Lexical Summary Yidbash: Yidbash Original Word: יִדְבָּשׂ Strong's Exhaustive Concordance Idbash From the same as dbash; perhaps honeyed; Jidbash, an Israelite -- Idbash. see HEBREW dbash NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom the same as debash Definition an Isr. NASB Translation Idbash (1). Brown-Driver-Briggs יִדְבָּשׁ proper name, masculine a son of Etam ? 1 Chronicles 4:3; ᵑ0 has וְאֵלָּה אֲבִי עֵיטָם יִזְרְעֶאלוְ֗֗֗יִדְבָּ֑שׁ ᵐ5 οὗτοι υιὁὶ Αἰτάν, compare ᵑ9; = ׳וְאֵלָּה בְנֵי ע compare Be Öttli ( < ׳אלה בני אבי ע, as some MSS.) On real significance of names compare עֵיטָם. Topical Lexicon Name and Setting within Chronicles Idbash appears once in Scripture, in the Judahite genealogy preserved in 1 Chronicles 4:3. The Chronicler, writing after the exile, arranges this section to highlight the continuity of Judah’s line from the patriarchs through David and ultimately toward the promised Messiah. Within that inspired record, Idbash is listed among “the sons of Etam,” alongside Jezreel and Ishma, with their sister Hazzelelponi. Though seemingly obscure, the placement underscores the careful preservation of every family in the covenant community. Genealogical and Historical Context The larger unit (1 Chronicles 4:1–23) traces descendants of Perez, Hezron, and Caleb. Etam, the forefather of Idbash, is probably the same Etam situated between Bethlehem and Tekoa (Judges 15:8; 2 Chronicles 11:6). This setting situates Idbash near strategic Judean centers—Bethlehem, the city of David, and Tekoa, home of the prophet Amos—implying that his family inhabited territory critical for both royal and prophetic activity. The Chronicler also links these clans to Hur, “the firstborn of Ephrathah and father of Bethlehem” (1 Chronicles 4:4), thereby tying Idbash’s house to the ancestral backdrop of David and, by extension, of Jesus Christ (Matthew 1:1–6). Meaning and Thematic Resonances The name Idbash contains the Hebrew root for “honey.” Throughout Scripture honey symbolizes abundance, refreshment, and the delight of God’s word (Exodus 3:17; Psalm 19:10). Even though Scripture provides no personal narrative about Idbash, his name evokes themes of covenant blessing: life in a “land flowing with milk and honey” and the sweetness of divine revelation. Inserted into the genealogy, the name quietly testifies that the Lord intended His people to enjoy the goodness He had promised to Abraham (Genesis 12:2), a promise realized progressively through the tribe of Judah. Canonical and Theological Significance 1 Chronicles opens with nine chapters of genealogies. Far from being mere record-keeping, these lists declare that God’s redemptive plan works through actual families and real time. Idbash’s inclusion confirms: Because Jesus Christ is introduced in the New Testament as “the Lion of the tribe of Judah” (Revelation 5:5), any name set within Judah’s pedigree, however briefly mentioned, contributes to the unbroken chain that establishes Jesus’ rightful kingship. Lessons for Ministry and Faith 1. Value of the Hidden Saint: Idbash never speaks, builds, or wars in the biblical record, yet the Spirit ensured his remembrance. Pastors and believers can celebrate the unseen faithfulness present in every congregation. “God is not unjust; He will not forget your work” (Hebrews 6:10). Cultural Insights Honey was prized in ancient Judah for nourishment, medicine, and trade. Naming a son with a honey-rooted word suggests parental hope for prosperity and palatable character—attributes esteemed by Israelite society. The agricultural and pastoral setting of Etam, surrounded by limestone hills rich in wild bees, lends further concreteness to the choice. Related Biblical Parallels • Jonathan’s refreshment by wild honey in a forest (1 Samuel 14:27) mirrors the enlivening presence symbolized by Idbash’s name. Conclusion Idbash may occupy only a single verse, yet his presence supports the broader biblical witness: God records every life, fulfills every promise, and sweetens His people’s pilgrimage with the assurance that each person, named or unnamed, renowned or obscure, is woven into the tapestry of redemption culminating in Christ Jesus. Forms and Transliterations וְיִדְבָּ֑שׁ וידבש veyidBash wə·yiḏ·bāš wəyiḏbāšLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance 1 Chronicles 4:3 HEB: יִזְרְעֶ֥אל וְיִשְׁמָ֖א וְיִדְבָּ֑שׁ וְשֵׁ֥ם אֲחוֹתָ֖ם NAS: Ishma and Idbash; and the name KJV: and Ishma, and Idbash: and the name INT: Jezreel Ishma and Idbash and the name of their sister 1 Occurrence |
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