underscores its importance in the religious structure of the nation. It was a place set apart to support the Aaronic priesthood Joshua 21:16.
- Geographic Anchor: By being listed with other cities like Ziph H2128, Carmel H3760, and Bethshemesh H1053, Juttah serves as a concrete geographical marker, reinforcing the historical setting of the events described in the book of Joshua.
In summary, H3194 Yuṭṭâh is not merely a name on a list, but a location with a specific role in Israel's history. Identified as a city H5892 in the territory of Judah, its primary significance comes from its designation as a Levitical city, given to the priests with its suburbs H4054. Its two appearances in scripture anchor it firmly within the narrative of the settlement of the Promised Land and the establishment of Israel's priestly system.
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