Lexical Summary Amittay: Amittai Original Word: אֲמִתַּי Strong's Exhaustive Concordance Amittai From 'emeth; veracious; Amittai, an Israelite -- Amittai. see HEBREW 'emeth NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom emeth Definition "true," the father of Jonah NASB Translation Amittai (2). Brown-Driver-Briggs אֲמִתַּי proper name, masculine (TRUE, from אֱמֶת by adjective affix י-) father of the prophet Jonah 2 Kings 14:25; Jonah 1:1. Topical Lexicon Identity and Scriptural Occurrences Amittai is introduced exclusively as the father of the prophet Jonah. His name appears in only two Old Testament verses—2 Kings 14:25 and Jonah 1:1—each time in connection with his son’s prophetic ministry. The Scriptures provide no additional biographical details about Amittai himself, placing the focus on the spiritual lineage he represents. Historical and Geographical Context Amittai’s family lived in Gath-hepher, a town within the tribal allotment of Zebulun in the Galilee region (Joshua 19:13). This northern location is noteworthy because most earlier prophets ministered in Judah or the area surrounding Jerusalem. The Galilean setting anticipates later redemptive history when Jesus Christ would conduct much of His earthly ministry in the same region (Matthew 4:12-17). Relationship to the Prophet Jonah Jonah’s prophetic activity during the reign of Jeroboam II (circa 793–753 B.C.) is anchored in reference to Amittai: “He restored the border of Israel from Lebo-hamath as far as the Sea of the Arabah, according to the word that the LORD, the God of Israel, had spoken through His servant Jonah son of Amittai, the prophet from Gath-hepher.” (2 Kings 14:25) The mention underscores a father-son relationship steeped in covenant faithfulness. Although Scripture remains silent about Amittai’s personal conduct, the biblical pattern suggests that a prophet’s formative spiritual influences often originate at home (compare 2 Timothy 1:5 regarding Eunice and Lois). Prophetic Significance in Northern Israel Jonah’s message, validated by his lineage, brought encouragement to the northern kingdom during a time of territorial threat. Through “Jonah son of Amittai,” God affirmed His covenant mercy to a wayward nation, restoring borders despite widespread idolatry. Thus, Amittai’s household became an instrument of divine compassion toward Israel, highlighting God’s steadfast commitment to His promises. Theological Emphasis on Truth and Faithfulness While the lexical meaning of Amittai’s name is not repeated here, the very mention of the father’s name in both narrative contexts subtly underscores the themes of truth and faithfulness that permeate the book of Jonah. The prophet’s personal struggle with obedience contrasts with the unwavering reliability suggested by his father’s name, creating a literary tension that magnifies the Lord’s own faithfulness—even when His servant falters. Chronological Framework Amittai’s lifetime must have preceded and overlapped the early ministry of Jonah. Given Jonah’s appearance during Jeroboam II, Amittai would have lived during the late ninth or early eighth century B.C. This places him after the ministries of Elijah and Elisha and before the classical writing prophets such as Hosea and Amos, who also addressed the northern kingdom. Intertextual Reverberations The New Testament twice references Jonah (Matthew 12:39-41; Luke 11:29-32), presenting him as a sign pointing to the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. Although Amittai is not named in these passages, his significance persists through his son’s typological role. The faithfulness implied by Amittai’s name contrasts with a generation that sought signs yet refused to repent, thereby sharpening the Gospel’s call to faith. Practical Reflections for the Church 1. Spiritual heritage matters. The repeated identification “son of Amittai” reminds believers of the profound impact a godly lineage can have on public ministry. Although Scripture offers only two brief mentions, Amittai’s role as the father to a pivotal prophet situates him within the unfolding narrative of redemption, affirming God’s enduring truth from generation to generation. Forms and Transliterations אֲמִתַּ֖י אֲמִתַּי֙ אמתי ’ă·mit·tay ’ămittay amitTaiLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance 2 Kings 14:25 HEB: יוֹנָ֤ה בֶן־ אֲמִתַּי֙ הַנָּבִ֔יא אֲשֶׁ֖ר NAS: the son of Amittai, the prophet, KJV: the son of Amittai, the prophet, INT: Jonah the son of Amittai the prophet who Jonah 1:1 2 Occurrences |
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