### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew proper name **Yether**, represented by `{{H3500}}`, is used to identify several Israelites and one Midianite. Its base definition is the same as יֶתֶר, and it is also used for Jethro. It appears **9 times** across **8 unique verses** in the Bible, primarily as a personal name within historical narratives and genealogies.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The name Yether is attached to several distinct biblical figures. One prominent individual is **Jether** the Ishmaelite, the father of Amasa [[1 Chronicles 2:17]]. Amasa served as a captain of the host of Judah and was slain by Joab, an act that King David recalled as shedding "the blood of war in peace" ([[1 Kings 2:5]], [[1 Kings 2:32]]). Another is Gideon's firstborn son, who, when commanded to execute captured kings, did not draw his sword because he was afraid [[Judges 8:20]]. The name is also used for Jethro, Moses' father-in-law, to whom Moses returned before going back to Egypt [[Exodus 4:18]]. Other men named Jether appear in genealogies, including a son of Jada who **died** `{{H4191}}` without children [[1 Chronicles 2:32]] and a son of Ezra [[1 Chronicles 4:17]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words provide context for the narratives involving figures named Yether:
* `{{H2026}}` **hârag** (to smite with deadly intent; destroy, out of hand, kill, murder(-er), put to (death), make (slaughter), slay(-er), [idiom] surely): This action is central to two stories involving a Yether. Joab **slew** Amasa, the son of Jether [[1 Kings 2:5]], and Gideon commanded his own son, Jether, to **slay** the kings of Midian [[Judges 8:20]].
* `{{H4191}}` **mûwth** (to die (literally or figuratively); causatively, to kill): This word marks a key genealogical event, noting that Jether, the son of Jada, **died** without children, ending his direct line [[1 Chronicles 2:32]].
* `{{H3212}}` **yâlak** (to walk (literally or figuratively); causatively, to carry (in various senses); [idiom] again, away, bear, bring, carry (away), come (away), depart, flow, [phrase] follow(-ing), get (away, hence, him), (cause to, made) go): This term describes Moses's action when he **went** and returned to his father-in-law Jethro before his journey to Egypt [[Exodus 4:18]].
### Theological Significance
Though a proper name, the accounts of those named Yether touch on significant biblical themes.
* **Genealogical Identity:** The name is repeatedly used to establish lineage. It identifies the father of Amasa [[1 Chronicles 2:17]], a son of Ezra [[1 Chronicles 4:17]], a son of Jada [[1 Chronicles 2:32]], and the father of Jephunneh [[1 Chronicles 7:38]], highlighting the importance of ancestry in Israel's records.
* **Justice and Consequences:** The story of Amasa, son of Jether, is a key element in David's final instructions, demanding that Joab be held accountable for slaying him. This narrative underscores the theme that acts of violence have consequences that must be addressed [[1 Kings 2:32]].
* **Human Frailty:** The account of Gideon's son Jether shows a moment of human weakness. Despite his father's command, the young man "feared" and could not carry out the order to slay the kings [[Judges 8:20]].
* **Familial Respect:** The name is connected to Moses's father-in-law, Jethro. Moses's choice to **return** `{{H7725}}` to Jethro before undertaking his divine mission demonstrates respect for family structure and authority [[Exodus 4:18]].
### Summary
In summary, `{{H3500}}` is a personal name, Yether, that connects to multiple threads of the biblical story. While not a theological term itself, the individuals who bore the name are part of pivotal moments. They appear in contexts of political betrayal and justice [[1 Kings 2:5]], battlefield fear [[Judges 8:20]], and respectful family duty [[Exodus 4:18]]. The name Yether thus serves as a marker in the genealogical and historical record, linking to broader themes of lineage, justice, and the complexities of human action.
TRV