Lexical Summary Yetheth: Yetheth Original Word: יְתֵת Strong's Exhaustive Concordance Jetheth, an Edomite: Of uncertain derivation; Jetheth, an Edomite: NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originof uncertain derivation Definition an Edomite NASB Translation Jetheth (2). Brown-Driver-Briggs יְתֵת proper name, masculine an Edomite chief Genesis 36:40, ᵐ5 Ιεβερ = 1 Chronicles 1:51, ᵐ5 Ιεθετ; ᵐ5L in both Ιεθερ.Topical Lexicon Biblical Setting Yethath is named twice in Scripture (Genesis 36:40; 1 Chronicles 1:51) in identical lists of “chiefs” (Hebrew ʾallûp̱) descended from Esau. These catalogues record the period after Esau’s clan had absorbed the Horite settlements of Mount Seir and before the emergence of an Edomite monarchy (Genesis 36:31). The lists are arranged “according to their families and their regions” (Genesis 36:40), indicating both blood-ties and territorial spheres. Yethath stands third in a triad—Timna, Alvah, Yethath—showing that his house was established enough to lend its name to a district within Edom. Genealogical Placement within Edom Esau’s descendants are traced through sons, grandsons, then chiefs. These chiefs were clan-heads who governed semi-independently yet recognized common ancestry in Esau. That the Chronicler repeats the Genesis material without alteration centuries later (1 Chronicles 1) confirms the stability of Edomite tribal memory and attests the reliability of the earlier record. Yethath’s presence in both books links patriarchal history (Moses’ era) with the post-exilic community for whom Chronicles was compiled, underscoring Scripture’s internal consistency. Historical Background Archaeology situates early Edom in the arid highlands south-east of the Dead Sea, controlling trade routes between Arabia and the Mediterranean. Clan leaders such as Yethath would have overseen grazing rights, water sources, and caravan tolls. Their authority preceded the kings named later in Genesis 36 and parallels the judges in early Israel—charter leaders in a tribal confederation. The title “chief” implies a recognized hierarchy under which Edom could mobilize against external threats, a fact reflected in later hostilities with Israel (Numbers 20:14-21; Amos 1:11). Theological and Prophetic Implications 1. Covenant Scope: Yethath’s brief appearance reminds readers that the Lord tracks not only the covenant line of Jacob but also the parallel line of Esau. God’s promises to Abraham included “many nations” (Genesis 17:4); Edom’s chiefs testify to that wider fulfillment. Practical Ministry Reflections • God values every name. Lists that modern readers may skim were preserved by inspiration; therefore believers may trust that the Lord also notes their labor and lineage (Hebrews 6:10). Related Entries Edom; Esau; Chiefs (ʾAllûp̱); Timna; Alvah. Forms and Transliterations יְתֵֽת׃ יתת׃ yə·ṯêṯ yeTet yəṯêṯLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance Genesis 36:40 HEB: עַֽלְוָ֖ה אַלּ֥וּף יְתֵֽת׃ NAS: Alvah, chief Jetheth, KJV: Alvah, duke Jetheth, INT: Alvah chief Jetheth 1 Chronicles 1:51 2 Occurrences |
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