אֶשְׁתְּמוֹעַ (esh.te.mo.a)
esh.te.mo.a
Eshtemoa
N:N--LQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 5 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- N:N--L
Word Overview
Eshtemoa is a proper noun referring to a specific Levitical city located in the mountainous region of Judah, situated south of Hebron. The name translates roughly to "I will make myself heard," derived from the Hebrew root for hearing or listening. As one of the cities assigned to the descendants of Kohath, it served as a residence and administrative center for the priests who managed the sacred duties of the tabernacle and later the temple.
The sources note that this location appears in five biblical verses, primarily within the books of Joshua, 1 Chronicles, and 1 Samuel. Its mention in Joshua highlights its role in the distribution of land to the tribe of Levi, ensuring they had a permanent inheritance distinct from the other tribes. In 1 Chronicles, it is listed among the cities of the priests, reinforcing its ongoing religious significance during the monarchy.
While the name suggests a theme of divine communication or attention, the text itself treats Eshtemoa primarily as a geographic and administrative marker rather than a site of major narrative events. Its inclusion in the historical records underscores the organized structure of Israelite worship and the specific provision made for those serving in priestly roles.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
Eshtemoa appears in Scripture as a Levitical city in Judah, its name meaning "I will make myself heard." This detail reminds us that God cares about the practical needs of those who serve Him. The priests living there had homes and pasture lands, showing that spiritual duties are supported by earthly provisions.
When we read about Eshtemoa, we see a community set apart for sacred work. It was not just a random village but a place where God’s people could focus on their calling without worry. This reflects God’s desire to provide stability and peace for His servants.
Though the name suggests being heard, the text highlights the city's role in Israel’s worship structure. We can take comfort in knowing that God organizes our lives with purpose. Whether we serve in visible ways or quietly, He sees us and provides what is needed for our calling.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 5 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- Eshtemoa2×
- and/ Eshtemoh1×
- and/ Eshtemoa1×
- [were] in/ Eshtemoa1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- וְ/אֶשְׁתְּמֹ֖עַ1×
- וְ/אֶשְׁתְּמֹ֖ה1×
- בְּ/אֶשְׁתְּמֹֽעַ\׃\ \ס1×
- אֶשְׁתְּמֹֽעַ\׃1×
- אֶשְׁתְּמֹ֖עַ1×
Key Verses
-
Joshua 21:14
Jattir with its pasture lands, Eshtemoa with its pasture lands,
This verse confirms Eshtemoa was assigned to the Kohathite priests with pasture lands, showing God’s specific provision for their service.
-
I Samuel 30:28
to those who were in Aroer, to those who were in Siphmoth, to those who were in Eshtemoa,
Here, David lists Eshtemoa among towns receiving gifts from plundered goods, demonstrating its continued importance in Judah’s social structure.
-
I Chronicles 4:17
The sons of Ezrah: Jether, Mered, Epher, and Jalon; and Mered’s wife bore Miriam, Shammai, and Ishbah the father of Eshtemoa.
This genealogy identifies Ishbah as the father of Eshtemoa, linking the city’s name to a specific family line within Judah.