יַ֫חַת (ya.chat)

ya.chat

Jahath

H3189 · Hebrew · Old Testament · 5 verses

N:N-M-P

Language: Biblical Hebrew
Testament: Old Testament
Occurrences: 5 verses
Root: —
Part of speech: N:N-M-P

Word Overview

The name Yahath, meaning "He will snatch up," appears in the genealogies of Chronicles as a marker for several distinct individuals across the tribes of Judah and Levi. Its occurrence is limited to five verses, primarily serving to link family lines during the period of the Divided Monarchy or tracing Levitical ancestry back to the wilderness era.

Lexical sources identify at least three separate bearers of this name. One appears in the line of Judah as a son of Haroeh and father of Ahumai (1 Chronicles 4:2). Others are listed among the descendants of Levi, including a Gershonite Levite who founded a household and a Merarite living during King Josiah’s reign. The repetition of the name suggests it was a recognizable element in these ancestral records.

The etymology connects to a root implying swift action or capture. While the meaning is vivid, the word functions strictly as a proper noun here rather than a verb describing an event. Its presence in Chronicles highlights the importance of maintaining precise genealogical records for tribal identity and priestly service.

Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).

What This Word Means for Your Faith

The name Jahath appears in the biblical record not as a character driving a narrative, but as a vital link in a long chain of ancestors. Its meaning, "He will snatch up," suggests a family history marked by decisive action or perhaps divine intervention. In the detailed genealogies of Chronicles, this name connects the tribes of Judah and Levi, reminding us that our spiritual heritage is built on real people who lived, worked, and served God in their own time.

For your faith today, these records offer a quiet comfort. They show that God keeps careful account of His people, preserving names and lineages across generations. Whether listed among the leaders of Levi or as an overseer during King Josiah’s reforms, Jahath’s presence highlights the importance of faithful service within the community of believers. Your own place in the body of Christ is part of this same enduring story.

How it's translated

How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 5 verses where it appears, by frequency.

Jahath5×
and/ Jahath1×

Forms in the text

The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.

יַ֣חַת3×
יָֽחַת\׃1×
יַ֔חַת1×
וְ/יַ֣חַת1×

Key Verses

I Chronicles 4:2
Reaiah the son of Shobal became the father of Jahath; and Jahath became the father of Ahumai and Lahad. These are the families of the Zorathites.

This verse identifies Jahath as a pivotal figure in the Zorathite family line, linking Reaiah to Ahumai and establishing tribal identity.
I Chronicles 23:10
The sons of Shimei: Jahath, Zina, Jeush, and Beriah. These four were the sons of Shimei.

Here Jahath is listed among Shimei’s sons, showing his role within the broader Levitical clan structure during the temple service organization.
II Chronicles 34:12
The men did the work faithfully. Their overseers were Jahath and Obadiah the Levites, of the sons of Merari; and Zechariah and Meshullam, of the sons of the Kohathites, to give direction; and others of the Levites, who were all skillful with musical instruments.

This occurrence highlights Jahath as a skilled overseer of Merariite Levites, demonstrating active leadership in the religious reforms of Josiah’s day.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does the name Jahath mean?

The name Jahath (יַ֫חַת) is generally understood to mean "He will snatch up" or "to seize." This etymology suggests a sense of swift action or capture, though in these verses it functions strictly as a proper noun identifying individuals rather than describing an event.

Is Jahath the same person in all five verses?

No. Lexical sources identify at least three distinct individuals named Jahath across these passages. One appears in the tribe of Judah (1 Chronicles 4:2), while others are listed among the Levites, such as a Gershonite descendant (1 Chronicles 23:10) and an overseer during Josiah’s reign (2 Chronicles 34:12).

Why is this name included in the Bible?

The inclusion of names like Jahath in Chronicles serves to preserve tribal identity and priestly lineage. These records were essential for establishing who belonged to which family group, particularly for those serving in the temple or holding specific roles in the community of Israel.

Every Occurrence (5 verses across 2 books)

I Chronicles 4 verses

I Chronicles 4:2

Reaiah the son of Shobal became the father of Jahath; and Jahath became the father of Ahumai and Lahad. These are the…

I Chronicles 23:10

The sons of Shimei: Jahath, Zina, Jeush, and Beriah. These four were the sons of Shimei.

I Chronicles 23:11

Jahath was the chief, and Zizah the second; but Jeush and Beriah didn’t have many sons; therefore they became a…

I Chronicles 24:22

Of the Izharites, Shelomoth; of the sons of Shelomoth, Jahath.

II Chronicles 1 verse