אִיתָמָר (i.ta.mar)
i.ta.mar
Ithamar
N:N-M-PQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 19 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- N:N-M-P
Word Overview
The name Ithamar appears nineteen times in the Hebrew Bible, primarily within the genealogical records of Chronicles and the priestly narratives of Numbers and Leviticus. It identifies the fourth and youngest son of Aaron and Elisheba, placing him among the founding figures of Israel’s priestly line. The sources suggest the name means "coast of palms" or "land of palms," a detail that may reflect a geographical origin or simply serve as a poetic identifier for this branch of Levi.
While his brothers Nadab and Abihu are remembered for their fatal transgression, and Eleazar inherits the high priesthood, Ithamar’s lineage continues through the priestly families. This distinction marks him as the ancestor of the non-high-priestly priests who served in the tabernacle and temple. His presence in the text underscores the structured nature of Israel’s worship, where different sons of Aaron took on specific roles in maintaining the sacred rituals.
Translators typically retain the name Ithamar without attempting to translate it, preserving its identity as a proper noun rather than a descriptive title. The consistent spelling across these ancient texts highlights the careful transmission of genealogical data, which was essential for establishing legitimate priestly heritage in post-exilic Judaism. The word itself functions less as a theological concept and more as a marker of lineage within the broader narrative of Israel’s religious history.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
Ithamar is a name that appears throughout the Old Testament, marking a specific branch of Aaron’s family line. As one of Aaron’s four sons, he represents the priests who served alongside the high priestly line of Eleazar. His name, often understood to mean “coast of palms,” connects his identity to the land and the structured worship of Israel. In the narratives of Exodus and Numbers, we see him actively involved in organizing the tabernacle services and managing the sacred duties assigned to the Levites.
For readers today, Ithamar reminds us that God values order and participation in community worship. The division of priestly duties between Eleazar and Ithamar shows that every role, whether prominent or supportive, was essential for the functioning of Israel’s religious life. This structure ensured that the people had consistent access to God through established rituals.
When we encounter this name in genealogies or historical accounts, it invites us to consider our own place in the broader story of faith. Just as Ithamar’s lineage was carefully preserved to maintain legitimate service, your connection to the community of believers is a vital part of God’s ongoing work. It encourages a sense of belonging and purpose within the wider body of faith.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 19 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- Ithamar13×
- and/ Ithamar5×
- for/ Ithamar1×
- and/ to/ Ithamar1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- אִֽיתָמָ֔ר4×
- וְ/אִיתָמָֽר\׃3×
- אִיתָמָ֖ר2×
- לְ/אִיתָמָֽר\׃\ \פ1×
- וּ/לְ/אִֽיתָמָ֨ר\׀1×
- וְ/אִיתָמָ֖ר1×
- וְ/אִ֣יתָמָ֔ר1×
- אִיתָמָֽר\׃\ \ס1×
- אִיתָמָֽר\׃1×
- אִיתָמָ֛ר1×
- אִיתָמָ֑ר1×
- אִֽיתָמָר֙1×
Key Verses
-
Exodus 6:23
Aaron took Elisheba, the daughter of Amminadab, the sister of Nahshon, as his wife; and she bore him Nadab and Abihu, Eleazar and Ithamar.
This verse establishes Ithamar as one of Aaron’s four sons, setting the foundation for his family’s priestly role from the beginning.
-
Numbers 4:28
This is the service of the families of the sons of the Gershonites in the Tent of Meeting. Their duty shall be under the hand of Ithamar the son of Aaron the priest.
Here Ithamar is explicitly given administrative oversight over the Gershonite Levites, highlighting his leadership in organizing tabernacle service.
-
I Chronicles 24:5
Thus they were divided impartially by drawing lots; for there were princes of the sanctuary and princes of God, both of the sons of Eleazar, and of the sons of Ithamar.
This passage shows how David’s reign formalized the priestly divisions by lot, ensuring equal representation between the lines of Eleazar and Ithamar.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the name Ithamar mean?
Why is Ithamar important in the Bible?
How does Ithamar differ from Eleazar?
Every Occurrence (19 verses across 5 books)
Exodus 3 verses
Aaron took Elisheba, the daughter of Amminadab, the sister of Nahshon, as his wife; and she bore him Nadab and Abihu,…
Exodus 28:1“Bring Aaron your brother, and his sons with him, near to you from among the children of Israel, that he may minister…
Exodus 38:21These are the amounts of materials used for the tabernacle, even the Tabernacle of the Testimony, as they were counted,…