Jump to: Hitchcock's • Smith's • ISBE • Easton's • Concordance • Thesaurus • Hebrew • Library • Subtopics • Terms Topical Encyclopedia Amittai is a biblical figure known primarily as the father of the prophet Jonah. His name appears in the Old Testament, specifically in the books of Jonah and 2 Kings. The name "Amittai" is of Hebrew origin, meaning "truth" or "my truth," which may reflect the character or the spiritual heritage he imparted to his son.Biblical References: 1. Jonah 1:1 : "The word of the LORD came to Jonah son of Amittai: 'Get up! Go to the great city of Nineveh and preach against it, because its wickedness has come up before Me.'" This verse introduces Amittai as the father of Jonah, setting the stage for the narrative of Jonah's mission to Nineveh. The mention of Amittai here serves to identify Jonah's lineage and authenticate his prophetic calling. 2. 2 Kings 14:25 : "He restored the border of Israel from Lebo-hamath to the Sea of the Arabah, according to the word of the LORD, the God of Israel, which He had spoken through His servant Jonah son of Amittai, the prophet from Gath-hepher." In this passage, Amittai is again identified as Jonah's father, and Jonah is recognized as a prophet from Gath-hepher. This reference situates Jonah within the historical context of the reign of Jeroboam II, king of Israel, and highlights the fulfillment of God's word through Jonah. Historical and Cultural Context: Amittai's mention in the Bible is brief, and little is known about his personal life or background. However, his identification as the father of Jonah places him within the Northern Kingdom of Israel during a time of significant prophetic activity. Gath-hepher, Jonah's hometown, was located in the region of Zebulun, near Nazareth in Galilee. The role of a father in ancient Israel was crucial, as it involved not only providing for the family but also imparting spiritual and moral instruction. Amittai's name, meaning "truth," suggests that he may have been a man of integrity and faith, qualities that would have been essential in raising a prophet like Jonah. Theological Significance: While Amittai himself is not a central figure in biblical narratives, his mention underscores the importance of family lineage and heritage in the prophetic tradition. The identification of prophets by their fathers' names was a common practice, serving to establish their credibility and authority as messengers of God. In the broader theological context, Amittai's son, Jonah, plays a pivotal role in demonstrating God's mercy and compassion, even towards the enemies of Israel. Jonah's mission to Nineveh, a city known for its wickedness, reveals the universal scope of God's concern for repentance and redemption. Amittai's legacy, therefore, is indirectly tied to the themes of divine justice and mercy that are central to the book of Jonah. His mention in the biblical text serves as a reminder of the interconnectedness of family, faith, and the fulfillment of God's purposes through His chosen servants. Hitchcock's Bible Names Dictionary AmittaiSmith's Bible Dictionary Amittai(true), father of the prophet Jonah. (2 Kings 14:25; Jonah 1:1) Easton's Bible Dictionary True, the father of Jonah the prophet, a native of Gath-hepher (2 Kings 14:25; Jonah 1:1). International Standard Bible Encyclopedia AMITTAIa-mit'-i ('amittay, "faithful"): The father of the prophet Jonah. He was from Gath-hepher in Zebulun (2 Kings 14:25 Jonah 1:1). Strong's Hebrew 573. Amittay -- "true," the father of Jonah... 572, 573. Amittay. 574 . "true," the father of Jonah. Transliteration: Amittay Phonetic Spelling: (am-it-tah'ee) Short Definition: Amittai. ... Amittai. ... /hebrew/573.htm - 6k Library The Historicity of the Book of Jonah. The Prophet Jonah. "Nineveh, that Great City" Guilty Silence and Its Reward Lo! the Evil one Reproached Death Concerning Our Lord, and Concerning Death and Satan Jonah the Narrow-Minded Patriot Jonah and Micah. Happy are Ye Whose Bodies have Been Made to Shine! The Twelve Minor Prophets. Thesaurus Amittai (2 Occurrences)... Int. Standard Bible Encyclopedia. AMITTAI. a-mit'-i ('amittay, "faithful"): The father of the prophet Jonah. ... Multi-Version Concordance Amittai (2 Occurrences). ... /a/amittai.htm - 7k Amit'tai (2 Occurrences) Gathhepher (1 Occurrence) Gath-hepher (2 Occurrences) Jonah (30 Occurrences) Amiss (8 Occurrences) Lebo (12 Occurrences) Gath-he'pher (1 Occurrence) Boundaries (19 Occurrences) Limits (69 Occurrences) Resources Who was Jonah in the Bible? | GotQuestions.orgWas Jonah truly swallowed by a whale? | GotQuestions.org Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Concordance Amittai (2 Occurrences)2 Kings 14:25 Jonah 1:1 Subtopics Related Terms |