from יָתַר; redundant; Jattir, a place in Palestine; Jattir.
Transliteration:Yattîyr
Pronunciation:yat-teer'
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew term יַתִּיר (Yattîyr, `{{H3492}}`) is primarily a proper noun, designating a geographical location. Its etymological root is derived from the verb יָתַר (yathar, `{{H3498}}`), which conveys the core meaning of "to remain," "to be left over," "to excel," or "to have a surplus." Therefore, the name Yattîyr itself carries the semantic weight of "redundant," "superfluous," "remaining," or "abundant." While the word's direct application in the biblical text is as a place name, its underlying meaning may subtly reflect characteristics of the location, perhaps indicating a place of abundance, a significant remnant, or a settlement that endured.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
Yattîyr appears four times in the Hebrew Bible, consistently referring to the same city in the tribal territory of Judah:
1. **[[Joshua 15:48]]**: Jattir is first mentioned as one of the cities in the hill country of Judah, specifically within the district of Doma. This places it geographically in the southern part of Judah's inheritance, among a cluster of towns.
2. **[[Joshua 21:14]]**: This passage is crucial, as it identifies Jattir as one of the thirteen cities assigned to the sons of Aaron (the priestly family of the Levites) from the tribes of Judah, Simeon, and Benjamin. This designation marks Jattir as a Levitical city, a center for priestly residence and service, and potentially a place of instruction in the Law and administration of justice. Its inclusion among cities given to the priests underscores its importance within the tribal allotments and its sacred function.
3. **[[1 Samuel 30:27]]**: Following David's victory over the Amalekites at Ziklag, he sends portions of the spoil to the elders of various towns in Judah, including Jattir. This act suggests that Jattir was a recognized and perhaps loyal community within David's sphere of influence, indicating its continued existence and importance during the early monarchy.
4. **[[1 Chronicles 6:57]]**: This verse reiterates Jattir's status as a priestly city, paralleling the account in [[Joshua 21:14]]. It confirms its enduring role as a dwelling place for the descendants of Aaron, highlighting its ecclesiastical significance in the Israelite tribal system.
Across these occurrences, Jattir is consistently portrayed as a settled community, strategically located in Judah's hill country, and notably designated as a Levitical city.
### Related Words & Concepts
The primary related word is the root verb יָתַר (yathar, `{{H3498}}`), from which Yattîyr is derived. This root signifies "to remain," "to be left over," "to excel," or "to have a surplus." From this root, several other significant Hebrew words emerge:
* **יֶתֶר (yether, `{{H3499}}`)**: A noun meaning "rest," "remainder," "excellence," or "advantage." This term frequently refers to a "remnant," a concept of profound theological significance in biblical prophecy and salvation history.
* **יוֹתֶרֶת (yothereth, `{{H3500}}`)**: A noun referring to an "appendage" or "excess," often used in the context of the "fat lobe of the liver" in sacrificial instructions, denoting something "left over" or "superfluous" but set apart.
* **מֵיתָר (meytar, `{{H4343}}`)**: A noun meaning "cord," "string," or "tent-cord," stemming from the idea of something "stretched out" or "remaining" as a line.
The conceptual link between Yattîyr and its root yathar suggests a subtle connection to themes of divine preservation, the remnant, or perhaps the abundance of God's provision, even if the primary meaning of the place name is simply descriptive of its enduring nature or fertile surroundings.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of Jattir primarily stems from its designation as a Levitical city. As one of the cities allotted to the priestly family of Aaron, Jattir would have served as a center for the spiritual life of Israel. These cities were not merely residences for the Levites; they were crucial for the dissemination of the Torah, the administration of justice according to divine law, and the maintenance of ritual purity among the tribes. The presence of priests and Levites in Jattir meant that the divine covenant and its stipulations were actively taught and upheld in that region.
Furthermore, the act of David sending spoil to Jattir after his victory over the Amalekites ([[1 Samuel 30:27]]) may hint at the city's faithfulness or its role as a significant spiritual and political hub within Judah. David's generosity to these cities, including Jattir, could be interpreted as an acknowledgment of their loyalty and their sacred function.
While the name Yattîyr itself, meaning "redundant" or "remaining," is applied to a geographical location, one might reflect on the theological concept of a "remnant" (יֶתֶר, `{{H3499}}`) that is often preserved by God for His purposes. In this sense, Jattir, as a priestly city, could be seen as a place where the "remaining" or "excelling" spiritual heritage of Israel was concentrated and preserved, serving as a beacon of faithfulness in the land.
### Summary
Yattîyr (`{{H3492}}`) is a Hebrew proper noun designating a city in the hill country of Judah. Derived from the verb יָתַר (yathar, `{{H3498}}`), meaning "to remain" or "to be abundant," the name itself carries connotations of surplus or endurance. Biblically, Jattir is consistently identified as a Levitical city, specifically assigned to the sons of Aaron, as seen in [[Joshua 21:14]] and [[1 Chronicles 6:57]]. This designation highlights its crucial role as a center for priestly residence, instruction in the Law, and the maintenance of Israel's spiritual life. Its mention in [[1 Samuel 30:27]] as a recipient of David's spoil further underscores its recognized importance within the tribal landscape. The theological significance of Jattir lies primarily in its function as a sacred Levitical city, a place where God's covenant was upheld and His presence ministered through the priestly service.