The Hebrew word Yithrîy, represented by H3505, is a patronymic term for a Jithrite or descendant of Jether. This identifier appears 5 times in the biblical text, occurring across 3 unique verses. Its use is specific, serving to label a particular lineage or family group within the broader genealogical records of Israel.
In the biblical narrative, H3505 is used to establish identity in two main contexts. First, it identifies a collective group, "the Ithrites," as one of the families H4940 originating from Kirjathjearim H7157 1 Chronicles 2:53. Second, it serves as a specific identifier for two individuals named in historical records: Ira H5896 and Gareb H1619. Both men are explicitly labeled as an "Ithrite" in the parallel accounts of 2 Samuel 23:38 and 1 Chronicles 11:40.
Several related words help clarify the context of the Ithrites' identity and origin:
- H4940 mishpâchâh (family, kind-red): This term defines the Ithrites as a distinct family unit within the larger community of Kirjathjearim 1 Chronicles 2:53. It is a foundational word for understanding tribal and clan structures.
- H5896 ʻÎyrâʼ (Ira): The name of one of the two men identified as an Ithrite 2 Samuel 23:38. Context from the dossier shows an Ira was also a "chief ruler about David" 2 Samuel 20:26, connecting this lineage to prominent figures.
- H1619 Gârêb (Gareb): The name of the second individual identified as an Ithrite 1 Chronicles 11:40. This name is also associated with a hill near Jerusalem Jeremiah 31:39.
- H7157 Qiryath Yᵉʻârîym (Kirjath-jearim): This is the city from which the family of the Ithrites came 1 Chronicles 2:53, grounding their identity in a specific geographical location in Palestine.
The significance of H3505 lies in its function as a marker of identity within the Israelite community.
- Genealogical Connection: The term firmly places a group and individuals within a specific lineage, that of "a descendant of Jether." This highlights the importance of ancestry in biblical records.
- Geographic Origin: By linking the Ithrites to Kirjathjearim, the scripture provides a clear point of origin, tying their family H4940 to a specific location within the tribal inheritances 1 Chronicles 2:53.
- Individual Identification: The use of "Ithrite" to describe Ira and Gareb demonstrates its role in distinguishing individuals in lists of notable people, ensuring their heritage was recorded alongside their names 2 Samuel 23:38.
In summary, H3505 Yithrîy functions as a precise genealogical and geographical identifier. While not a common word, its appearances in scripture are significant for anchoring a specific family, the Ithrites, within the historical and communal landscape of Israel. It connects them to a place, Kirjathjearim, and identifies key members of their lineage, such as Ira and Gareb, ensuring their place in the biblical record.
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