The Hebrew name Yâshubîy Lechem, represented by H3433, means returner of bread. It appears only 1 time in 1 unique verse in the entire Bible. The base definition also notes a probable alternative rendering as "(they were) inhabitants of Lechem," suggesting a connection to a place like Bethlehem. This name is recorded as Jashubi-lehem, an Israelite.
The single appearance of H3433 is in a genealogical record found in 1 Chronicles 4:22. The verse lists several names: "And Jokim H3137, and the men H582 of Chozeba H3578, and Joash H3101, and Saraph H8315, who had the dominion H1166 in Moab H4124, and Jashubilehem H3433." The passage concludes by noting, "And these are ancient H6267 things H1697," underscoring the historical nature of this list.
Several related words from its sole context help clarify its significance:
- H1166 bâʻal: Defined as "to be master" or "have dominion (over)," this word describes the role held by the group that included Jashubi-lehem. They are remembered as having exercised authority in Moab 1 Chronicles 4:22.
- H4124 Môwʼâb: This refers to Moab, the territory and descendants of Lot's son. It provides the geographical setting for the dominion held by Jashubi-lehem and his associates 1 Chronicles 4:22.
- H1697 dâbâr: Meaning "a word; by implication, a matter... or thing," this term is used to frame the entire genealogical entry. The verse states that these records are "ancient things," highlighting their role as a preserved historical account 1 Chronicles 4:22.
The significance of H3433 is tied entirely to its singular context within a historical list.
- Ancient Record: The name is preserved as part of a list of "ancient things H1697," emphasizing its purpose as a component of Israel's tribal memory 1 Chronicles 4:22.
- Dominion in Moab: Jashubi-lehem is explicitly associated with a group that "had the dominion H1166 in Moab H4124." This links the name to a specific historical event or period of influence in a neighboring land.
- Interpretive Possibility: The source definition itself proposes that the text might be better understood as "inhabitants of Lechem," which would connect this lineage to Bethlehem. This suggests its meaning is a subject of scholarly interpretation.
In summary, Yâshubîy Lechem H3433 is a name that appears once in scripture, locked within a genealogical record in 1 Chronicles. While its literal meaning is "returner of bread," its significance comes from its association with a group that held dominion in Moab. The name serves as a marker in an ancient account, with its precise identity—whether a person or a reference to inhabitants of a town—relying on the interpretation of this single, historical verse.
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