Ithrites

The Ithrites are a clan whose name marks descent from a forefather called Jether (Ithra). Two notices preserve them — one rooting the family among the settlements of Kiriath-jearim, the other naming two Ithrites in David's roster of mighty men.

A Family of Kiriath-jearim

The Chronicler's genealogy of Caleb places the Ithrites among the constituent families of Kiriath-jearim: "And the families of Kiriath-jearim: The Ithrites, and the Puthites, and the Shumathites, and the Mishraites; of them came the Zorathites and the Eshtaolites" (1 Chr 2:53). The clan is grouped with three sister families and stands behind the later Zorathite and Eshtaolite branches.

Ira and Gareb in David's Roster

In David's list of mighty men, two Ithrites appear together: "Ira the Ithrite, Gareb the Ithrite" (2 Sam 23:38). The patronymic is the only identification given — both men are placed in David's elite by their family of origin rather than by patronym or town.