lemma יְתְנָן first vowel, corrected to יִתְנָן; from the same as תַּנִּין; extensive; Jithnan, a place in Palestine; Ithnan.
Transliteration:Yithnân
Pronunciation:yith-nawn'
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew lemma יִתְנָן (Yithnân, `{{H3497}}`) functions exclusively as a proper noun, designating a specific geographical location. Its base definition indicates a derivation from the same root as תַּנִּין (tannin, `{{H8577}}`), which primarily refers to a "dragon," "serpent," or "sea monster." The interpretive meaning "extensive" assigned to Yithnân likely stems from the concept of a large, sprawling creature or territory associated with the `{{H8577}}` root. However, as a fixed place name, Yithnân's semantic range is limited to its denotation of a particular city within ancient Israel. It does not carry a broader conceptual or descriptive meaning in its biblical usage, but rather serves as a precise geographical identifier.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
Yithnân (`{{H3497}}`) appears only once in the Hebrew Bible, specifically in the Book of Joshua:
* [[Joshua 15:23]]: "And Kedesh, and Hazor, and Ithnan,"
This occurrence is found within the extensive and detailed list of cities allocated to the tribe of Judah, specifically those located in the Negeb, the southern region of the land of Canaan. The context is a meticulous geographical inventory, mapping the boundaries and settlements within the tribal inheritances. The inclusion of Yithnân alongside other towns like Kedesh and Hazor underscores its status as a recognized and inhabited settlement during the period of Israel's conquest and settlement of the Promised Land. Its singular appearance in this specific context means its significance is tied directly to the tribal apportionment and the historical record of land division.
### Related Words & Concepts
The primary etymological connection for Yithnân (`{{H3497}}`) is to the Hebrew word תַּנִּין (tannin, `{{H8577}}`), meaning "dragon," "serpent," or "sea monster." While this etymology suggests a potential historical or mythological association for the place name (e.g., a place known for large reptiles, or a place of vastness likened to a great creature), the biblical text itself does not elaborate on this connection. Instead, Yithnân is contextualized within broader geographical and socio-political concepts:
* **Tribal Inheritance:** The concept of *naḥalâ* (נַחֲלָה, inheritance), referring to the land allotted to each tribe by divine decree.
* **Geographical Naming:** The practice of naming places, often reflecting local features, historical events, or, as in this case, potentially ancient folklore or characteristics (e.g., "extensive").
* **The Negeb:** The specific southern region of Judah where Yithnân was located, a semi-arid area often associated with particular challenges and resources.
* **City Lists:** The genre of detailed city lists found in Joshua, which served to delineate and affirm the tribal boundaries and possessions.
### Theological Significance
As a proper geographical name appearing only once within a list, Yithnân (`{{H3497}}`) does not possess direct theological significance in terms of doctrine or moral teaching. Its theological importance is indirect, stemming from its contribution to the larger narrative of God's faithfulness and meticulous provision for His people.
The inclusion of Yithnân, along with hundreds of other cities and geographical markers in Joshua, serves several theological purposes:
1. **Fulfillment of Covenant:** It demonstrates the precise and tangible fulfillment of God's covenant promises to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob regarding the land inheritance for their descendants ([[Genesis 12:7]], [[Genesis 15:18-21]]).
2. **Divine Order and Precision:** The meticulous cataloging of every city, however seemingly minor, highlights the divine order, intentionality, and precision in the allocation of the land. God's promises are not vague but are fulfilled with exact detail.
3. **Historical Reality:** The detailed geographical lists ground the biblical narrative in historical and geographical reality, affirming the concrete nature of God's work in human history.
4. **God's Provision:** Each city represents a facet of God's gracious provision for His people, securing their dwelling place and identity as a nation.
Thus, while Yithnân itself is not a theological concept, its presence in the biblical text contributes to the overarching theological themes of divine faithfulness, covenant fulfillment, and the tangible reality of God's work in the world.
### Summary
Yithnân (`{{H3497}}`) is a Hebrew proper noun, functioning as a place name, that appears uniquely in the Old Testament. Its sole occurrence is in [[Joshua 15:23]], where it is listed among the cities allotted to the tribe of Judah in the Negeb region. Etymologically, it is connected to the word for "dragon" or "sea monster" (tannin, `{{H8577}}`), with a suggested meaning of "extensive," though this etymology does not alter its role as a fixed geographical identifier in the text. Theologically, Yithnân's inclusion, like other detailed geographical markers in Joshua, underscores the precise and faithful fulfillment of God's covenant promises regarding the land inheritance for Israel. It highlights the meticulous nature of divine provision and the historical reality of God's work among His people, demonstrating His commitment to His word in tangible ways.
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