Ithiel

Biblical Record

Ithiel appears only in Proverbs 30:1. This verse serves as the heading for all of Proverbs 30. It introduces the chapter as "the words of Agur the son of Jakeh" and states that "the man spake unto Ithiel, even unto Ithiel and Ucal" (KJV). The Korean article follows the wording of the Korean Revised Version. In the Hebrew Masoretic Text, the name Ithiel is written twice in succession.

The text does not reveal Ithiel's origin, family, or relationship to Agur. Whether he was Agur's disciple, son, or colleague cannot be determined. The name Ithiel is commonly interpreted to mean "God is with me."

Nehemiah 11:7 also lists a man named Ithiel among the ancestors of Sallu, a Benjamite. He is, however, regarded as a different person from the Ithiel of Proverbs 30.

Significance Within the Bible

Ithiel is remembered only by name, as one who heard the words of Proverbs 30. None of his own words or deeds are recorded. The Book of Proverbs is a collection of the sayings of several sages, and chapter 30 is introduced as the words of Agur rather than those of Solomon. Ithiel's name serves as a marker indicating that this section represents a distinct wisdom tradition. The New Testament does not mention Ithiel.

Interpretation and Debate

• A personal name or a sentence? Many translation traditions read Ithiel and Ucal as personal names. Some modern commentators and translations, however, read the same Hebrew consonants differently. Read this way, the verse becomes a lament by Agur, along the lines of "I am weary, O God; I am weary, O God, and I am worn out." Proponents of this reading point out that it connects well with verses 2–3, in which Agur confesses his own ignorance. Those who read the words as personal names hold that it is more natural to follow the traditional reading of the text.
• Traditions linking the names to Solomon: Some interpretations within Jewish tradition are reported to have regarded names such as Agur, Jakeh, and Ithiel as alternative names for Solomon. The text itself makes no such claim.
• Specific stories about Ithiel's life have no basis in the biblical text.

In the Korean Church

Ithiel is rarely treated on his own in sermons or Sunday school lessons. Sermons on Proverbs 30 tend to focus on Agur's prayer (Proverbs 30:7–9), and Ithiel is mentioned only briefly as a name appearing in the chapter's heading.