from יֶתֶר and עַם; excellence of people; Jithream, a son of David; Ithream.
Transliteration:Yithrᵉʻâm
Pronunciation:yith-reh-awm'
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew name Yithrᵉʻâm (`{{H3507}}`, יִתְרְעָם) is a compound noun, meticulously crafted from two distinct elements: יֶתֶר (yeter, `{{H3499}}`) and עַם (am, `{{H5971}}`). The root `{{H3499}}` (yeter) carries a rich semantic range, encompassing concepts such as "remainder," "excess," "advantage," "preeminence," "superiority," and "abundance." It often denotes that which is left over but is significant, or that which is outstanding. The second component, `{{H5971}}` (am), is a foundational term meaning "people," "nation," or "kindred," referring to a collective body of individuals, often bound by shared ancestry or identity.
When these two elements are combined, "Yithrᵉʻâm" conveys a meaning such as "excellence of people," "preeminence of people," "abundance of people," or "the people are abundant/excellent." The prevalent understanding, particularly for a personal name, leans towards "excellence of people," suggesting a hope or declaration that the individual would be outstanding among their kin, or that their very existence would signify a blessing of abundance or quality for their community. This name, therefore, speaks to a desired attribute of distinction and flourishing within the collective.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
Yithrᵉʻâm (`{{H3507}}`) appears in the Old Testament exclusively as the name of one of King David's sons. His presence in the biblical record is limited to two genealogical lists that enumerate David's children born in Hebron:
* **[[2 Samuel 3:5]]**: "and the fifth, Shephatiah the son of Abital; and the sixth, Ithream the son of Eglah David’s wife." Here, Yithrᵉʻâm is explicitly identified as the sixth son born to David during his reign in Hebron, with his mother being Eglah.
* **[[1 Chronicles 3:3]]**: "the sixth, Ithream by Eglah his wife." This account in Chronicles corroborates the information provided in Samuel, affirming his position as the sixth son born in Hebron and his mother's identity.
Beyond these two citations, the Scriptures offer no further narrative details concerning Yithrᵉʻâm's life, his actions, or any specific role he might have played during David's reign. Unlike some of his half-brothers, such as Amnon, Absalom, or Adonijah, who are central figures in significant biblical narratives, Yithrᵉʻâm remains a background figure. His significance lies solely in his inclusion within the divinely preserved lineage of King David, a lineage crucial for the unfolding of God's covenant promises. His presence in these lists serves to complete the record of David's progeny, ensuring the integrity of the royal line.
### Related Words & Concepts
The study of Yithrᵉʻâm (`{{H3507}}`) naturally connects to several broader biblical words and concepts:
* **יֶתֶר (yeter, `{{H3499}}`):** As a component of Yithrᵉʻâm's name, this root is pervasive throughout the Hebrew Bible. It signifies "rest," "remainder," "advantage," or "preeminence." Its usage in other contexts, such as "the rest of the people" or "the advantage of Israel," highlights its capacity to denote either what is left over or what is superior. In Yithrᵉʻâm's name, it leans towards the positive connotation of distinction or abundance.
* **עַם (am, `{{H5971}}`):** This is a fundamental term for "people" and is central to the biblical understanding of community and nationhood, particularly in reference to Israel as God's chosen "people" (am YHWH). The combination with yeter in Yithrᵉʻâm's name subtly links the individual to the collective identity and destiny of God's covenant people.
* **David's Sons and Dynasty:** Yithrᵉʻâm is one among many sons of David, each of whom bore a name often imbued with meaning, reflecting hopes, prayers, or circumstances surrounding their birth (e.g., Absalom, "father of peace"; Adonijah, "my Lord is Yahweh"). The naming convention for Yithrᵉʻâm, though less overtly theological than some, still speaks to a desired quality or blessing for the child and, by extension, for the burgeoning Davidic dynasty.
* **Genealogy:** The primary context for Yithrᵉʻâm's appearance is within biblical genealogies. These lists are not mere historical records but are theological constructs, establishing identity, inheritance rights, and the preservation of covenant lines. In the case of David's sons, the genealogy serves to underscore the continuity of the royal promise that would ultimately lead to the Messiah.
### Theological Significance
While Yithrᵉʻâm himself is not a prominent figure in the theological narratives of the Old Testament, his name and his inclusion in the Davidic lineage carry subtle yet profound theological weight:
* **Divine Providence in Lineage:** The meticulous recording of David's sons, even those like Yithrᵉʻâm who played no active role in the grand narrative, underscores God's precise and faithful providence in preserving the promised lineage. Every son, regardless of their historical prominence, was a link in the sacred chain that would ultimately culminate in the Messiah, Jesus Christ, who is repeatedly affirmed as the "Son of David" ([[Matthew 1:1]], [[Luke 1:32]]). Yithrᵉʻâm's very existence, though silent in narrative, testifies to God's unwavering commitment to His covenant with David.
* **The Meaning as Prophetic Hope:** The name "excellence of people" or "abundance of people" can be interpreted as a latent prophetic hope for the Davidic line itself. David's reign was indeed characterized by preeminence and an abundance of blessing for Israel, laying the groundwork for a glorious future. The name might subtly foreshadow the ultimate "excellence" and "abundance" that would be fully realized through David's greater Son, Jesus, who is the preeminent one among all creation and who brings an abundance of grace, truth, and eternal life to His people.
* **Humility in God's Plan:** The fact that a son bearing such a promising name fades into obscurity within the biblical narrative highlights a crucial theological principle: God's redemptive plan often unfolds through individuals who are not necessarily prominent in human history or who achieve great renown. The ultimate focus remains on God's overarching purpose and His sovereign work, rather than on the individual achievements or fame of every person within a divinely ordained lineage. Yithrᵉʻâm serves as a quiet reminder that every member of the covenant line, whether famous or obscure, contributes to the divine tapestry of redemption.
### Summary
Yithrᵉʻâm (`{{H3507}}`, יִתְרְעָם) is a Hebrew personal name meaning "excellence of people" or "abundance of people," formed from the roots `{{H3499}}` (yeter, "preeminence, abundance") and `{{H5971}}` (am, "people"). He is identified in [[2 Samuel 3:5]] and [[1 Chronicles 3:3]] as the sixth son born to King David in Hebron, specifically by his wife Eglah. Beyond his inclusion in these crucial Davidic genealogies, the biblical text provides no further details about his life or actions. His significance is primarily theological: his presence in the lineage affirms God's meticulous preservation of the Davidic royal line, which ultimately leads to the Messiah. The hopeful meaning of his name can be seen as a subtle foreshadowing of the preeminence and abundance that would characterize the reign of David's greater Son, Jesus Christ. Yithrᵉʻâm's quiet role in Scripture underscores that God's grand redemptive plan unfolds through every individual within His covenant, whether prominent or obscure, all contributing to the divine narrative of salvation.
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