יִתְמָה

Core Meaning & Semantic Range

The Hebrew word Yithmâh, represented by H3495, is the proper name Ithmah. The name's base definition is "orphanage" and it appears only 1 time in 1 unique verse in the Bible, making it a name associated with a single individual in the biblical record.

Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis

The sole appearance of H3495 is in a list of names found in 1 Chronicles 11:46. In this verse, Ithmah is identified as "the Moabite" H4125. He is listed alongside other individuals, including Eliel H447 the Mahavite H4233, and Jeribai H3403 and Joshaviah H3145, who are named as the sons H1121 of Elnaam H493. This context places Ithmah within a specific group of men, distinguished by his Moabite origin.

Related Words & Concepts

Several related words from the passage provide context for Ithmah:

• H4125 Môwʼâbîy (a Moabite or Moabitess): This term is used to identify Ithmah's lineage 1 Chronicles 11:46. Moabites were descendants of Moab and are mentioned in contexts of both inclusion, as with Ruth Ruth 4:10, and exclusion Nehemiah 13:1.
• H3403 Yᵉrîybay (contentious; Jeribai, an Israelite): This is the name of Jeribai, an individual listed immediately before Ithmah in the same roster 1 Chronicles 11:46.
• H3145 Yôwshavyâh (Jehovah-set; Joshavjah, an Israelite): This is the name of Joshaviah, who, along with Jeribai, is listed as a son of Elnaam 1 Chronicles 11:46.
• H493 ʼElnaʻam (God (is his) delight; Elnaam, an Israelite): The father of Jeribai and Joshaviah, who are named in the same list as Ithmah 1 Chronicles 11:46.

Theological Significance

The significance of H3495 is found in its specific contextual details:

• Name's Meaning: The name Ithmah is defined from a root meaning "orphanage".
• Inclusion in a Roster: The appearance of Ithmah in 1 Chronicles 11:46 places him in a list of named individuals, suggesting a recognized status.
• Moabite Identity: The most defining detail provided is that Ithmah was a Moabite H4125. His inclusion is noteworthy, as Moabites were at times explicitly barred from the congregation of God Nehemiah 13:1, yet individuals like Ruth the Moabitess were also integrated into Israel Ruth 4:10.

Summary

In summary, H3495 refers to a specific individual, Ithmah. He is mentioned only once in scripture, within a list of men in 1 Chronicles 11:46. While the name itself relates to the idea of an "orphanage," his primary identifier in the text is his origin as a Moabite. The singular reference to Ithmah serves as a record of an individual of Moabite descent who was counted among his contemporaries.