יׇטְבָ֫תָה (yot.va.tah)
yot.va.tah
Jotbathah
N:N--LQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 3 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- N:N--L
Word Overview
The name Yotbatáh, meaning "pleasantness," appears as one of the many temporary camps where the Israelites settled during their journey through the wilderness. It is listed in the itinerary records found in Numbers and Deuteronomy, marking a specific location in the long trek from Egypt to the Promised Land.
As a proper noun for a place, the word carries no complex theological argument but serves as a historical marker of God’s provision. The meaning "pleasantness" offers a quiet contrast to the harsh desert environment, suggesting that even in a barren landscape, there were moments or places of relief and rest for the weary travelers.
With only three occurrences in the Bible, Yotbatáh is not a site of major narrative events but rather a detail in the broader story of wandering. Its inclusion reminds readers that the journey was long and arduous, yet punctuated by specific stops where the community could pause before moving on to the next stage of their pilgrimage.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The name Yotbatáh means "pleasantness," a quiet reminder that God’s provision often appears in the most unexpected places. In the harsh wilderness, this stop offered relief and rest for the weary Israelites. It shows us that even in difficult seasons, there are moments of peace and sustenance prepared for us.
When we face long journeys or challenging times, it helps to remember that God is present in every step. This place marks a pause where the community could gather strength before moving forward. We can trust that He provides what we need for each stage of our lives.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 3 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- from/ Jotbathah1×
- at/ Jotbathah1×
- Jotbathah1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- מִ/יָּטְבָ֑תָה1×
- יָטְבָ֔תָה1×
- בְּ/יָטְבָֽתָה\׃1×
Key Verses
-
Numbers 33:33
They traveled from Hor Haggidgad, and encamped in Jotbathah.
This verse records the specific moment when the Israelites left Hor Haggidgad and settled in Jotbathah, marking a concrete step in their wilderness journey.
-
Deuteronomy 10:7
From there they traveled to Gudgodah; and from Gudgodah to Jotbathah, a land of brooks of water.
Here Moses recalls Jotbathah as a land of brooks, highlighting God's tangible provision of water and relief for the people during their travels.