The Hebrew phrase ʻAṭrôwth bêyth Yôwʼâb, represented by H5854, is a proper name identifying a specific place in Palestine. Its composite meaning is "crowns of the house of Joab" or "Ataroth the house of Joab." This name is exceedingly rare in the biblical text, appearing just 1 times in 1 unique verses.
The single appearance of H5854 is within a genealogical list in the book of Chronicles. It is mentioned as part of the lineage of Salma's descendants. The passage lists "The sons of Salma" and includes Bethlehem, the Netophathites, and then specifies Ataroth, the house of Joab 1 Chronicles 2:54. Its context is purely to identify a specific family group or location tied to this lineage.
Several related words appear in the same verse, providing context for the nature of this genealogical record:
- H5852 ʻĂṭârôwth: The root of the name, meaning "Ataroth," which is identified as the name of two places in Palestine. It is listed just before the full name in the same lineage 1 Chronicles 2:54.
- H1121 bên: Meaning "a son," this word establishes the genealogical framework of the passage, which begins with "The sons of Salma" 1 Chronicles 2:54.
- H6882 Tsorʻîy: Defined as "a Tsorite or Tsorathite," this term identifies another family group listed among Salma's descendants, emphasizing the passage's focus on lineage 1 Chronicles 2:54.
- H2680 Chătsîy ham-Mᵉnachtîy: This name, meaning "half of the Manahethites," designates another clan, situating H5854 within a broader list of affiliated families 1 Chronicles 2:54.
The significance of H5854 is rooted entirely in its function as a genealogical and geographical marker.
- Genealogical Identifier: Its sole purpose in Scripture is to demarcate a specific branch of descendants within the lineage of Salma 1 Chronicles 2:54.
- Place-Based Lineage: The name itself, "Ataroth the house of Joab," directly connects a family line ("house of Joab") to a particular location ("Ataroth"), illustrating the importance of land in biblical genealogies.
- Component of a Larger Family: It is listed alongside other groups like the Zorites H6882 and Manahethites H2680, clarifying its position as one of several clans that constituted the "sons of Salma" 1 Chronicles 2:54.
In summary, ʻAṭrôwth bêyth Yôwʼâb H5854 is a precise place name that serves a singular function in the biblical narrative. Found only in 1 Chronicles 2:54, it helps to accurately record the lineage of Salma's descendants. While not theologically significant on its own, it contributes to the meticulous preservation of family history that is central to the Old Testament, showing how identity was tied to both kinship and place.
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