אִיתִיאֵל (i.ti.el)
i.ti.el
Ithiel
N:N-M-PQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 2 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- N:N-M-P
Word Overview
The name Ithiel, meaning "God is with me," appears only twice in the Hebrew Bible, linking two distinct periods of Israel’s history. In Proverbs 30:1, it identifies the disciple to whom Agur imparted his wisdom sayings, suggesting a mentor-student relationship where divine presence guides learning.
Centuries later, the same name belongs to a Benjamite ancestor listed in Nehemiah 11:7 during the post-exilic restoration. This individual, son of Jeshaiah and father of Maaseiah, represents the continuity of family lines as the community rebuilt its identity in Jerusalem.
Though brief, these references highlight how personal names carried theological weight, affirming God’s companionship even in times of uncertainty or transition.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The name Ithiel carries a simple but profound meaning: "God is with me." This declaration appears in two very different settings within Scripture, reminding us that divine presence is not limited to one season of life. In Proverbs, it marks the beginning of Agur’s wisdom, suggesting that true understanding begins with acknowledging God's nearness to the learner.
Centuries later, the name reappears in Nehemiah among the genealogies of Benjamin. Here, Ithiel is part of a family line returning from exile to rebuild Jerusalem. His inclusion shows that ordinary people, whose names are often lost to history, were essential to restoring their community. God’s companionship sustained them through uncertainty and transition.
Whether you are seeking wisdom or navigating a period of rebuilding, this word offers comfort. It affirms that you are not alone in your studies or your struggles. The same God who guided ancient learners also walks with those restoring their lives today.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 2 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- to/ Ithiel2×
- Ithiel1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- לְ/אִֽיתִיאֵ֑ל1×
- לְ/אִ֖יתִיאֵ֣ל1×
- אִֽיתִיאֵ֖ל1×
Key Verses
-
Proverbs 30:1
The words of Agur the son of Jakeh, the revelation: the man says to Ithiel, to Ithiel and Ucal:
This verse introduces Agur’s wisdom sayings as a revelation given to Ithiel, highlighting the role of divine presence in the transmission of knowledge.
-
Nehemiah 11:7
These are the sons of Benjamin: Sallu the son of Meshullam, the son of Joed, the son of Pedaiah, the son of Kolaiah, the son of Maaseiah, the son of Ithiel, the son of Jeshaiah.
Ithiel is listed here as an ancestor in the post-exilic genealogy, showing how family lines were preserved during the restoration of Jerusalem.