יַתְנִיאֵל

Core Meaning & Semantic Range

The Hebrew name Yathnîyʼêl, represented by H3496, means continued of God. Derived from an unused root meaning to endure and the word for God, it appears only 1 time in 1 unique verse in the entire Bible. Its singular appearance is as the personal name of an Israelite.

Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis

The sole mention of H3496 is found within a genealogical record in the book of 1 Chronicles. In this passage, Jathniel is identified as the fourth son of a man named Meshelemiah. The verse simply lists him in the order of his birth alongside his three older brothers: Zechariah, Jediael, and Zebadiah 1 Chronicles 26:2.

Related Words & Concepts

Jathniel's identity is established by his relationship to his immediate family, whose names also carry significant meanings:

• H4920 Mᵉshelemyâh (ally of Jah): The father of Jathniel 1 Chronicles 26:2.
• H2148 Zᵉkaryâh (Jah has remembered): Jathniel's firstborn brother 1 Chronicles 26:2.
• H3043 Yᵉdîyʻăʼêl (knowing God): The second brother listed in the family 1 Chronicles 26:2.
• H2069 Zᵉbadyâh (Jah has given): The third brother of Jathniel 1 Chronicles 26:2.
• H1121 bên (a son): The word used to establish the familial link between Meshelemiah and his children, including Jathniel 1 Chronicles 26:2.

Theological Significance

Despite being mentioned only once, the name H3496 carries theological weight through its definition and context.

• A Declaration of Faith: The name itself, "continued of God," is a statement about God's enduring and sustaining power. It reflects a belief that God's presence and support are constant.
• Theophoric Family Naming: Jathniel belongs to a family where names consistently honor God. His father's name means "ally of Jah," and his brothers' names mean "Jah has remembered," "knowing God," and "Jah has given." This pattern highlights a deliberate practice of embedding theological identity within the family.
• Significance in the Record: Jathniel is part of a Levitical family line responsible for being porters for the tabernacle (1 Chronicles 9:21, 1 Chronicles 26:1). His inclusion in this official record underscores the idea that every individual and their role within the covenant community is significant enough to be recorded.

Summary

In summary, H3496 is a name that, while rare, offers a meaningful glimpse into Israelite faith. Its definition points to God's steadfastness, and its context within the family of Meshelemiah shows how personal names were used as powerful declarations of belief. The inclusion of Jathniel in the biblical record demonstrates that even individuals mentioned in passing are part of the larger, divinely preserved story.