יַתִּיר (yat.tir)
yat.tir
Jattir
N:N--LQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 3 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- N:N--L
Word Overview
The Hebrew name Yattir (יַתִּיר) identifies a specific town located in the mountainous region of Judah. In biblical geography, it appears as one of the settlements assigned to the tribe of Judah during the initial distribution of the land, and it is later mentioned in the context of the priestly cities within that same territory.
The name itself carries the meaning "plenty" or "abundance." This etymology likely reflects the agricultural fertility of the location or perhaps a prayer for prosperity associated with the settlement. As a proper noun, it functions primarily as a geographical marker rather than a theological term.
Yattir occurs only three times in the Hebrew Bible, appearing in Joshua 15:48 and 21:16, and again in 1 Samuel 30:27. Its limited usage underscores its role as a local landmark within the broader narrative of Israel’s territorial inheritance and later historical events.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
Jattir is a quiet place name that appears only three times in Scripture, yet it anchors us in the reality of God’s specific care for His people. The name means "plenty" or "abundance," suggesting a land where resources were sufficient and life could flourish. In Joshua 15:48, it is listed among the towns assigned to Judah, marking a concrete step in the fulfillment of God’s promise to give Israel their inheritance.
This word reminds us that faith is not just about grand visions but also about daily provision. When David sent spoils of war to the elders in Jattir (1 Samuel 30:27), he acknowledged that even small communities shared in God’s blessings. The name itself becomes a gentle reminder that God provides abundantly, often in the ordinary places of our lives.
We can trust that the same God who assigned land to ancient tribes also knows our needs today. Whether in times of plenty or scarcity, His provision is reliable. This small town serves as a historical marker of God’s faithfulness, encouraging us to look for His goodness in our own everyday circumstances.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 3 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- and/ Jattir1×
- [were] in/ Jattir1×
- Jattir1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- יַתִּר֙1×
- וְ/יַתִּ֖יר1×
- בְּ/יַתִּֽר\׃1×
Key Verses
-
Joshua 15:48
In the hill country, Shamir, Jattir, Socoh,
This verse places Jattir within the hill country of Judah, showing its role as part of the initial tribal inheritance.
-
Joshua 21:14
Jattir with its pasture lands, Eshtemoa with its pasture lands,
Here Jattir is designated with pasture lands for priests, highlighting its spiritual significance alongside its territorial assignment.