Lexical Summary Ethanim: Ethanim Original Word: אֵיתָנִים Strong's Exhaustive Concordance Ethanim Plural of 'eythan; always with the article; the permanent brooks; Ethanim, the name of a month -- Ethanim. see HEBREW 'eythan NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originpl. of ethan Definition (month of) "steady flowings," the seventh month in the Jewish calendar NASB Translation Ethanim (1). Topical Lexicon Biblical Occurrence1 Kings 8:2 is the only place where the month name “Ethanim” appears: “All the men of Israel assembled together to King Solomon at the feast in the month of Ethanim, the seventh month”. The context is the dedication of the first temple, an event that gathered all Israel for a joyful, covenant-renewing celebration before the Lord. Historical Context of the Calendar Before the exile, Israel used agricultural or descriptive names for its months. After the exile, Babylonian names (such as “Tishri”) became standard (Nehemiah 1:1; Esther 3:7). Ethanim therefore represents an older layer of Israelite chronology, reminding readers that God’s redemptive acts were recorded in real time and space long before foreign influence reshaped civic life. Meaning and Seasonal Setting Derived from a root conveying “perennial” or “ever-flowing,” Ethanim points to the dependable watercourses that persisted even during the late-summer dry spell. Appropriately, the month corresponds roughly to September–October, when the first autumn rains were anticipated and the year’s final harvests were gathered. The name thus evokes God’s covenant faithfulness: as streams continue through drought, so His promises endure (Psalm 74:15; Isaiah 33:16). Relationship to the Festal Cycle Being the seventh month, Ethanim stands at the climax of Israel’s sacred calendar. Three major observances occur within its span: • Feast of Trumpets (Leviticus 23:24) – heralding renewal and calling the nation to spiritual alertness. Solomon selected this season for the temple dedication so that the nation’s mind would already be fixed on forgiveness, provision, and divine presence. The placement underscores how the permanent house of God fulfilled what the temporary booths only foreshadowed. Theological and Typological Significance 1. Continuity of Covenant: Ethanim links the tabernacle era (booths) to the temple era (house), affirming that God’s redemptive storyline unfolds cohesively. Implications for Ministry Today • Corporate Worship: Ethanim highlights the importance of gathering “all the men of Israel” (1 Kings 8:2). Congregational unity around God’s presence remains essential (Hebrews 10:25). Thus, though Ethanim appears only once, it anchors a rich tapestry of covenant history, festal theology, and pastoral application, all converging on the enduring faithfulness of God. Forms and Transliterations הָאֵֽתָנִ֖ים האתנים hā’êṯānîm hā·’ê·ṯā·nîm haetaNimLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance 1 Kings 8:2 HEB: יִשְׂרָאֵ֔ל בְּיֶ֥רַח הָאֵֽתָנִ֖ים בֶּחָ֑ג ה֖וּא NAS: in the month Ethanim, which KJV: in the month Ethanim, which [is] the seventh INT: of Israel the month Ethanim the feast which 1 Occurrence |
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