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יִתְרָן (yit.ran)

yit.ran

Ithran

H3506 · Hebrew · Old Testament · 3 verses

N:N-M-P

Quick Reference

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

Word Overview

The name Ithran (יִתְרָן) appears in only three verses, serving as a marker for two distinct individuals in biblical genealogies. The first is an Edomite Horite mentioned in Genesis 36:26, identified as the son of Dishon and brother to Hemdan, Eshban, and Cheran. This Ithran likely held leadership over a clan within the Horite tribe that inhabited Seir before the Edomites displaced them.

A second man with the same name appears in 1 Chronicles 7:37-38 as a descendant of Asher. Listed among the sons of Zophah, he is noted for fathering Jephunneh, Pispa, and Ara. The Chronicler also records that this Ithran was known by the variant form Jether (יֶתֶר), highlighting minor spelling differences in tribal records.

The name translates to "advantage" or "excess," derived from the root yeter. While the word itself carries a positive connotation of surplus or benefit, its biblical usage is strictly limited to these personal identifiers. The text does not elaborate on the character or deeds of either Ithran, using their names primarily to trace lineage and tribal connections rather than to convey theological instruction.

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

What This Word Means for Your Faith

The name Ithran appears in the Bible as a marker of lineage rather than a story of personal achievement. It identifies two different men: one from the Edomite Horite clan and another from the tribe of Asher. In both cases, the text uses his name simply to trace family connections, showing how God records even the quietest members of history.

This reminds us that your place in God’s family is secure, regardless of whether you are a public figure or a name listed in a genealogy. The Bible values every individual who contributes to the broader story of redemption. You are known by name, and your life has meaning in God's eyes, just as these ancestors were preserved in Scripture.

When we read lists of names, we can find comfort in the fact that God remembers everyone. Your faithfulness in daily life is part of a larger tapestry that God is weaving. Rest in the knowledge that you are seen and valued by Him, no matter how small your role may seem to the world.

How it's translated

How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 3 verses where it appears, by frequency.

  • and/ Ithran3×

Forms in the text

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

  • וְ/יִתְרָ֥ן2×
  • וְ/יִתְרָ֖ן1×

Key Verses

  • Genesis 36:26
    These are the children of Dishon: Hemdan, Eshban, Ithran, and Cheran.

    This verse places Ithran among the sons of Dishon, establishing his role in the Horite lineage before the Edomites settled in Seir.

  • I Chronicles 1:41
    The son of Anah: Dishon. The sons of Dishon: Hamran, Eshban, Ithran, and Cheran.

    Here the Chronicler repeats the Edomite genealogy, confirming Ithran’s position as a brother to Hemdan and Eshban in the ancestral records.

  • I Chronicles 7:37
    Bezer, Hod, Shamma, Shilshah, Ithran, and Beera.

    This occurrence identifies Ithran as a son of Zophah within the tribe of Asher, linking him to the northern tribes' descendants.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does the name Ithran mean?

The name Ithran comes from the Hebrew root yeter, which means "advantage" or "excess." It suggests a sense of surplus or benefit, though the biblical text uses it primarily as a personal identifier rather than conveying this meaning in the narrative.

Are there two different people named Ithran in the Bible?

Yes, the name appears for two distinct individuals. One is an Edomite Horite mentioned in Genesis and 1 Chronicles 1, while the other is a descendant of Asher listed in 1 Chronicles 7. The text does not link them directly but uses the same name for both.

Why are these names included in Scripture?

These names serve to trace lineage and tribal connections. They help establish the historical records of Israel’s neighbors and tribes, showing how God preserves the identities of even those who do not have prominent roles in the main biblical narrative.

Every Occurrence (3 verses across 2 books)