from יָתַר; excellent; Jithran, the name of an Edomite and of an Israelite; Ithran.
Transliteration:Yithrân
Pronunciation:yith-rawn'
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew lemma יִתְרָן (Yithrân, `{{H3506}}`) is a proper noun derived from the verb יָתַר (yathar, `{{H3498}}`). The root `{{H3498}}` carries a rich semantic range, primarily meaning "to remain," "to be left over," but also extending to "to excel," "to be preeminent," "to be abundant," or "to have an advantage." Thus, Yithrân, as a personal name, inherently signifies "excellence," "preeminence," "advantage," or "abundance." It suggests one who is superior, outstanding, or possesses a surplus of some quality, whether strength, wisdom, or material blessing. The name embodies the concept of being "more than enough" or "distinguished."
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The name Yithrân appears in the Hebrew Bible in two distinct genealogical contexts, referring to two different individuals:
1. **An Edomite Chief:** In [[Genesis 36:26]], Yithrân is listed as a son of Dishon, a Horite chief, and subsequently a chief of Edom. This occurrence places him within the lineage of Esau's descendants and the tribal leaders who inhabited the land of Seir. The verse states, "And these are the sons of Dishon: Hemdan, Eshban, Ithran, and Cheran." As part of a genealogical list, no further narrative detail is provided about this Yithrân. His inclusion serves to delineate the tribal structures and familial connections within early Edomite society. The name's meaning, "excellent," might have been an aspirational title or a reflection of his perceived status within his clan.
2. **An Israelite of Asher:** In [[1 Chronicles 7:37]], Yithrân is identified as an Israelite, a son of Zophah, from the tribe of Asher. The verse reads, "The sons of Zophah: Suah, Harnepher, Shual, Beri, Imrah, Bezer, Hod, Shamma, Shilshah, Ithran, and Beera." Similar to the Edomite Yithrân, this individual appears solely within a genealogical record, detailing the descendants of Asher. There is no accompanying narrative that sheds light on his life or deeds. His name, therefore, stands as a marker within the tribal lineage, potentially carrying the same inherent meaning of "excellence" or "distinction" for his family line within Israel.
In both instances, Yithrân is a name within a list, offering no specific character traits or actions. Its significance is primarily derived from its etymological root and the inherent meaning it carries.
### Related Words & Concepts
The primary lexical connection for Yithrân (`{{H3506}}`) is its root verb יָתַר (yathar, `{{H3498}}`). This root is foundational and appears in various forms throughout the Hebrew Bible, conveying a range of related ideas:
* **Remaining/Being Left Over:** This is the most common usage, referring to a remnant or what is left after a process, such as "the remainder of the manna" ([[Exodus 16:23]]) or "those who were left" after a battle ([[Judges 7:7]]).
* **Excellence/Preeminence:** The root also denotes superiority or advantage. For example, the noun יִתְרוֹן (yithrôn, `{{H3504}}`), derived from the same root, means "profit," "advantage," or "superiority," famously used in Ecclesiastes to question what "advantage" a person has under the sun ([[Ecclesiastes 1:3]]). Similarly, יֶתֶר (yether, `{{H3499}}`) can mean "abundance" or "superfluity," as well as "cord" or "string."
* **Abundance/Overflow:** The concept of "more than enough" or "overflowing" is also present, reflecting a state of blessing or prosperity.
The name Yithrân thus aligns with biblical concepts of blessing, distinction, and divine favor. It resonates with the idea that God provides "more than enough" (e.g., [[Psalm 23:5]]) or that certain individuals or groups are set apart for a particular purpose or possess inherent qualities of leadership and strength. Other related concepts include "strength" (e.g., `{{H2428}}` ḥayil), "greatness" (e.g., `{{H1419}}` gadol), and "blessing" (e.g., `{{H1293}}` barakh), all of which touch upon the idea of being preeminent or abundant in a positive sense.
### Theological Significance
Given that Yithrân is a proper name with no narrative context, its theological significance is largely drawn from the inherent meaning of its root. The concept of "excellence" or "abundance" points to several theological truths:
1. **Divine Abundance and Provision:** The root meaning of "abundance" subtly reflects God's character as a provider who gives generously and often "more than enough." From the manna in the wilderness to the spiritual blessings in Christ, God's provision is characterized by superabundance ([[Ephesians 3:20]]).
2. **God's Sovereignty in Naming:** In biblical culture, names often carried prophetic or descriptive significance. While we have no divine pronouncement regarding Yithrân, the name itself, meaning "excellent," suggests an aspiration for distinction or a recognition of inherent quality. This aligns with the broader biblical theme that God knows and names His people, sometimes imbuing their names with a future hope or a present characteristic.
3. **Human Aspiration for Distinction:** The naming of a child "Yithrân" could reflect a parental hope for the child to be outstanding, to excel, or to be blessed with an advantage in life. This human desire for distinction, when rightly ordered, can be seen as a reflection of God's desire for His people to be set apart and to shine as lights in the world ([[Matthew 5:14-16]]).
4. **The Remnant Motif:** While not directly tied to the name Yithrân itself, the primary meaning of the root `{{H3498}}` ("to remain") is central to the theological concept of the "remnant" – those whom God preserves through judgment or apostasy. This "remnant" is often characterized by faithfulness and becomes the seed for future blessing and restoration, thereby being "excellent" or "preeminent" in their spiritual standing.
### Summary
Yithrân (`{{H3506}}`) is a Hebrew proper name derived from the root יָתַר (yathar, `{{H3498}}`), signifying "excellence," "preeminence," "advantage," or "abundance." It appears in the biblical text as the name of an Edomite chief in [[Genesis 36:26]] and an Israelite from the tribe of Asher in [[1 Chronicles 7:37]]. In both instances, Yithrân is listed within genealogies, providing no further narrative detail about the individuals. Despite the limited context, the name itself carries a profound semantic weight, reflecting a desire for distinction or a recognition of superiority. Theologically, its root meaning points to themes of divine abundance, God's providential care, and the human aspiration for distinction within God's plan. While the individuals named Yithrân remain largely obscure, the very meaning of their name subtly testifies to the biblical emphasis on blessing, advantage, and the concept of "more than enough" in the divine economy.
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