from the same as עֲטָרוֹת and בַּיִת and יוֹאָב; crowns of the house of Joab; Atroth-beth-Joab, a place in Palestine; Ataroth the house of Joab.
Transliteration:ʻAṭrôwth bêyth Yôwʼâb
Pronunciation:at-roth' bayth yoawb'
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew lemma H5854, עַטְרוֹת בֵּית יוֹאָב (ʻAṭrôwth bêyth Yôwʼâb), is a compound proper noun functioning as a place name. Its meaning is derived from its constituent parts:
1. עַטְרוֹת (ʻAṭrôwth): This is the plural form of עֲטָרָה (`{{H5850}}`), meaning "crown," "garland," or "diadem." In its plural, it can signify multiple crowns, or perhaps a place known for its abundance, beauty, or prominence, akin to a crowning feature of the landscape.
2. בֵּית (bêyth): This is the construct state of בַּיִת (`{{H1004}}`), meaning "house of." In this context, "house" denotes not merely a physical dwelling but often a family, lineage, or clan.
3. יוֹאָב (Yôwʼâb): This is a proper name (`{{H3097}}`), meaning "Yahweh is father" or "Yahweh is my father."
Therefore, the literal translation of עַטְרוֹת בֵּית יוֹאָב is "Crowns of the House of Joab" or "Crowns of Joab's House." As a geographical designation, it identifies a place or settlement intrinsically linked to a particular family or lineage named Joab, possibly signifying a place of honor, prosperity, or a notable landmark associated with that family.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term עַטְרוֹת בֵּית יוֹאָב (Atroth-beth-Joab) appears only once in the Hebrew Bible, specifically in the genealogical records of the tribe of Judah:
* **[[1 Chronicles 2:54]]**: "The sons of Salma: Bethlehem, the Netophathites, Atroth-beth-Joab, and half of the Manahathites, the Zorites."
In this verse, Atroth-beth-Joab is listed among the descendants of Salma, who was a son of Caleb (`{{H3612}}`), the son of Hezron (`{{H2696}}`), who was a descendant of Judah (`{{H3063}}`). The context is a detailed genealogy tracing the lineage of Judah and the settlements associated with various clans within that tribe. This particular Joab is distinct from Joab, the commander of David's army (son of Zeruiah, David's sister), as the genealogical placement in 1 Chronicles 2 places him much earlier in the tribal history, within the Calebite lineage. The listing of place names alongside personal names in genealogies often indicates a founder, a primary inhabitant, or a significant clan associated with that location, thereby mapping out tribal territories and their historical development.
### Related Words & Concepts
The analysis of H5854 benefits from examining its component words and broader biblical concepts:
* **עֲטָרָה (`{{H5850}}`, "crown")**: Beyond its literal meaning of a royal or priestly headpiece, עֲטָרָה can metaphorically represent honor, glory, reward, or a source of joy and pride (e.g., [[Proverbs 12:4]], [[Proverbs 16:31]], [[Isaiah 28:5]]). Its presence in a place name might suggest a location renowned for its beauty, fertility, or the esteemed status of the family associated with it.
* **בַּיִת (`{{H1004}}`, "house")**: This word is foundational, signifying not only a physical dwelling but also a family, clan, lineage, or even a dynasty. Its use in Atroth-beth-Joab emphasizes the strong ancestral and familial connection to the place, denoting it as the property or settlement of a specific "house" or family line.
* **יוֹאָב (`{{H3097}}`, "Joab")**: As a proper name, its meaning "Yahweh is father" carries inherent theological weight, reflecting a common Israelite practice of incorporating divine names into personal appellations. The specific Joab connected to H5854 is a figure within the Calebite lineage of Judah, indicating the enduring presence of this name within different branches of Israelite families.
* **Genealogy and Land Allotment**: The inclusion of Atroth-beth-Joab within the genealogies of 1 Chronicles highlights the meticulous record-keeping concerning tribal land inheritances and family histories. These lists were crucial for establishing identity, land rights, and tribal boundaries within the Promised Land, reflecting God's faithfulness in fulfilling His promises to Abraham's descendants.
### Theological Significance
While Atroth-beth-Joab is primarily a geographical and genealogical marker, its inclusion in the divine record carries subtle theological implications:
1. **Divine Order and Providence**: The detailed genealogies, including specific place names like Atroth-beth-Joab, underscore God's meticulous ordering of history and His people. It reflects a divine providence that ensures the precise fulfillment of land promises and the preservation of tribal identities, which were vital for the future lineage of the Messiah.
2. **Covenant Faithfulness**: The meticulous tracing of lineages and their associated settlements demonstrates God's enduring faithfulness to His covenant with Abraham, which included the promise of land and numerous descendants. Each name and place, however obscure, contributes to the grand narrative of God's redemptive plan.
3. **Identity and Heritage**: For ancient Israel, these genealogies provided a profound sense of identity and heritage. Atroth-beth-Joab serves as a tangible link to the past, reminding the people of their roots in the land and their connection to specific tribal ancestors, reinforcing their collective identity as the people of God. The "crowns" aspect, though perhaps merely descriptive of the locale, could subtly hint at the blessings or prominence bestowed upon this particular branch of the "house of Joab."
### Summary
H5854, עַטְרוֹת בֵּית יוֹאָב (ʻAṭrôwth bêyth Yôwʼâb), literally translates to "Crowns of the House of Joab." It is a unique geographical place name appearing only once in the biblical text, specifically in [[1 Chronicles 2:54]]. Contextually, it identifies a settlement or area associated with a particular lineage of Joab within the tribe of Judah, specifically among the descendants of Caleb. The name itself, combining "crowns" with "house of Joab," may suggest a place of distinction, beauty, or significance for that family line. Its inclusion in the meticulous genealogies of 1 Chronicles underscores the biblical emphasis on historical accuracy, tribal identity, and the divine ordering of Israel's heritage, contributing to the broader narrative of God's covenant faithfulness to His people and their promised land.
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