by variation for יִתְרָה; Jithra, an Israelite (or Ishmaelite); Ithra.
Transliteration:Yithrâʼ
Pronunciation:yith-raw'
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew term `{{H3501}}` (Yithrâʼ) is a proper noun, specifically a personal name. Its base definition indicates it is a variation of `{{H3502}}` (Yithrâh). The root from which these names derive is likely `{{H3499}}` (yether), which signifies "remainder," "advantage," "excellence," or "profit." Consequently, the name "Yithra" inherently conveys a meaning related to "abundance," "superiority," or "excellence." In the context of ancient personal names, such meanings often reflected a desired characteristic, a hope for the individual's life, or a descriptive attribute.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
`{{H3501}}` (Yithra) appears in two primary passages, both referring to the same individual:
* [[2 Samuel 17:25]]: "And Absalom made Amasa captain of the host instead of Joab: which Amasa was a man's son, whose name was Ithra an Israelite, that went in to Abigail the daughter of Nahash, sister to Zeruiah Joab's mother."
* [[1 Chronicles 2:17]]: "And Abigail bare Amasa: and the father of Amasa was Jether the Ishmeelite."
A critical observation arises from these occurrences: [[2 Samuel 17:25]] identifies Yithra as an "Israelite," while [[1 Chronicles 2:17]] identifies him as an "Ishmaelite" (using the variant spelling "Jether"). This discrepancy is a well-known textual variant. Many scholars believe the reading in 1 Chronicles ("Ishmaelite") is the more accurate original, and "Israelite" in 2 Samuel is a scribal error or a deliberate harmonization given his marriage into David's family. The Septuagint rendering of [[2 Samuel 17:25]] as Ἰεθέρ (Iether) further supports the "Jether" form found in Chronicles.
This individual, Yithra/Jether, is established as the father of Amasa, who becomes a prominent figure as Absalom's commander during the rebellion against David. Yithra is also identified as the husband of Abigail, David's sister (or half-sister, depending on the interpretation of "daughter of Nahash"). The identification as an "Ishmaelite" is significant, indicating intermarriage between Israelite and non-Israelite peoples, even within the royal lineage. This highlights the complex social and ethnic realities of the ancient Near East and the porous nature of tribal boundaries.
### Related Words & Concepts
The study of `{{H3501}}` is enriched by its connections to other Hebrew terms:
* `{{H3502}}` (Yithrâh): The feminine form of the name, meaning "abundance" or "surplus," often used for geographical locations.
* `{{H3499}}` (yether): The foundational root, signifying "remainder," "advantage," or "excellence." This root underpins the meaning of Yithra.
* `{{H3500}}` (yitron): Derived from the same root, meaning "profit" or "advantage," often seen in philosophical contexts like Ecclesiastes.
* `{{H3503}}` (Yithro - Jethro): Moses' father-in-law, whose name also derives from the same root, meaning "his excellence" or "his abundance." This demonstrates the commonality of this root in personal nomenclature.
The narrative context also links Yithra to broader concepts such as:
* **Textual Criticism:** The discrepancy between 2 Samuel and 1 Chronicles regarding Yithra's ethnicity exemplifies the importance of textual analysis in biblical scholarship.
* **Intermarriage and Ethnic Identity:** Yithra's marriage to Abigail underscores the fluid boundaries between different ethnic groups in ancient Israel, challenging simplistic notions of distinct national identities.
* **Family and Loyalty:** His role as the father of Amasa, a key figure in Absalom's rebellion, illustrates the complex familial and political allegiances within David's extended household.
### Theological Significance
As a proper noun, `{{H3501}}` (Yithra) does not convey direct theological doctrine. However, his presence in the biblical narrative offers several points of theological reflection:
1. **Divine Providence amidst Human Complexity:** Yithra's story, though brief, is interwoven into the larger tapestry of David's reign, a period marked by both divine blessing and human sin. His family's involvement in the rebellion highlights the reality that even within God's chosen people and royal line, human choices and loyalties could lead to profound conflict.
2. **The Nature of Biblical Text:** The textual variant concerning Yithra's ethnicity (Israelite vs. Ishmaelite) provides a valuable case study for understanding the process of biblical transmission. It reminds us that while the Bible is divinely inspired, it was transmitted through human hands, and careful scholarship is essential for discerning the most probable original readings. This does not diminish the Bible's authority but deepens our appreciation for its historical and literary integrity.
3. **Inclusivity and the Abrahamic Covenant:** The fact that an "Ishmaelite" could be integrated into David's family, even through marriage, subtly points to the broader scope of God's covenant purposes. While Israel was distinct, the narratives often show interaction and even kinship with surrounding peoples, reminding us that God's plan often transcends narrow ethnic boundaries, echoing the promise to Abraham that "all the families of the earth shall be blessed" through his seed [[Genesis 12:3]].
### Summary
`{{H3501}}` (Yithrâʼ) is a Hebrew proper noun, a personal name meaning "abundance" or "excellence," derived from the root `{{H3499}}`. It refers to the father of Amasa, Absalom's commander, and the husband of Abigail, David's sister. A notable textual discrepancy exists regarding his ethnic origin, with [[2 Samuel 17:25]] identifying him as an "Israelite" and [[1 Chronicles 2:17]] as an "Ishmaelite," with scholarly consensus often favoring the latter. While not a central figure, Yithra's brief appearance illuminates crucial aspects of biblical textual criticism, the nuanced ethnic and social dynamics of ancient Israel, and the complex human relationships that shaped the Davidic monarchy. His story, though minor, contributes to the rich, multifaceted narrative of God's interaction with humanity.
TRV