### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word **Yisrᵉʼêlîyth**, represented by `{{H3482}}`, is the feminine term for an Israelite, defined as **a Jisreelitess or female descendant of Jisrael; Israelitish**. This specific word is rare, appearing only **3 times** across **2 unique verses** in the Bible. Its use is focused on establishing the national and ethnic identity of a woman, particularly in a context where lineage is a central element of the narrative.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The primary use of `{{H3482}}` is found in a single narrative in Leviticus. A conflict arises involving "the son of an **Israelitish** woman, whose father was an Egyptian" [[Leviticus 24:10]]. The text repeats the term to emphasize the mother's identity, referring to the man as "the **Israelitish** woman's son" [[Leviticus 24:11]]. This man strove with a man of Israel and ultimately blasphemed, leading to a legal judgment from Moses. The word, therefore, serves to frame a specific case concerning the legal status and conduct of an individual with mixed parentage within the camp of Israel.
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words help clarify the context of identity in which `{{H3482}}` appears:
* `{{H3481}}` **Yisrᵉʼêlîy** (a Jisreelite or descendant of Jisrael; of Israel, Israelite): This is the masculine counterpart to `{{H3482}}`. It is used to identify a "man of Israel" in the same passage, highlighting the ethnic lines of the conflict [[Leviticus 24:10]].
* `{{H3478}}` **Yisrâʼêl** (he will rule as God; Jisrael, a symbolical name of Jacob; also (typically) of his posterity; Israel): This is the foundational name from which the identity of an "Israelitish" person is derived. It represents the entire covenant people [[1 Samuel 7:3]].
* `{{H802}}` **ʼishshâh** (a woman): This general term for a woman is used in conjunction with `{{H3482}}` to form the phrase "Israelitish woman," specifying both her gender and her national identity [[Leviticus 24:10]].
* `{{H4713}}` **Mitsrîy** (Egyptian, of Egypt): This word establishes the non-Israelite identity of the son's father, creating the mixed-heritage context that is central to the story [[Leviticus 24:10]].
* `{{H1121}}` **bên** (a son): This word is crucial to the narrative, identifying the central figure as the "son" of the Israelitish woman, thereby linking him to the community through his maternal line [[Leviticus 24:10]].
### Theological Significance
The theological and legal weight of `{{H3482}}` is tied directly to its specific application in the Levitical narrative.
* **Maternal Lineage:** The text's emphasis on the mother being an **Israelitish** woman is significant, as it is her identity that connects her son to the community of Israel, especially when the father is a foreigner [[Leviticus 24:10]].
* **Community and Law:** The word appears in a story that addresses a breach of law—blasphemy—committed by someone of mixed parentage. This highlights the application of God's law to all who dwell within the camp, regardless of their paternal lineage.
* **Defining Identity:** The use of `{{H3482}}` alongside "Egyptian" `{{H4713}}` and "man of Israel" `{{H3478}}` underscores the importance of defined identities in the Old Testament legal system and the questions that arose from interactions between Israelites and foreigners.
### Summary
In summary, `{{H3482}}` is a highly specific term for an "Israelitish woman" whose significance is derived entirely from its context. While extremely rare, its use in Leviticus 24 is pivotal. It establishes identity through the maternal line and sets the stage for a critical legal ruling regarding blasphemy and community standards. The word demonstrates how specific labels of lineage were essential for navigating law, conflict, and social order within the people of Israel.