Lexical Summary yithrah: Abundance, excellence, superiority Original Word: יִתְרָה Strong's Exhaustive Concordance abundance, riches Feminine of yether; properly, excellence, i.e. (by implication) wealth -- abundance, riches. see HEBREW yether NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfem. of yether Definition abundance, riches NASB Translation abundance (2). Brown-Driver-Briggs יִתְרָה noun feminine abundance, riches; — יִתְרָה עָשָׂה Isaiah 15:7 = יִתְרַת עָשָׂה Jeremiah 48:36 (on construct compare DaSynt. § 25) the abundance (which) he hath gotten. Topical Lexicon Concept and Semantic Range יִתְרָה denotes the surplus or remainder that remains after basic needs have been met, especially in the sense of wealth or gain stored for security. While the root idea of “that which is left over” can appear neutral, the prophets employ the term ironically, highlighting how what people treasure most can vanish under divine judgment. Occurrences in Scripture Isaiah 15:7 and Jeremiah 48:36 form a literary pair—two separate oracles against Moab, more than a century apart, yet united by the same rare noun. In each context יִתְרָה describes Moab’s accumulated riches: • Isaiah 15:7 — “Therefore the wealth they have acquired and stored up they carry away over the Brook of the Willows.” Both passages focus on what Moab thought would secure its future. The identical vocabulary underscores the prophets’ shared conviction that any surplus not submitted to the LORD can be lost in a moment. Historical Setting: Moab’s Prosperity Located east of the Dead Sea, Moab controlled fertile highlands and important trade routes such as the King’s Highway. Sheep, wine, and grain provided economic strength; fortified cities like Kir-heres guarded caravan tolls. Archaeology confirms Moabite affluence in the eighth–seventh centuries B.C., aligning with the biblical portrayal of stored surplus. Yet that prosperity fostered pride (Jeremiah 48:7, 29) and confidence in Chemosh, Moab’s national deity, rather than in the LORD. Prophetic Message and Literary Function 1. Inevitable Loss. Isaiah pictures refugees fleeing southward, tossing their remaining valuables across the seasonal wadi at the desert’s edge. Jeremiah deepens the lament, comparing his own heart to flutes mourning over ruined wealth. יִתְרָה thus punctuates scenes of national collapse. 2. Reversal of Fortune. The term conveys “more than enough,” yet appears only where that surplus dissolves. The juxtaposition teaches that abundance can swiftly turn to bankruptcy when the Sovereign of nations calls an account. 3. Echoes across Centuries. Jeremiah, writing after Judah’s fall, deliberately echoes Isaiah to remind readers that God’s earlier word still stands. Moab ignored the first warning; the second announcement seals its fate. Scripture’s unity is affirmed: one divine voice, two historical moments, same outcome. Theological Themes • Divine Ownership of Wealth. All excess belongs to the LORD (Deuteronomy 8:18). When nations hoard it for self-exaltation, He reclaims it. Application for Ministry Today 1. Stewardship Preaching. יִתְרָה challenges congregations to evaluate savings, investments, and church reserves: are they tools for kingdom service or symbols of self-reliance? Connections with Other Biblical Motifs • Remnant Theology. Whereas “remnant” often signals hope for Israel, the “remainder” of Moab’s riches brings no salvation—contrast highlights grace toward covenant people. Summary יִתְרָה encapsulates a sobering truth: surplus that seems to guarantee stability can disappear when God confronts pride. The prophets employ the word sparingly yet powerfully, reminding every generation that true security is found not in the remainder of our wealth but in the Redeemer of our souls. Forms and Transliterations יִתְרַ֥ת יִתְרָ֣ה יתרה יתרת yiṯ·rāh yiṯ·raṯ yitRah yiṯrāh yitRat yiṯraṯLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance Isaiah 15:7 HEB: עַל־ כֵּ֖ן יִתְרָ֣ה עָשָׂ֑ה וּפְקֻדָּתָ֔ם NAS: Therefore the abundance [which] they have acquired KJV: Therefore the abundance they have gotten, INT: over after that the abundance have acquired and stored Jeremiah 48:36 2 Occurrences |
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