### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word **ʻAmmôwnîyth**, represented by `{{H5985}}`, is the feminine term for an **Ammonitess**. It appears **4 times** across **4 unique verses** in the Bible. This word specifically identifies a woman of Ammonite descent, noting her national and ethnic origin.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In the biblical narrative, `{{H5985}}` is used to identify two specific women. Three of its occurrences refer to Naamah, an **Ammonitess** who was the mother of King Rehoboam, the son of Solomon who reigned in Judah ([[1 Kings 14:21]], [[1 Kings 14:31]], [[2 Chronicles 12:13]]). The only other use of the term identifies Shimeath, an **Ammonitess** who was the mother of Zabad, one of the men who conspired against the king [[2 Chronicles 24:26]].
### Related Words & Concepts
One key related word helps place `{{H5985}}` in its biblical context:
* `{{H4125}}` **Môwʼâbîy** (a Moabite or Moabitess, i.e. a descendant from Moab): This term appears in direct parallel with `{{H5985}}` when describing the conspirators. Zabad is the son of an **Ammonitess**, while his co-conspirator Jehozabad is the son of a Moabitess [[2 Chronicles 24:26]]. In other passages, Ammonites and Moabites are frequently listed together as foreign peoples with whom Israel intermarried [[1 Kings 11:1]] and who were forbidden from entering the congregation of God [[Nehemiah 13:1]].
### Theological Significance
The significance of `{{H5985}}` lies in its specific application to women connected to Israel's leadership.
* **Foreign Influence in Royal Lineage:** The most prominent use of the term is to identify Naamah, the mother of King Rehoboam [[1 Kings 14:21]]. This notes the presence of a non-Israelite mother for a king in the Davidic line.
* **Identity in Opposition:** The term is also used to mark the heritage of Shimeath, whose son Zabad conspired against the king of Judah [[2 Chronicles 24:26]]. In this instance, the foreign identity is associated with rebellion.
* **A Marked Distinction:** By explicitly labeling these women by their foreign origin, the text underscores their non-Israelite status within the nation's history, whether in the royal court or in sedition.
### Summary
In summary, `{{H5985}}` is a precise ethnic label used sparingly but significantly. It identifies the **Ammonitess** mothers of two notable figures in Israel's history: a king and a conspirator. The word serves to highlight foreign lineage at critical points in the narrative, illustrating the integration of and conflict with surrounding peoples like the Ammonites and Moabites.
TRV