Etham
Etham is a settlement mentioned in 4 verses. Its most likely location is another name for Pithom. The name means “their strength; their sign.”
Where is Etham?
Approx. 30.5475, 31.9636 · OpenStreetMap · Google Maps
Possible modern locations
| Identification | Type | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| another name for Pithom | settlement | Low |
| Tell Abu Sefeh | settlement | Low |
| Al Qantarah | settlement | Low |
| another name for Tjaru | settlement | Low |
| Ismailia | settlement | Low |
Etham in the Bible dictionary
Perhaps another name for Khetam, or “fortress,” on the Shur or great wall of Egypt, which extended from the Mediterranean to the Gulf of Suez. Here the Israelites made their third encampment (Ex. 13:20; Num. 33:6). The camp was probably a little to the west of the modern town of Ismailia. Here the Israelites were commanded to change their route (Ex. 14:2), and “turn” towards the south, and encamp before Pi-hahiroth.
Easton's Bible Dictionary (1897), public domain. Full dictionary entry →
Verses that mention Etham
- Exodus 13:20
And they took their journey from Succoth, and encamped in Etham, in the edge of the wilderness.
- Numbers 33:6
And they departed from Succoth, and pitched in Etham, which is in the edge of the wilderness.
- Numbers 33:7
And they removed from Etham, and turned again unto Pi–hahiroth, which is before Baal–zephon: and they pitched before Migdol.
- Numbers 33:8
And they departed from before Pi–hahiroth, and passed through the midst of the sea into the wilderness, and went three days’ journey in the wilderness of Etham, and pitched in Marah.