אֶבְיָתָר (ev.ya.tar)
ev.ya.tar
Abiathar
N:N-M-PQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 27 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- N:N-M-P
Word Overview
The name Abiathar, meaning "my father is great" or "father of abundance," identifies a significant priest during Israel’s United Monarchy. He was the son of Ahimelech and grandson of Ahitub, entering the biblical narrative in 1 Samuel 22:20 when he escaped the massacre at Nob to join David. This moment marks him as one of David’s earliest and most loyal supporters, providing spiritual leadership during the king’s years of flight from Saul.
Abiathar served as a key religious figure alongside Zadok, often carrying the ephod to seek God’s guidance for David, as seen in 1 Samuel 23:6 and 30:7. His presence in 2 Samuel 15:24 shows his continued influence during Absalom’s rebellion, where he remained faithful to David’s cause. However, his political stance shifted later; in 1 Kings 1:7, he supported Adonijah’s bid for the throne instead of Solomon.
This disloyalty had lasting consequences. In 1 Kings 2:26-27, Solomon removed Abiathar from the priesthood as a fulfillment of judgment against Eli’s house. The name itself, pointing to paternal greatness, contrasts with his final demotion, illustrating how familial legacy did not guarantee permanent status in the royal court.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The name Abiathar means "my father is great," yet his story shows us that family legacy does not guarantee personal faithfulness. He was a priest who stood by King David during the darkest days of flight and persecution, carrying the ephod to seek God’s direction when the path ahead seemed unclear. This loyalty made him a trusted spiritual advisor, demonstrating that consistent presence in times of trouble builds deep trust between leaders and their communities.
However, his later support for Adonijah’s rebellion against Solomon reveals how even those close to power can make choices that lead to loss. Solomon honored Abiathar’s past service by sparing his life but removed him from the priesthood, fulfilling an earlier judgment against Eli’s house. This contrast reminds us that while God remembers faithfulness, He also calls us to remain steadfast in truth and allegiance throughout our entire lives.
Abiathar’s journey invites reflection on where we place our ultimate loyalty. It is easy to stand with leaders during their struggles, but harder to maintain integrity when political winds shift. His story encourages us to examine our own commitments, ensuring that our support for others does not compromise our devotion to God’s established order and justice.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 27 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- Abiathar15×
- and/ Abiathar5×
- and/ <to>/ Abiathar3×
- and/ to/ Abiathar2×
- to/ Abiathar1×
- of/ Abiathar1×
- and/ for/ Abiathar1×
- [was] Abiathar1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- וְ/אֶבְיָתָ֖ר3×
- אֶבְיָתָ֖ר3×
- וּ/לְ/אֶבְיָתָ֣ר2×
- וּ/לְ/אֶבְיָתָ֖ר2×
- אֶבְיָתָ֣ר2×
- אֶבְיָתָ֛ר2×
- אֶבְיָתָ֔ר2×
- אֶבְיָתָ֑ר2×
- לְ/אֶבְיָתָ֗ר1×
- לְ/אֶבְיָתָ֑ר1×
- וּ/לְ/אֶבְיָתָר֙1×
- וּ/לְ/אֶבְיָתָ֨ר1×
Key Verses
-
I Samuel 23:6
When Abiathar the son of Ahimelech fled to David to Keilah, he came down with an ephod in his hand.
This verse highlights Abiathar's critical role as David's spiritual advisor, bringing the ephod to seek divine guidance during a moment of crisis.
-
II Samuel 15:24
Behold, Zadok also came, and all the Levites with him, bearing the ark of the covenant of God; and they set down God’s ark; and Abiathar went up until all the people finished passing out of the city.
Abiathar’s presence with the ark during Absalom’s rebellion shows his continued influence and loyalty to David despite the threat of civil war.
-
I Kings 1:7
He conferred with Joab the son of Zeruiah and with Abiathar the priest; and they followed Adonijah and helped him.
Here Abiathar shifts allegiance, supporting Adonijah’s bid for the throne, which marks a decisive break from his previous loyalty to David's line.
-
I Kings 2:27
So Solomon thrust Abiathar out from being priest to Yahweh, that he might fulfill Yahweh’s word which he spoke concerning the house of Eli in Shiloh.
Solomon removes Abiathar from the priesthood specifically to fulfill the prophecy concerning the house of Eli, showing how past judgments are realized through present actions.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the name Abiathar mean?
Why was Abiathar removed from the priesthood?
What was Abiathar’s role during David’s reign?
Every Occurrence (27 verses across 4 books)
I Samuel 6 verses
One of the sons of Ahimelech the son of Ahitub, named Abiathar, escaped and fled after David.
I Samuel 22:21Abiathar told David that Saul had slain Yahweh’s priests.
I Samuel 22:22David said to Abiathar, “I knew on that day, when Doeg the Edomite was there, that he would surely tell Saul. I am…
I Samuel 23:6When Abiathar the son of Ahimelech fled to David to Keilah, he came down with an ephod in his hand.
I Samuel 23:9David knew that Saul was devising mischief against him. He said to Abiathar the priest, “Bring the ephod here.”
I Samuel 30:7David said to Abiathar the priest, the son of Ahimelech, “Please bring the ephod here to me.” Abiathar brought the…