Uthai is a biblical figure mentioned in the genealogical records of the tribe of Judah. His name appears in the context of the post-exilic period, specifically in the genealogies that trace the lineage of the returning exiles. The name "Uthai" is believed to mean "helpful" or "my help," reflecting a common practice in Hebrew culture of naming individuals with words that convey a sense of divine assistance or personal attributes.

Biblical References:

1. 1 Chronicles 9:4 · Uthai is mentioned in the genealogical records of the tribe of Judah. The verse states: "Uthai son of Ammihud, the son of Omri, the son of Imri, the son of Bani, from the descendants of Perez son of Judah." This passage situates Uthai within the lineage of Perez, one of the sons of Judah, thereby linking him to the royal tribe from which King David and ultimately Jesus Christ descended.

Contextual Significance:

The mention of Uthai in 1 Chronicles 9 is part of a broader effort by the chronicler to document the genealogies of the Israelites who returned from the Babylonian exile. This genealogical record serves several purposes:

· Restoration of Identity: By listing the descendants of the tribes, the chronicler helps restore the identity and heritage of the Israelites after their return to Jerusalem and Judah. It reaffirms their connection to the promises made to the patriarchs and the covenantal relationship with God.

· Validation of Lineage: The genealogies validate the claims of the returning exiles to their ancestral lands and roles within the community. For the tribe of Judah, this includes the right to leadership and governance, as they are the tribe from which the Davidic line originates.

· Spiritual Continuity: The chronicler emphasizes the continuity of God's plan and faithfulness to His people. By tracing the lineage through figures like Uthai, the text underscores the unbroken line of God's covenantal promises, despite the disruptions caused by exile.

Theological Implications:

Uthai's inclusion in the genealogical records highlights the importance of each individual in the unfolding narrative of God's redemptive history. While Uthai himself may not be a prominent figure in biblical accounts, his presence in the genealogy underscores the collective significance of the people of God. Each name represents a link in the chain of God's faithfulness and the fulfillment of His promises.

In the broader theological context, genealogies like that of Uthai serve as a reminder of the providence and sovereignty of God in history. They illustrate how God works through generations to accomplish His purposes, often using ordinary individuals to play roles in His divine plan.

Cultural and Historical Context:

The post-exilic period was a time of rebuilding and re-establishing the religious and social structures of the Jewish community. The genealogies in 1 Chronicles, including the mention of Uthai, reflect the efforts to reconstitute the community around its shared heritage and faith. This period was marked by a renewed emphasis on the Law, temple worship, and the distinct identity of the Israelites as God's chosen people.

In summary, Uthai, though a minor figure, is part of the rich tapestry of biblical history that illustrates the enduring faithfulness of God to His covenant people. His mention in the genealogies serves as a testament to the continuity of God's promises and the hope of restoration for the people of Israel.Uthai

my iniquity

Uthai

(helpful),

1. The son of Ammihud, of the children of Pharez the son of Judah. (1 Chronicles 9:4) (B.C. 536.)
2. One of the sons of Bigvai, who returned in the second caravan with Ezra. (Ezra 8:14) (B.C.459.)

UTHAI

u'-thi, u'-tha-i (`uthay, meaning uncertain):

(1) A descendant of Judah, of the clan of Perez (1 Chronicles 9:4) = "Athaiah" of Nehemiah 11:4.

(2) Son of Bigvai (Ezra 8:14); called "Uthi" in 1 Esdras 8:40.

5793. Uthay -- two Israelites
... 5792, 5793. Uthay. 5794 . two Israelites. Transliteration: Uthay Phonetic Spelling:
(oo-thah'-ee) Short Definition: Uthai. ... NASB Word Usage Uthai (2). Uthai. ...
/hebrew/5793.htm - 6kUthai (2 Occurrences)
... Int. Standard Bible Encyclopedia UTHAI. u'-thi, u'-tha-i (`uthay ... Esdras 8:40.
Multi-Version Concordance Uthai (2 Occurrences). 1 Chronicles 9 ...
/u/uthai.htm - 7k

Uthi
... Alexandrinus Outhi; Codex Vaticanus Outou): One of the sons of Bago (Bigvai) who
returned at the head of his family with Ezra (1 Esdras 8:40) = "Uthai" of Ezra ...
/u/uthi.htm - 6k

Ammihud (10 Occurrences)
... Samuel 13:37). (5.) The son of Omri, and the father of Uthai (1 Chronicles
9:4). Int. Standard Bible Encyclopedia. AMMIHUD. a-mi'-hud ...
/a/ammihud.htm - 11k

Zabbud (1 Occurrence)
... Zabbud (1 Occurrence). Ezra 8:14 Of the sons of Bigvai, Uthai and Zabbud; and
with them seventy males. (WEB KJV ASV BBE DBY WBS YLT NAS). ...
/z/zabbud.htm - 7k

Zaccur (10 Occurrences)
... Ezra 8:14 And of the sons of Bigvai, Uthai and Zabbud; and with them seventy males.
(See JPS RSV NIV). Nehemiah 3:2 Next to him built the men of Jericho. ...
/z/zaccur.htm - 11k

Imri (2 Occurrences)
... Imri (2 Occurrences). 1 Chronicles 9:4 Uthai the son of Ammihud, the son of Omri,
the son of Imri, the son of Bani, of the children of Perez the son of Judah. ...
/i/imri.htm - 7k

Pherez (11 Occurrences)
... (DBY). 1 Chronicles 9:4 Uthai the son of Ammihud, the son of Omri, the son of Imri,
the son of Bani, of the children of Pherez the son of Judah. (DBY). ...
/p/pherez.htm - 9k

Perez (19 Occurrences)
... 1 Chronicles 9:4 Uthai the son of Ammihud, the son of Omri, the son of Imri,
the son of Bani, of the children of Perez the son of Judah. ...
/p/perez.htm - 13k

Pharez (11 Occurrences)
... (KJV WBS YLT). 1 Chronicles 9:4 Uthai the son of Ammihud, the son of Omri, the son
of Imri, the son of Bani, of the children of Pharez the son of Judah. ...
/p/pharez.htm - 11k

Bigva'i (6 Occurrences)
... fifty and six. (See RSV). Ezra 8:14 And of the sons of Bigvai, Uthai and
Zaccur; and with him seventy males. (See RSV). Nehemiah 7 ...
/b/bigva'i.htm - 7k

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