אֵיתָנִים
𐤀𐤉𐤕𐤍𐤉𐤌
ʼÊythânîym
H388 adjective
SILEX Entry
Definition
(1) Streams or waterways characterized as perennial, never-failing (permanent brooks). (2) The name of the seventh month of the ancient Israelite calendar (later known as Tishrei), used here in a calendrical context, likely referencing either the constancy of the water-sources or the enduring seasonality associated with this period. The basic semantic core revolves around something enduring, constant, or perennial.
Semantic Range
perennial brooks, never-failing streams; the enduring/constant ones; name of the seventh month (Ethanim, later Tishrei)
Root / Etymology
From the root אֵיתָן (ʼētān), which generally means 'perpetual, enduring, ever-flowing,' especially with reference to natural streams or strength. The form אֵיתָנִים is the masculine plural with the definite article, as typically found in biblical usage for both enduring streams and the name of the month. Derived directly from the root meaning 'to be constant or perennial,' with emphasis on persistence or unchanging nature.
Historical & Contextual Notes
In biblical texts, אֵיתָנִים occurs always with the article (הָאֵיתָנִים), either describing natural features such as constant streams (contrasted with seasonal wadis) or as the designation for the seventh month (cf. 1 Kings 8:2). The use as a month name ('the month of the permanent streams') reflects a stage before the Babylonian calendrical names replaced older Israelite designations; post-exile, 'Tishrei' replaces 'Ethanim.' The term highlights constancy and endurance in contrast to the seasonal or temporary. English translations commonly render the calendar reference as 'Ethanim,' but note that 'perennial streams' is a literal sense and the association with the month name may reflect agricultural or climate regularity. There is no evidence this month name ever indicated association with later Judean religious identities; in the biblical period, it served as a geographic and seasonal marker for the Israelite calendar.
Original Strong's Gloss (1890)
plural of אֵיתָן; always with the article; the permanent brooks; Ethanim, the name of a month; Ethanim.
Bantu Hebrew
No Bantu Hebrew comparisons have been submitted for this word yet.
+ Add Bantu Hebrew WordRoot Family
איתן (ʾ-y-t-n) — perennial, enduring, constant, ever-flowing
| Strong's | Lemma | SIBI-P1 |
|---|---|---|
| H387 | אֵיתָן | to Ethan |
Word Forms
1 distinct form
| SIDANCE | Surface | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | Occurrences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
H388-01 |
הָ/אֵֽתָנִ֖ים | haetanim | HTd/Aampa |
Ethanim | the perennial ones | 1 |
Occurrences in Scripture
1 total occurrence
| SIDANCE | Reference | Word | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
H388-01 |
1 Kings 8:2 | הָ/אֵֽתָנִ֖ים | haetanim | HTd/Aampa |
Ethanim | the perennial ones |