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H385 · Hebrew · Old Testament
אִיתָמָר
Ithamar
Proper noun, masculine
Coast of the palm-tree

Definition

The Hebrew name Ithamar (אִיתָמָר) is generally understood to mean "coast of the palm-tree" or "island of palms," from iy (coast/island) and tamar (palm tree, H8558). It is the name of Aaron's youngest son, who became the ancestor of a significant priestly line in Israel.

Usage & Theological Significance

Ithamar was the fourth son of Aaron and Elisheba (Exodus 6:23), ordained as priest alongside his brothers (Exodus 28:1). He supervised the construction contributions to the Tabernacle (Exodus 38:21) and oversaw the Gershonite and Merarite Levites (Numbers 4:28, 33). His line continued through Eli the priest. When David organized the priests, half the priestly courses descended from Ithamar's line (1 Chronicles 24:4–6). His name evokes beauty and life — palms symbolize the righteous flourishing in God's presence (Psalm 92:12).

Key Bible Verses

Exodus 6:23 Aaron married Elisheba... and she bore him Nadab and Abihu, Eleazar and Ithamar.
Exodus 38:21 These are the amounts of the materials used for the tabernacle, the tabernacle of the covenant law, which were recorded at Moses' command by the Levites under the direction of Ithamar son of Aaron.
Numbers 4:28 This is the service of the Gershonite clans at the tent of meeting. Their duties are to be under the direction of Ithamar son of Aaron the priest.
1 Chronicles 24:4 A larger number of leaders were found among Eleazar's descendants than among Ithamar's.
Psalm 92:12 The righteous will flourish like a palm tree, they will grow like a cedar of Lebanon.

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External Resources

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