or עַנְּתוֹתִי; patrial from עֲנָתוֹת; a Antothite or inhabitant of Anathoth; of Anathoth, Anethothite, Anetothite, Antothite.
Transliteration:ʻAnthôthîy
Pronunciation:an-tho-thee'
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew term `{{H6069}}` (ʻAnthôthîy), transliterated as 'Anthôthîy, is a gentilic or patrial adjective derived from the place name `{{H6068}}` (ʻAnâthôth). As such, its core meaning denotes an individual "of Anathoth" or "an inhabitant of Anathoth." The semantic range is primarily geographic and relational, serving to identify a person's origin or association with the specific Levitical city of Anathoth, located within the territory of Benjamin. It carries no inherent moral or qualitative meaning beyond this geographical designation, though its significance is amplified by the notable individuals associated with the place.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term `{{H6069}}` appears in several significant biblical contexts, primarily identifying individuals by their place of origin.
* **David's Mighty Men:** Abiezer the Anathothite is listed among David's thirty mighty men in both [[2 Samuel 23:27]] and [[1 Chronicles 11:28]]. This connection places Anathothites within the early history of the united monarchy, highlighting their participation in the establishment and defense of David's kingdom. [[1 Chronicles 12:3]] further mentions men from Anathoth joining David at Ziklag, reinforcing their loyalty and military contribution.
* **Jeremiah the Prophet:** Perhaps the most prominent association is with the prophet Jeremiah, who is introduced as "of the priests that were in Anathoth in the land of Benjamin" in [[Jeremiah 1:1]]. This identification is crucial, as Anathoth was a Levitical city (cf. [[Joshua 21:18]]). Jeremiah's prophetic ministry is deeply intertwined with his Anathothite identity, particularly in [[Jeremiah 11:21-23]], where he faces threats from his own townsmen, and in [[Jeremiah 32:6-15]], where he purchases a field in Anathoth during the Babylonian siege as a sign of future restoration. These passages underscore the personal and symbolic significance of his connection to Anathoth.
* **Post-Exilic Return:** [[Nehemiah 7:27]] lists the "men of Anathoth" among those who returned from Babylonian exile with Zerubbabel. This occurrence demonstrates the continuity of the community associated with Anathoth and their participation in the re-establishment of the Jewish presence in the land after the return from captivity.
Across these contexts, `{{H6069}}` consistently functions as a marker of identity, connecting individuals to a specific place that played diverse roles in Israel's history, from military service to prophetic witness and national restoration.
### Related Words & Concepts
The primary related word is the proper noun `{{H6068}}` (ʻAnâthôth), the city itself, from which `{{H6069}}` is derived. Understanding `{{H6068}}` is essential for grasping the full implications of `{{H6069}}`. Anathoth was:
* A Levitical city (specifically for the sons of Aaron) in the territory of Benjamin ([[Joshua 21:18]]). This explains Jeremiah's priestly lineage.
* The hometown of the prophet Jeremiah, making it a focal point for prophetic activity and divine revelation.
* A place associated with both loyalty (David's mighty men) and hostility (the threats against Jeremiah from his own townsmen).
Other related concepts include:
* **Gentilic/Patrial Terms:** `{{H6069}}` belongs to a class of words that identify individuals by their place of origin (e.g., "Jebusite," "Gileadite"), which are common in biblical narratives for tribal, geographical, and historical identification.
* **Prophecy:** The profound connection to Jeremiah links `{{H6069}}` to the broader themes of divine calling, prophetic suffering, and God's message to His people.
* **Exile and Restoration:** The return of the Anathothites in Nehemiah highlights the theme of God's faithfulness in bringing His people back to their land after judgment.
* **Levitical Priesthood:** Jeremiah's priestly background from Anathoth connects the term to the lineage and duties of the Aaronic priesthood.
### Theological Significance
The term `{{H6069}}`, particularly through its association with Jeremiah, carries significant theological weight.
* **Divine Sovereignty and Election:** Anathoth was not a major metropolitan center, yet God chose it as the birthplace and home of one of His most profound prophets. This illustrates God's sovereign election of His instruments, often from humble or unexpected origins, to accomplish His divine purposes ([[Jeremiah 1:5]]). It underscores that God's power and message are not limited by human prestige or location.
* **The Cost of Prophetic Obedience:** Jeremiah's experience of persecution from his own townsmen in Anathoth ([[Jeremiah 11:21-23]]) powerfully illustrates the personal cost of faithfulness to God's word, even when it means confronting those closest to you. The "Anathothite" identity for Jeremiah thus becomes a symbol of a prophet who faced rejection even in his own home.
* **Hope Amidst Despair:** Jeremiah's symbolic purchase of a field in Anathoth during the Babylonian siege ([[Jeremiah 32:6-15]]) is a profound act of faith. Despite the imminent destruction and exile, this act, rooted in his Anathothite connection, served as a tangible sign of God's promise of future restoration and the eventual return of His people to the land. It embodies the theological truth that God's covenant promises endure even through periods of severe judgment.
* **Continuity of God's Covenant People:** The return of the Anathothites from exile ([[Nehemiah 7:27]]) speaks to the enduring nature of God's covenant with Israel and His faithfulness in preserving a remnant. It signifies the re-establishment of community and the continuation of the divine plan for His people.
### Summary
The Hebrew term `{{H6069}}` (ʻAnthôthîy) designates an individual originating from the Levitical city of Anathoth. Its occurrences in the biblical text link it to significant periods and figures in Israelite history: the military prowess of David's mighty men ([[2 Samuel 23:27]]), the profound prophetic ministry of Jeremiah ([[Jeremiah 1:1]]), and the post-exilic return to the land ([[Nehemiah 7:27]]). Theologically, the "Anathothite" identity, particularly through Jeremiah, serves as a poignant reminder of God's sovereign election of His servants from diverse backgrounds, the inherent challenges of prophetic faithfulness, and the enduring hope of God's covenant promises of restoration, even in the face of national judgment and exile. It underscores that God works through specific individuals and places to fulfill His redemptive purposes throughout history.
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