Jonathan (1)
PeopleWhat is the meaning of Jonathan (1) in the Bible?
Jonathan, a Levite from Bethlehem, entered the service of Micah as a hired priest and later established a hereditary priesthood in the city of Dan (formerly Laish), where he is identified in Judges 18:30 as a descendant of Manasseh.
SIGNIFICANCE
This account clarifies the fluidity of priestly roles in the pre-monarchic period, illustrating how non-Aaronite Levites could assume priestly functions and how tribal affiliations were sometimes reinterpreted to legitimize local cultic centers.
Bible Study Quick-Reference Guide
Genealogy & Community Insight: When reading, notice how the lineage and actions of Jonathan (1) reveal God's preservation of family clans and community records across generations.
Bible Study Reflection Prompts:
- Why did the biblical author mention Jonathan (1) in this passage?
- What cultural or historical assumption does Jonathan (1) clarify?
Scripture Passages Mentioned:
Judges 18:30
Source Attribution
Built upon the 1915 International Standard Bible Encyclopedia and Easton's Bible Dictionary (1897). Entries have been modernized, checked for academic truthfulness, and shortened for clarity.
How to Cite This Entry
"Jonathan (1)." Ancient Context Dictionary. Accessed 2026. https://ancientcontext.com/context/jonathan-1/