Bible Dictionary
Jether
Jether was the name of several men, including Moses’ father-in-law, Gideon’s eldest son, the father of Amasa, and descendants of Judah and Asher.
Definition
Jether, meaning “abundance,” “excellence,” or “his excellence,” is the name of several biblical men. They include Moses’ father-in-law, Gideon’s eldest son, the father of Amasa, a Jerahmeelite, a Judahite, and a man of Asher.
Biblical Usage
Jether appears in genealogical and narrative passages. Gideon’s son was asked to kill Zebah and Zalmunnah but feared because he was still a youth. The father of Amasa is also called Ithra in another passage.
Historical Background
The name is associated with several tribal settings, including Midian, Judah, Jerahmeel, and Asher. Moses’ father-in-law is elsewhere called Jethro.
Scripture References
Related Figures
Historical Bible Dictionaries
Easton's Bible Dictionary
Surplus; excellence. (1.) Father-in-law of Moses (Ex. 4:18 marg.), called elsewhere Jethro (q.v.). (2.) The oldest of Gideon’s seventy sons (Judg. 8:20). (3.) The father of Amasa, David’s general (1 Kings 2:5, 32); called Ithra (2 Sam. 17:25). (4.) 1 Chr. 7:38. (5.) 1 Chr. 2:32; one of Judah’s posterity. (6.) 1 Chr. 4:17.
Smith's Bible Dictionary
(his excellence).
International Standard Bible Encyclopedia (ISBE)
<p>je'-ther (yether, "abundance"):</p><p>(1) Ex 4:18 the Revised Version margin, King James Version, margin.</p><p>See JETHRO.</p><p>(2) Gideon's eldest son (Jud 8:20), who was called upon by his father to slay Zebah and Zalmunnah, but "feared, because he was yet a youth." The narrative there (Jud 8:4) should be connected with that of Jud 6:34, where Gideon is followed by his clan, and not with that of Jud 7, where he has 300 picked men. The captives would be taken to Orpah, Gideon's home, and slain there.</p><p>(3) Father of Amasa (1Ki 2:5,32); he was an Ishmaelite according to 1Ch 2:17 = "Ithra, the Israelite" of 2Sa 17:25, where "the Ishmaelite" should be read for "the Israelite."</p><p>(4) A Jerahmeelite (1Ch 2:32 twice).</p><p>(5) A Judahite (1Ch 4:17).</p><p>(6) A man of Asher (1Ch 7:38) = "Ithran" of 1Ch 7:37.</p><p>David Francis Roberts</p>