Bible Dictionary
Jahath
Jahath was the name of several men from Judah and Levi. Among them were Levites from the Gershonite, Kohathite, and Merarite families, including an overseer of temple repairs under Josiah.
Definition
Jahath was the name of several men from Judah and Levi. The name identifies a Judahite ancestor of the Zorathite families and several Levites from the Gershonite, Kohathite, and Merarite lines. One Jahath supervised repairs to the temple during Josiah’s reign.
Biblical Usage
Jahath appears in genealogical lists and in the organization of Levitical families. The Merarite Jahath is specifically associated with oversight of temple repairs.
Historical Background
The name occurs repeatedly among descendants of Levi and once in a Judahite genealogy. Its meaning is uncertain, with the supplied material offering several possible interpretations.
Scripture References
Related Figures
Historical Bible Dictionaries
Easton's Bible Dictionary
Union. (1.) A son of Shimei, and grandson of Gershom (1 Chr. 23:10). (2.) One of the sons of Shelomoth, of the family of Kohath (1 Chr. 24:22). (3.) A Levite of the family of Merari, one of the overseers of the repairs of the temple under Josiah (2 Chr. 34:12).
Smith's Bible Dictionary
(union).
International Standard Bible Encyclopedia (ISBE)
<p>ja'-hath (yachath, perhaps for yachteh, yachatheh, "he (God) will snatch up"):</p><p>(1) Son of Reaiah, son of Shobal, a descendant of Judah, and father of Ahumai and Lahad, the families of the Zorathites (1Ch 4:2).</p><p>(2) A frequent name for a descendant of Levi:</p><p>(a) Son of Libni, son of Gershom, the eldest son of Levi (1Ch 6:20,43 (Hebrew 6:5,28), where "son of Libni" is omitted).</p><p>(b) Son of Shimei, son of Gershom (1Ch 23:10 f).</p><p>(c) One of the "sons" of Shelomoth, a descendant of Izhar, son of Kohath, the second son of Levi (1Ch 24:22).</p><p>(d) A descendant of Merari, the third son of Levi, and an overseer in the repairing of the temple in the reign of Josiah (2Ch 34:12).</p><p>James Crichton</p>