Bithiah is a biblical figure mentioned in the Old Testament, specifically in the genealogical records of the tribe of Judah. Her name, Bithiah, means "daughter of Yahweh" in Hebrew, indicating a connection to the divine or a recognition of God's sovereignty. She is noted for her unique position as an Egyptian princess who became part of the Israelite community.

Biblical Reference:

Bithiah is mentioned in 1 Chronicles 4:18: "These were the children of Pharaoh’s daughter Bithiah, whom Mered had married." . This verse places her within the genealogical context of the tribe of Judah, highlighting her marriage to Mered, a member of this tribe. The passage suggests that Bithiah, despite her Egyptian royal lineage, integrated into the Israelite community through her marriage.

Historical and Cultural Context:

Bithiah's mention in the genealogies of Judah is significant, as it reflects the broader narrative of Israel's interactions with Egypt. Her presence in the biblical text may symbolize the inclusion of Gentiles into the covenant community of Israel, a theme that recurs throughout the Scriptures. The fact that she is identified as "Pharaoh’s daughter" suggests a high status and possibly a connection to the royal household of Egypt, which would have been a notable alliance for an Israelite family.

Theological Significance:

From a theological perspective, Bithiah's account can be seen as an illustration of God's sovereignty and the fulfillment of His purposes through unexpected means. Her integration into the Israelite community serves as a reminder of God's inclusive plan for His people, transcending ethnic and cultural boundaries. Her name, meaning "daughter of Yahweh," further emphasizes the theme of divine adoption and belonging, which is a recurring motif in the biblical narrative.

Genealogical Importance:

The inclusion of Bithiah in the genealogical records underscores the importance of lineage and heritage in the biblical text. Her marriage to Mered and her subsequent integration into the tribe of Judah highlight the interconnectedness of different peoples within God's redemptive plan. This genealogical note serves as a testament to the diverse backgrounds that contribute to the history of Israel.

Conclusion:

While Bithiah is a relatively obscure figure in the biblical narrative, her mention in the genealogies of Judah provides valuable insight into the complex relationships between Israel and its neighbors. Her account reflects themes of inclusion, divine sovereignty, and the unfolding of God's purposes through diverse and unexpected means.Bithiah

daughter of the Lord

Bithiah

(daughter of the Lord), daughter of a Pharaoh, and wife of Mered. (1 Chronicles 4:18) (B.C. about 1491.)

BITHIAH

bi-thi'-a (bithyah; Beththia; Codex Vaticanus, Gelia, "daughter of Yah"): The daughter of a Pharaoh who married Mered, a descendant of Judah (1 Chronicles 4:18). Whether this Pharaoh was an Egyptian king, or whether it was in this case a Hebrew name, it is difficult to say. The name Bithiah seems to designate one who had become converted to the worship of Yahweh, and this would favor the first supposition. If, as the Revised Version (British and American) reads, the other wife of Mered is distinguished as "the Jewess" (instead of the King James Version "Jehudijah"), this supposition would receive further support.

Frank E. Hirsch

1332. Bithyah -- "daughter (ie worshiper) of Yah," an Eg. woman
... woman NASB Word Usage Bithia (1). Bithiah. From bath and Yahh; daughter (ie Worshipper)
of Jah; Bithjah, an Egyptian woman -- Bithiah. see HEBREW bath. ...
/hebrew/1332.htm - 6k

The Ark among the Flags
... A rabbinical authority calls her 'Bithiah,' that is, 'Daughter of Jehovah'; by which
was, no doubt, intended to imply that she became in some sense a proselyte ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture k/the ark among the flags.htm

Bithiah (2 Occurrences)
...BITHIAH. ... The name Bithiah seems to designate one who had become converted to the
worship of Yahweh, and this would favor the first supposition. ...
/b/bithiah.htm - 7k

Mered (2 Occurrences)
... A difficulty meets us in 1 Chronicles 4:18, where Mered is mentioned as taking to
wife "Bithiah the daughter of Pharaoh." That Pharaoh is not the proper name ...
/m/mered.htm - 9k

Bithia (1 Occurrence)
... 1 Chronicles 4:17 And the sons of Ezrah: Jether and Mered and Epher and Jalon; and
these are the sons of Bithiah, the daughter of Pharaoh, the wife of Mered. ...
/b/bithia.htm - 6k

Bith'i-ah (1 Occurrence)
Bith'i-ah. Bithiah, Bith'i-ah. Bithron . Multi-Version Concordance Bith'i-ah
(1 Occurrence). ... (See RSV). Bithiah, Bith'i-ah. Bithron . Reference Bible.
/b/bith'i-ah.htm - 6k

Pharaoh's (72 Occurrences)
... The mummy of this queen was among the treasures found at Deir-el-Bahari. (2.) "Bithiah
the daughter of Pharaoh, which Mered took (1 Chronicles 4:18). ...
/p/pharaoh's.htm - 31k

Zanoah (5 Occurrences)
... Zanoah. These are the sons of Bithiah the daughter of Pharaoh, whom Mered
took. (WEB KJV JPS ASV BBE DBY WBS YLT NAS NIV). Nehemiah ...
/z/zanoah.htm - 9k

Jewess (3 Occurrences)
... Soco, and Jekuthiel the father of Zanoah. These are the sons of Bithiah
the daughter of Pharaoh, whom Mered took. (WEB ASV DBY). ...
/j/jewess.htm - 9k

Jered (2 Occurrences)
... of Zanoah. These are the sons of Bithiah the daughter of Pharaoh, whom
Mered took. (WEB KJV JPS ASV BBE DBY WBS YLT NAS RSV NIV). ...
/j/jered.htm - 7k

Jekuthiel (1 Occurrence)
... father of Zanoah. These are the sons of Bithiah the daughter of Pharaoh,
whom Mered took. (WEB KJV JPS ASV BBE DBY WBS YLT NAS NIV). ...
/j/jekuthiel.htm - 7k

Gedor (7 Occurrences)
... Zanoah. These are the sons of Bithiah the daughter of Pharaoh, whom Mered
took. (WEB KJV JPS ASV BBE DBY WBS YLT NAS RSV NIV). 1 ...
/g/gedor.htm - 10k

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