of uncertain derivation; Jetheth, an Edomite; Jetheth. k
Transliteration:Yᵉthêth
Pronunciation:yeh-thayth'
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew lemma יְתֵת (Yᵉthêth), Strong's `{{H3509}}`, is a proper noun referring to a specific individual. Its derivation is explicitly stated as "uncertain," meaning its etymological root or inherent meaning is not clearly discernible from the Hebrew lexicon. As a proper name, its semantic range is singularly focused on identifying the person it denotes: Jetheth, an Edomite chief. Unlike common nouns or verbs, proper nouns do not possess a broad semantic field but serve primarily as unique identifiers within the biblical narrative.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The name Jetheth (`{{H3509}}`) appears twice in the Hebrew Bible, both instances within genealogical lists pertaining to the descendants of Esau, the progenitor of Edom.
1. **[[Genesis 36:40]]**: "These are the names of the chiefs of Esau, according to their families, according to their places, by their names: chief Timna, chief Alvah, chief Jetheth," (ESV). Here, Jetheth is listed among the "chiefs" (אַלּוּפֵי, `{{H441}}`) who emerged from Esau's lineage, inhabiting various regions of Edom. This verse is part of a detailed account of Esau's family, including his wives, sons, and the clans that descended from them, emphasizing the fulfillment of God's blessing to Esau that he would become a mighty nation ([[Genesis 27:39-40]]).
2. **[[1 Chronicles 1:52]]**: "chief Aholibamah, chief Elah, chief Pinon, chief Kenaz, chief Teman, chief Mibzar, chief Magdiel, chief Iram. These are the chiefs of Edom." (ESV). While the verse itself does not explicitly mention Jetheth, the preceding verse ([[1 Chronicles 1:51]]) lists "chief Jetheth" among the chiefs of Edom, parallel to the [[Genesis 36]] account. The Chronicler's repetition of these genealogies underscores their historical veracity and importance for understanding the broader tapestry of nations surrounding Israel. In both contexts, Jetheth is presented not as an individual with a specific narrative role, but as a significant figure representing a clan or region within the Edomite confederation, testifying to the structured nature of their society.
### Related Words & Concepts
Given that `{{H3509}}` is a proper noun of uncertain derivation, it does not have direct etymological cognates in the typical sense of shared root meanings. However, it is conceptually related to several broader biblical themes and terms:
* **Edomite Genealogies**: Jetheth is inextricably linked to the extensive lists of Esau's descendants found in [[Genesis 36]] and [[1 Chronicles 1]]. These genealogies include other Edomite chiefs such as Timna, Alvah, Aholibamah, Elah, Pinon, Kenaz, Teman, Mibzar, Magdiel, and Iram. The meticulous recording of these lineages serves to establish the historical context and national identity of Edom.
* **Sons of Esau**: The broader family of Esau (`{{H6215}}`), Jacob's brother, forms the foundational context for Jetheth's identity. The relationship between Israel and Edom, though often adversarial, originated in this fraternal bond.
* **Chiefs (אַלּוּפֵי, `{{H441}}`)**: The term used to describe Jetheth and his counterparts signifies leadership or tribal heads, indicating a structured societal organization among the Edomites.
* **The Land of Edom (אֱדוֹם, `{{H123}}`)**: Jetheth is associated with this territory, situated southeast of the Dead Sea, a region frequently mentioned in prophetic and historical books regarding its interactions with Israel.
### Theological Significance
While Jetheth himself is a minor figure in terms of narrative action, his inclusion in the biblical record carries several theological implications:
* **Divine Sovereignty over All Nations**: The meticulous recording of Edomite genealogies, including figures like Jetheth, demonstrates God's comprehensive knowledge and sovereignty over all peoples, not just Israel. Even nations outside the direct covenant line are part of His grand historical design.
* **Historical Veracity and Reliability of Scripture**: The inclusion of detailed genealogical lists, even for non-Israelite nations, underscores the Bible's commitment to historical accuracy. These records serve as a testament to the factual basis of the biblical narrative, grounding theological truth in historical reality.
* **Fulfillment of Prophecy**: The proliferation of Esau's descendants into numerous chiefs and clans, as evidenced by figures like Jetheth, fulfills the blessing given to Esau by Isaac, promising that he would become a mighty nation ([[Genesis 27:39-40]]).
* **Distinction and Relationship between Nations**: The genealogies of Edom highlight its distinct identity from Israel, yet also acknowledge their shared ancestry through Isaac. This foundational relationship, though often fraught with conflict in later history, is rooted in God's providential ordering of humanity. The very existence of such detailed lists for Edom underscores their significance in the unfolding drama of redemption history, often serving as a foil or contrast to the covenant people.
### Summary
Jetheth (`{{H3509}}`, יְתֵת) is a proper noun of uncertain derivation, identifying an Edomite chief. Mentioned twice in the biblical genealogies ([[Genesis 36:40]], [[1 Chronicles 1:52]]), Jetheth is consistently listed among the "chiefs" of Edom, signifying a leader within the tribal structure descended from Esau. Although he plays no active narrative role, his inclusion is significant. Theologically, Jetheth's presence in Scripture affirms God's universal sovereignty, validates the historical accuracy of the biblical record, illustrates the fulfillment of divine blessings upon nations, and underscores the distinct yet intertwined destinies of Israel and Edom within God's overarching plan for humanity.
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