### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word **Yᵉthêth**, represented by `{{H3509}}`, identifies **Jetheth, an Edomite**. The name's derivation is uncertain. It appears only **2 times** in **2 unique verses** in the Bible, exclusively within genealogical lists of the chieftains of Edom.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In the biblical narrative, `{{H3509}}` is used to identify a specific individual within the lineage of Esau. Both occurrences list **Jetheth** as one of the dukes `{{H441}}` of Edom `{{H123}}`. In Genesis, he is named among the dukes descended from **Esau** `{{H6215}}`, cataloged according to their families `{{H4940}}` and places `{{H4725}}` by their names `{{H8034}}` [[Genesis 36:40]]. The parallel account in 1 Chronicles lists **Jetheth** among the dukes who succeeded King Hadad `{{H1908}}` after he died `{{H4191}}` [[1 Chronicles 1:51]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words provide context for the identity and role of Jetheth:
* `{{H441}}` **ʼallûwph** (captain, duke, (chief) friend, governor, guide, ox): This title is directly applied to **Jetheth** in both of his appearances, identifying him as a chieftain or leader among the people of Edom ([[Genesis 36:40]], [[1 Chronicles 1:51]]).
* `{{H123}}` **ʼĔdôm** (Edom, Edomites, Idumea): This term defines the national and geographical identity of **Jetheth**. The lists in Genesis and 1 Chronicles explicitly name him as a duke "of **Edom**" [[1 Chronicles 1:51]].
* `{{H6215}}` **ʻÊsâv** (Esau): As the progenitor of the Edomites, **Esau** is the ancestor from whom the dukes, including **Jetheth**, descend [[Genesis 36:40]].
* `{{H4940}}` **mishpâchâh** (family, kind(-red)): This word provides the framework for the list in Genesis, which organizes the dukes "according to their **families**" [[Genesis 36:40]], linking Jetheth to a specific clan structure.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of `{{H3509}}` is derived from its inclusion in the biblical genealogies, which carry historical and narrative importance.
* **Historical Record:** The specific mention of **Jetheth** as a duke `{{H441}}` of Edom `{{H123}}` contributes to the detailed historical account of the descendants of **Esau** `{{H6215}}`, a key figure in the patriarchal narratives [[Genesis 36:40]].
* **National Structure:** The lists where **Jetheth** appears outline the leadership structure of Edom, a nation that plays a significant role in the history of Israel. The catalog of dukes by their families `{{H4940}}` and places `{{H4725}}` illustrates an organized society.
* **Fulfillment of Lineage:** The documentation of Esau's descendants, including the chieftains like **Jetheth**, serves as a record of the peoples and nations that developed alongside Israel, fulfilling the narrative of the twin brothers Jacob and Esau.
### Summary
In summary, `{{H3509}}` **Yᵉthêth** is the proper name of an Edomite chieftain. While its usage is limited to two genealogical lists, its presence provides a crucial detail in the biblical record of the descendants of Esau. The name functions as a marker of a specific leader within the structured society of Edom, contributing to the broader historical and national backdrop of the Old Testament.
TRV