יִתְרָא (yit.ra)
yit.ra
Ithra
N:N-M-PQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 1 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- N:N-M-P
Word Overview
The name Yithra appears only once in the Hebrew Bible, recorded in 2 Samuel 17:25 as the father of Amasa. The text identifies him as a Gileadite who married Abigail, the sister of Joab’s commander, and notes that he is also known by the variant form Jether.
Etymologically, the name derives from the root meaning "abundance" or "excess," sharing this linguistic root with the more common name Jether. While the word itself suggests prosperity, its biblical usage is strictly genealogical, serving to place Amasa within a specific family line during the turbulent period of Absalom’s rebellion.
This single mention highlights how names functioned as historical markers in ancient Israel. Yithra’s identity is preserved not through personal deeds or speech, but through his role as a patriarch connecting two significant figures: Abigail, previously known for her wisdom with David, and Amasa, who would later lead Absalom’s forces. The variation between Yithra and Jether reflects the fluidity of oral tradition in recording these royal histories.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
This name appears only once in Scripture, marking Ithra as the father of Amasa during a time of great unrest. His mention connects two important families: Abigail, known for her wisdom, and Joab’s lineage. Though we have no record of his actions, his identity is preserved as part of God’s careful record of history.
For believers today, this single reference reminds us that every name in the biblical genealogies matters. God remembers those who may seem overlooked by the world. Your place in His story is secured not by public acclaim, but by your connection to Him. Even in turbulent times, He maintains a faithful record of His people.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 1 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- [was] Jether1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- יִתְרָ֣א1×
Key Verses
-
II Samuel 17:25
Absalom set Amasa over the army instead of Joab. Now Amasa was the son of a man whose name was Ithra the Israelite, who went in to Abigail the daughter of Nahash, sister to Zeruiah, Joab’s mother.
This verse establishes Ithra’s role as the father of Amasa, linking him to Abigail and Joab’s family during Absalom’s rebellion.