the same as יֶתֶר; Jether, the name of five or six Israelites and of one Midianite; Jether, Jethro. Compare יִתְרוֹ.
Transliteration:Yether
Pronunciation:yeh'-ther
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew term `{{H3500}}` (Yether) functions primarily as a proper noun, designating a personal name. Its meaning is directly tied to the common noun `{{H3499}}` (yether), which signifies "remainder," "abundance," "excellence," "advantage," or "cord/string." Thus, the name `{{H3500}}` itself carries connotations of "abundance," "superiority," "preeminence," or "excellence." It is also explicitly linked to `{{H3503}}` (Yithrow), which is the more common form of the name Jethro, Moses' father-in-law. The slight variation in `{{H3503}}` likely includes a possessive suffix, suggesting "his excellence" or "his abundance." Therefore, `{{H3500}}` embodies a sense of something left over that is valuable, or an exceptional quality.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The name `{{H3500}}` appears in the Hebrew Bible referring to several individuals, both Israelite and Midianite:
1. **Jether, the Midianite (Moses' Father-in-Law):** In [[Exodus 4:18]], Moses returns to "Jether his father-in-law." While he is more famously known as Jethro (`{{H3503}}`), this verse uses `{{H3500}}`, confirming the close relationship between the two forms of the name. His role is significant as a priest of Midian who acknowledged Yahweh's supremacy ([[Exodus 18:9-12]]) and offered wise counsel to Moses.
2. **Jether, Son of Gideon:** In [[Judges 8:20]], Gideon instructs his firstborn son, Jether, to kill the Midianite kings Zebah and Zalmunna. Jether, though old enough, hesitates out of fear, indicating his youth or inexperience, perhaps contrasting ironically with the "excellence" suggested by his name.
3. **Jether, Father of Amasa:** Identified in [[1 Chronicles 2:17]] as an Ishmaelite and the father of Amasa, who became commander of Absalom's army. He is also referred to as Ithra in [[2 Samuel 17:25]]. His marriage to Abigail, David's sister, highlights a genealogical connection to the royal line.
4. **Jether, a Son of Jada:** Listed in the genealogy of Judah in [[1 Chronicles 2:32]]. He is presented as one of the sons of Jada, of the line of Hezron.
5. **Jether, a Son of Ezrah:** Mentioned in [[1 Chronicles 4:17]] as a descendant of Judah through Ezrah. This is another purely genealogical reference.
6. **Jether, a Benjamite:** In [[1 Chronicles 7:38]], Jether is listed among the sons of Jedaiah, a descendant of Benjamin.
7. **Jether, a Levite:** A descendant of Merari, listed among the Levites in [[1 Chronicles 24:30]]. This occurrence is also within a genealogical record.
In most cases, the name appears in genealogical lists, providing little specific narrative context beyond identification. The most significant narrative roles belong to Jether, Moses' father-in-law, and Jether, Gideon's son, where the name's meaning might subtly interact with the character's actions or identity.
### Related Words & Concepts
The primary related terms to `{{H3500}}` are:
* **`{{H3499}}` (yether):** This is the common noun from which the proper name `{{H3500}}` is derived. It means "remainder," "excess," "advantage," "excellence," or "cord/string." The semantic range of `{{H3499}}` directly informs the understanding of the name `{{H3500}}`.
* **`{{H3503}}` (Yithrow):** This is the more frequently used form of the name Jethro, Moses' father-in-law. The close relationship between `{{H3500}}` and `{{H3503}}` is evident in their shared root and the direct biblical usage (e.g., [[Exodus 4:18]] using `{{H3500}}` for Jethro).
* **`{{H3498}}` (yathar):** This is the verbal root from which both `{{H3499}}` and the names `{{H3500}}`/`{{H3503}}` originate. It means "to remain," "to be left over," "to excel," or "to be preeminent."
Concepts associated with these words include:
* **Abundance/Excess:** Signifying more than enough, a surplus.
* **Excellence/Superiority:** Indicating a high quality, preeminence, or advantage.
* **Remnant:** While `{{H3499}}` can mean "remainder," the proper noun `{{H3500}}` tends to lean more towards the "excellence" aspect when used as a name.
* **Cord/Bond:** A less common but present meaning of `{{H3499}}`, suggesting strength or connection.
### Theological Significance
As a proper noun, the theological significance of `{{H3500}}` primarily resides in the individuals who bore the name, and secondarily in the inherent meaning of the name itself. The root meaning of "excellence" or "abundance" can be seen as a reflection of God's character or His blessings.
For Jether/Jethro, Moses' father-in-law, his name's connotation of "excellence" resonates with his significant role. He is portrayed as a wise and discerning figure who recognized the power of Yahweh ([[Exodus 18:9-11]]) and offered invaluable administrative advice to Moses, thereby contributing to the effective governance of Israel. His counsel, given from a position outside the Israelite covenant, highlights the universal recognition of divine wisdom and order. His "excellence" was not merely personal but contributed to the flourishing of God's people.
For other individuals named Jether, their significance is largely genealogical, tying them into the broader tapestry of Israel's history and God's covenantal faithfulness. While their specific actions are not detailed, their inclusion in the biblical record affirms their place within God's unfolding plan. The recurrence of a name like "Jether" across different families and tribes underscores the common aspirations for blessing, abundance, and excellence within the Israelite consciousness, often seen as gifts from God. In a broader sense, the naming convention itself reflects the belief that names carry meaning and can even be prophetic or aspirational, pointing to a quality or destiny ordained by the divine.
### Summary
`{{H3500}}` (Yether) is a Hebrew proper noun, a personal name derived from the root `{{H3498}}` (yathar) and the common noun `{{H3499}}` (yether), signifying "abundance," "excellence," or "superiority." It is notably used for Jethro, Moses' father-in-law, in [[Exodus 4:18]], establishing a direct link to the more common form `{{H3503}}`. Several other Israelites across various tribes and periods also bore this name, primarily appearing in genealogical records. The name's inherent meaning suggests a quality of preeminence or a surplus of virtue. Theologically, its most profound resonance is found in the character of Jethro, whose wisdom and acknowledgment of Yahweh's supremacy exemplify the "excellence" implied by his name, contributing significantly to the early leadership of Israel. The consistent use of such a name across generations reflects a cultural valuing of the qualities of distinction and divine blessing.
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