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<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "http://www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><head><meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=utf-8" /><meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width; initial-scale=1.0;"/><title>Topical Bible: Ithra</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/topical/i/ithra.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/newtopical.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/print.css" type="text/css" media="Print" /><script type="application/javascript" src="https://scripts.webcontentassessor.com/scripts/8a2459b64f9cac8122fc7f2eac4409c8555fac9383016db59c4c26e3d5b8b157"></script><script src='https://qd.admetricspro.com/js/biblehub/biblehub-layout-loader-revcatch.js'></script><script id='HyDgbd_1s' src='https://prebidads.revcatch.com/ads.js' type='text/javascript' async></script><script>(function(w,d,b,s,i){var cts=d.createElement(s);cts.async=true;cts.id='catchscript'; cts.dataset.appid=i;cts.src='https://app.protectsubrev.com/catch_rp.js?cb='+Math.random(); document.head.appendChild(cts); }) (window,document,'head','script','rc-anksrH');</script></head><body><div id="fx"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx2"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="30" scrolling="no" src="/topical/vmenus/2_samuel/17-25.htm" align="left" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div><div id="blnk"></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable"><tr><td><div id="fx5"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx6"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="245" scrolling="no" src="//biblehu.com/bmcde/i/ithra.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable3"><tr><td><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center" id="announce"><tr><td><div id="l1"><div id="breadcrumbs"><a href="/">Bible</a> > <a href="/topical/">Topical</a> > Ithra</div><div id="anc"><iframe src="/anc.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></div><div id="anc2"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/anc2.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></div></td></tr></table><div id="movebox2"><table border="0" align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tr><td><div id="topheading"><a href="/topical/naves/i/ithnan--a_town_in_the_extreme_south_of_judah.htm" title="Ithnan: A Town in the Extreme South of Judah">◄</a> Ithra <a href="/topical/naves/i/ithra--father_of_amasa.htm" title="Ithra: Father of Amasa">►</a></div></td></tr></table></div><div align="center" class="maintable2"><table border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><div id="topverse">Jump to: <a href="#smi" title="Smith's Bible Dictionary">Smith's</a> • <a href="#isb" title="International Standard Bible Encyclopedia">ISBE</a> • <a href="#cnc" title="Multiversion Concordance">Concordance</a> • <a href="#thes" title="Bible Thesaurus">Thesaurus</a> • <a href="#heb" title="Strong's Hebrew Concordance">Hebrew</a> • <a href="#lib" title="Library">Library</a> • <a href="#sub" title="Subtopics">Subtopics</a> • <a href="#rel" title="Related Terms">Terms</a></div><div id="leftbox"><div class="padleft"><a name="te" id="te"></a><div class="vheading2">Topical Encyclopedia</div><b>Overview:</b><br>Ithra is a biblical figure mentioned in the Old Testament, specifically in the context of King David's family lineage. His name appears in the genealogical records, highlighting his connection to some of the notable figures in the history of Israel. The name "Ithra" is believed to mean "abundance" or "advantage," reflecting a positive connotation in the Hebrew language.<br><br><b>Biblical References:</b><br>Ithra is mentioned in <a href="/2_samuel/17-25.htm">2 Samuel 17:25</a>, where he is identified as the father of Amasa. The Berean Standard Bible states: "Now Absalom had appointed Amasa over the army in place of Joab. Amasa was the son of a man named Ithra the Israelite, who had married Abigail, the daughter of Nahash and sister of Zeruiah, the mother of Joab."<br><br><b>Genealogical Context:</b><br>Ithra's significance in the biblical narrative is primarily through his son, Amasa. Amasa was appointed by Absalom to lead the army during Absalom's rebellion against his father, King David. This appointment was a strategic move, as Amasa was related to David, being his nephew. Ithra's marriage to Abigail, the daughter of Nahash, further intertwines his lineage with the royal family. Abigail is also noted as the sister of Zeruiah, making Ithra the brother-in-law of Zeruiah, the mother of Joab, one of David's chief military commanders.<br><br><b>Cultural and Historical Insights:</b><br>The mention of Ithra as an "Israelite" in <a href="/2_samuel/17-25.htm">2 Samuel 17:25</a> is significant, as it distinguishes him from other ethnic groups mentioned in the Old Testament. Some manuscripts and translations refer to him as "Jether the Ishmaelite," suggesting a possible variation or textual discrepancy in his ethnic identification. This has led to discussions among scholars regarding his precise background, though the prevailing view in conservative circles is to maintain the integrity of the text as it appears in the BSB.<br><br><b>Theological Implications:</b><br>Ithra's inclusion in the biblical narrative, though brief, serves to highlight the complex familial and political dynamics within King David's reign. His connection to Amasa and the subsequent events during Absalom's rebellion underscore the themes of loyalty, kinship, and the consequences of familial discord. Ithra's account, through his descendants, reflects the broader narrative of God's providence and the unfolding of His divine plan through the lineage of David.<br><br><b>Related Figures:</b><br>· <b>Amasa:</b> Son of Ithra, appointed by Absalom as commander of the army.<br>· <b>Abigail:</b> Wife of Ithra, daughter of Nahash, and sister of Zeruiah.<br>· <b>Zeruiah:</b> Sister-in-law of Ithra, mother of Joab, Abishai, and Asahel.<br>· <b>Joab:</b> Nephew of Ithra, a prominent military leader under King David.<br><br><b>Conclusion:</b><br>Ithra's role, though not extensively detailed in the Scriptures, is integral to understanding the familial relationships that influenced the political and military landscape of Israel during King David's reign. His legacy is primarily carried through his son Amasa, whose actions and fate are recorded in the biblical narrative.<a name="smi" id="smi"></a><div class="vheading2">Smith's Bible Dictionary</div><span class="encheading">Ithra</span><p>(<i>excellence</i>), an Israelite, (<a href="/2_samuel/17-25.htm">2 Samuel 17:25</a>) or Ishmaelite, (<a href="/1_chronicles/2-17.htm">1 Chronicles 2:17</a>) the father of Amasa by Abigail, David's sister. (B.C. before 1023.)<a name="isb" id="isb"></a><div class="vheading2">International Standard Bible Encyclopedia</div><span class="encheading">ITHRA</span><p>ith'-ra (yithra', "abundance"): The father of Amasa, commanding general in the rebel army of Absalom. It seems that his mother was Abigail, a sister or half-sister of King David (<a href="/1_chronicles/2-17.htm">1 Chronicles 2:17</a>). She is called the sister of Zeruiah, Joab's mother (<a href="/2_samuel/17-25.htm">2 Samuel 17:25</a>). In this same passage Ithra is called an "Israelite," but in <a href="/1_chronicles/2-17.htm">1 Chronicles 2:17</a> <a href="/1_kings/2-5.htm">1 Kings 2:5, 32</a>, we read: "Jether the Ishmaelite."<p><a name="heb" id="heb"></a><div class="vheading2">Strong's Hebrew</div><a href="/hebrew/3501.htm"><span class="l">3501. Yithra -- father of Amasa</span></a><br><b>...</b> 3500, 3501. Yithra. 3502 . father of Amasa. Transliteration: Yithra Phonetic<br> Spelling: (yith-raw') Short Definition: <b>Ithra</b>. <b>...</b> <b>Ithra</b>. <b>...</b> <br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">/hebrew/3501.htm</font><font color="#ff6600" size="-1"> - 6k</font><a name="lib" id="lib"></a><div class="vheading2">Library</div><p><a href="/library/wells/bible_stories_and_religious_classics/the_history_of_solomon.htm"><span class="l">The History of Solomon</span></a> <br><b>...</b> on Joab that had been prince of his father's host, because he slew two good men<br> by treason and guile, that was Abner the son of Ner, and Amasa the son of <b>Ithra</b> <b>...</b> <br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">/.../wells/bible stories and religious classics/the history of solomon.htm</font><p><a href="/library/josephus/the_antiquities_of_the_jews/chapter_10_how_when_absalom.htm"><span class="l">How, when Absalom was Beaten, He was Caught in a Tree by his Hair <b>...</b></span></a> <br><b>...</b> He appointed Amasa to be captain of all his host, instead of Joab his kinsman: his<br> father was <b>Ithra</b> and his mother Abigail: now she and Zeruiah, the mother of <b>...</b> <br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">/.../josephus/the antiquities of the jews/chapter 10 how when absalom.htm</font><a name="thes" id="thes"></a><div class="vheading2">Thesaurus</div><a href="/topical/i/ithra.htm"><span class="l"><b>Ithra</b> (1 Occurrence)</span></a><br><b>...</b><b>ITHRA</b>. <b>...</b> In this same passage <b>Ithra</b> is called an "Israelite," but in 1 Chronicles<br> 2:17 1 Kings 2:5, 32, we read: "Jether the Ishmaelite.". <b>...</b><br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">/i/ithra.htm - 7k</font><p><a href="/topical/j/jether.htm"><span class="l">Jether (8 Occurrences)</span></a><br><b>...</b> (2.) The oldest of Gideon's seventy sons (Judges 8:20). (3.) The father of Amasa,<br> David's general (1 Kings 2:5, 32); called <b>Ithra</b> (2 Samuel 17:25). <b>...</b><br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">/j/jether.htm - 11k</font><p><a href="/topical/a/amasa.htm"><span class="l">Amasa (13 Occurrences)</span></a><br><b>...</b> (1) According to 2 Samuel 17:25, Amasa is the son of Abigail, the sister of Zeruiah<br> and David, and <b>Ithra</b>, an Israelite; but another source, 1 Chronicles 2:17 <b>...</b><br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">/a/amasa.htm - 13k</font><p><a href="/topical/z/zeru'iah.htm"><span class="l">Zeru'iah (24 Occurrences)</span></a><br><b>...</b> Now Amasa was the son of a man, whose name was <b>Ithra</b> the Jesraelite, that went in<br> to Abigal the daughter of Nahash, sister to Zeruiah Joab's mother. (See RSV). <b>...</b><br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">/z/zeru'iah.htm - 13k</font><p><a href="/topical/z/zeruiah.htm"><span class="l">Zeruiah (25 Occurrences)</span></a><br><b>...</b> Now Amasa was the son of a man, whose name was <b>Ithra</b> the Israelite, who went in<br> to Abigail the daughter of Nahash, sister to Zeruiah, Joab's mother. <b>...</b><br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">/z/zeruiah.htm - 17k</font><p><a href="/topical/j/jesraelite.htm"><span class="l">Jesraelite (1 Occurrence)</span></a><br><b>...</b> Now Amasa was the son of a man, whose name was <b>Ithra</b> the Israelite, that went in<br> to Abigal the daughter of Nahash, sister to Zeruiah, Joab's mother. (See JPS). <b>...</b><br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">/j/jesraelite.htm - 6k</font><p><a href="/topical/j/joab's.htm"><span class="l">Joab's (13 Occurrences)</span></a><br><b>...</b> Now Amasa was the son of a man, whose name was <b>Ithra</b> the Israelite, who went in<br> to Abigail the daughter of Nahash, sister to Zeruiah, Joab's mother. <b>...</b><br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">/j/joab's.htm - 10k</font><p><a href="/topical/j/jo'ab's.htm"><span class="l">Jo'ab's (8 Occurrences)</span></a><br><b>...</b> Now Amasa was the son of a man, whose name was <b>Ithra</b> the Israelite, who went in<br> to Abigail the daughter of Nahash, sister to Zeruiah, Joab's mother. (See RSV). <b>...</b><br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">/j/jo'ab's.htm - 8k</font><p><a href="/topical/i/ithnan.htm"><span class="l">Ithnan (1 Occurrence)</span></a><br><br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">/i/ithnan.htm - 6k</font><p><a href="/topical/i/ithran.htm"><span class="l">Ithran (3 Occurrences)</span></a><br><br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">/i/ithran.htm - 7k</font><p><a name="res" id="res"></a><div class="vheading2">Resources</div><a href="/concordance/">Bible Concordance</a> • <a href="/dictionary/">Bible Dictionary</a> • <a href="/encyclopedia/">Bible Encyclopedia</a> • <a href="/topical/">Topical Bible</a> • <a href="/thesaurus/">Bible Thesuarus</a></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="cnc" id="cnc"></a><div class="vheading2">Concordance</div><span class="encheading">Ithra (1 Occurrence)</span><p><span class="rtext"><a href="/2_samuel/17-25.htm">2 Samuel 17:25</a></span><br />Absalom set Amasa over the army instead of Joab. Now Amasa was the son of a man, whose name was <span class="boldtext">Ithra</span> the Israelite, who went in to Abigail the daughter of Nahash, sister to Zeruiah, Joab's mother.<br /><span class="source">(WEB KJV JPS ASV BBE DBY WBS YLT NAS RSV)</span><a name="sub" id="sub"></a><div class="vheading2">Subtopics</div><p class="pspc"><a href="/topical/i/ithra.htm">Ithra</a></p><p class="pspc"><a href="/topical/naves/i/ithra--father_of_amasa.htm">Ithra: Father of Amasa</a></p><a name="rel" id="rel"></a><div class="vheading2">Related Terms</div><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/j/jether.htm">Jether (8 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/a/amasa.htm">Amasa (13 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/z/zeru'iah.htm">Zeru'iah (24 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/z/zeruiah.htm">Zeruiah (25 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/j/jesraelite.htm">Jesraelite (1 Occurrence)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/j/joab's.htm">Joab's (13 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/j/jo'ab's.htm">Jo'ab's (8 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/i/ithnan.htm">Ithnan (1 Occurrence)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/i/ithran.htm">Ithran (3 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/i/ishmaelite.htm">Ishmaelite (3 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/i/ish'maelite.htm">Ish'maelite (3 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/a/ama'sa.htm">Ama'sa (12 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/a/ab'igal.htm">Ab'igal (1 Occurrence)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/a/abigal.htm">Abigal (1 Occurrence)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/l/lover.htm">Lover (55 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/n/nahash.htm">Nahash (9 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/a/abigail.htm">Abigail (18 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/j/jo'ab.htm">Jo'ab (120 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/a/ab'salom.htm">Ab'salom (85 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/i/instead.htm">Instead (139 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/j/jesse.htm">Jesse (45 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/i/israelite.htm">Israelite (83 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/s/sister.htm">Sister (113 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/j/joab.htm">Joab (128 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/a/absalom.htm">Absalom (93 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/c/captain.htm">Captain (167 Occurrences)</a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/topical/naves/i/ithnan--a_town_in_the_extreme_south_of_judah.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Ithnan: A Town in the Extreme South of Judah"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Ithnan: A Town in the Extreme South of Judah" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/topical/naves/i/ithra--father_of_amasa.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Ithra: Father of Amasa"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Ithra: Father of Amasa" /></a></div><div id="botleft"><a href="#" onmouseover='botleft.src="/botleftgif.png"' onmouseout='botleft.src="/botleft.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botleft.png" name="botleft" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="botright"><a href="#" onmouseover='botright.src="/botrightgif.png"' onmouseout='botright.src="/botright.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botright.png" name="botright" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div> <div id="mdd"><div align="center"><div class="bot2"><table align="center" width="100%"><tr><td><div align="center"><script id="3d27ed63fc4348d5b062c4527ae09445"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=51ce25d5-1a8c-424a-8695-4bd48c750f35&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; 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