from the same as עֲנָתוֹת and יָהּ; answers of Jah; Anthothijah, an Israelite; Antothijah.
Transliteration:ʻAnthôthîyâh
Pronunciation:an-tho-thee-yaw'
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew proper noun עַנְתֹתִיָּה (ʻAnthôthîyâh, `{{H6070}}`) is a theophoric name, meaning "answers of Yah" or "Yah answers." Its etymology is transparent, being derived from two components: עֲנָתוֹת (ʻAnâthôth, `{{H6068}}`), which can mean "answers" or "afflictions" (related to the verb עָנָה ʻânâh, `{{H6030}}`, "to answer, respond, afflict"), and יָהּ (Yah, `{{H3050}}`), a shortened form of the divine name יְהוָה (YHWH, `{{H3068}}`). The primary semantic emphasis in this compound name is on the divine act of responding or providing answers, rather than affliction. Thus, the name encapsulates a theological statement about God's character and His interaction with humanity, specifically His willingness and ability to hear and respond.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The name ʻAnthôthîyâh (ʻAnthôthîyâh, `{{H6070}}`) appears only once in the Hebrew Bible:
* [[1 Chronicles 8:24]]: "And Jeshaiah, and Azareel, and Shema, and Sheariah, and Hananiah, and Elam, and Antothijah, and Iphedeiah, and Penuel, the sons of Shashak;"
In this sole instance, ʻAnthôthîyâh is listed as one of the sons of Shashak, a prominent figure in the genealogy of the tribe of Benjamin. The context is purely genealogical, serving to enumerate the lineage and family structure within the tribal records. As such, there is no narrative or descriptive information provided about the individual ʻAnthôthîyâh, nor any specific event or circumstance associated with his life. His inclusion simply marks his place within the intricate tapestry of Israelite descent, particularly among those who resided in Jerusalem or its environs, as suggested by the broader context of 1 Chronicles 8.
### Related Words & Concepts
The etymological roots of ʻAnthôthîyâh (ʻAnthôthîyâh, `{{H6070}}`) connect it to several significant Hebrew words and concepts:
* **עֲנָתוֹת (ʻAnâthôth, `{{H6068}}`):** This is the plural form of the noun, also a place name (Anathoth), famously the hometown of the prophet Jeremiah. Like the personal name, it carries the meaning of "answers" or "afflictions," but in the context of the personal name, "answers" is the dominant sense.
* **עָנָה (ʻânâh, `{{H6030}}`):** The root verb from which both ʻAnthôthîyâh and ʻAnâthôth derive. This verb has a broad semantic range, including "to answer," "to respond," "to testify," "to sing," but also "to afflict" or "to humble oneself." In the context of a theophoric name, the active, responsive sense ("to answer") is clearly intended.
* **יָהּ (Yah, `{{H3050}}`):** The abbreviated form of the divine name YHWH. Its presence in the name unequivocally attributes the "answering" to God, emphasizing divine agency. This is common in Hebrew names (e.g., Isaiah, Jeremiah, Hezekiah).
* **Theophoric Names:** ʻAnthôthîyâh is a prime example of a theophoric name, which integrates a divine element into a personal name. Such names often serve as miniature theological declarations, expressing the parents' faith, a specific prayer answered, or a fundamental truth about God's character.
* **Divine Responsiveness:** The name inherently points to the concept of God as one who hears and responds, a foundational tenet of biblical faith. This contrasts with the silent, unresponsive idols of pagan worship.
### Theological Significance
Despite its single, non-narrative appearance, the name ʻAnthôthîyâh (ʻAnthôthîyâh, `{{H6070}}`) carries profound theological significance by virtue of its meaning: "Yah answers."
1. **Affirmation of God's Active Presence:** The name declares that God is not a distant, indifferent deity but one who actively engages with His creation and hears the cries of His people. It underscores the biblical theme of a personal God who is accessible and responsive.
2. **Testimony to Divine Faithfulness:** For parents to name their child "Yah answers" suggests a personal experience or a deep conviction regarding God's faithfulness in hearing and responding to prayers, needs, or covenants. It could commemorate a specific prayer answered, a deliverance experienced, or simply a foundational belief in God's responsive nature.
3. **Contrast with Idolatry:** In a world where many worshipped gods who were "mute" and "could not save," the name ʻAnthôthîyâh subtly yet powerfully affirms the living God who speaks, hears, and acts. It serves as a quiet polemic against the futility of worshipping non-existent deities.
4. **Implicit Encouragement to Prayer:** The very existence of such a name within the biblical record implicitly encourages believers to approach God in prayer, confident that He is a God who answers. It reinforces the covenant relationship where communication between God and humanity is vital and effective.
In essence, even a seemingly minor name in a genealogical list can function as a theological statement, reminding the reader of a core attribute of the God of Israel: He is the God who answers.
### Summary
ʻAnthôthîyâh (ʻAnthôthîyâh, `{{H6070}}`) is a Hebrew proper name meaning "Yah answers" or "answers of Yah." It is a composite name derived from עֲנָתוֹת (ʻAnâthôth, `{{H6068}}`), meaning "answers," and יָהּ (Yah, `{{H3050}}`), the shortened divine name. Its sole occurrence in the Bible is in [[1 Chronicles 8:24]], where it identifies a descendant of Benjamin within a genealogical record. Despite its limited contextual presence, the name itself bears significant theological weight, serving as a powerful affirmation of God's active engagement, responsiveness, and faithfulness to His people. It implicitly declares that the God of Israel is a God who hears and answers, a foundational truth embedded within the very names of His people.
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