The Hebrew word Beker, represented by H1071, is the name given to two distinct Israelites in the biblical genealogies. It appears 5 times across 4 unique verses. The name's primary function is to establish lineage within the tribes of Benjamin and Ephraim.
In biblical genealogies, H1071 marks a key descendant in two separate tribal lines. First, Beker is listed as one of the sons H1121 of Benjamin H1144, placing him among the direct descendants of Jacob's youngest son (Genesis 46:21, 1 Chronicles 7:6). Second, a different Beker is identified as a son H1121 of Ephraim H669, whose descendants formed their own family H4940 group Numbers 26:35. The lineage of the Benjamite Beker is further detailed, with a list of his own sons provided in 1 Chronicles, including Zemira, Joash, and Eliezer 1 Chronicles 7:8.
Several related words help clarify the genealogical context of Beker:
- H1144 Binyâmîyn (son of (the) right hand; Binjamin): As the father of one of the two men named Beker, this name establishes the tribal affiliation for the first lineage mentioned Genesis 46:21.
- H669 'Ephrayim (double fruit; Ephrajim): This name identifies the tribe of the second man named Beker, a son of Joseph, and is crucial for distinguishing between the two individuals Numbers 26:35.
- H1076 Bakrîy (a Bakrite (collectively) or descendants of Beker): This patronymic name derives directly from Beker and designates the official family line descended from the Ephraimite Beker Numbers 26:35.
- H4940 mishpâchâh (a family, i.e. circle of relatives): This term is used to define the descendants of Beker of Ephraim as a formal "family" unit, the Bachrites, within the larger tribe Numbers 26:35.
The significance of H1071 is rooted in its role within the tribal structure of Israel.
- Dual Tribal Ancestry: The name Beker is uniquely present in the genealogies of both Benjamin Genesis 46:21 and Ephraim Numbers 26:35, highlighting its use across different family lines.
- Founder of a Clan: As a son of Ephraim, Beker is the progenitor of a recognized clan, "the family H4940 of the Bachrites H1076," demonstrating his importance in the organization and census of that tribe.
- Establishing a Benjamite Lineage: The Beker who was a son H1121 of Benjamin is shown to have had a large family himself, with his many sons listed by name, thus establishing a significant sub-branch within the tribe of Benjamin 1 Chronicles 7:8.
In summary, H1071 Beker is a personal name whose importance is entirely genealogical. It does not represent a concept or object, but rather two individuals who serve as links in the ancestral chains of Benjamin and Ephraim. The scriptural record uses this name to trace lineage, define family groups like the Bachrites, and map the complex descendent structures of two prominent Israelite tribes.
TRV