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