of uncertain derivation; (only in the plural and with the article) the Berites, a place in Palestine; Berites.
Transliteration:Bêrîy
Pronunciation:bay-ree'
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew term בֵּרִי (Bêrîy), Strong's number `{{H1276}}`, refers exclusively to "the Berites," a specific people group or inhabitants associated with a particular place in ancient Palestine. Its derivation is explicitly stated as "uncertain," meaning its etymological roots do not provide further semantic insight into its meaning beyond its designation as a proper noun. Crucially, the definition notes that it appears *only* in the plural form and always with the definite article, indicating a specific, identified collective. Therefore, its semantic range is singularly narrow, pointing to this one particular entity, rather than encompassing a broader conceptual field.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term "Berites" (הַבֵּרִים, *hab-bêrîm*) appears only once in the Hebrew Bible, in [[2 Samuel 20:14]]. The context is the pursuit of Sheba son of Bichri by Joab and his forces. The verse reads: "And he went through all the tribes of Israel to Abel of Beth-maacah, and all the Berites gathered together and followed him." This solitary occurrence places the Berites geographically in the vicinity of Abel of Beth-maacah, a city located in the northern part of Israel, near the border with Syria. Their action of "gathering together" and "following" Joab indicates their participation or allegiance in the pursuit, suggesting they were part of the loyalist forces supporting David against Sheba's rebellion. The brevity of the mention, coupled with the lack of further information, underscores their role as a minor, localized group within the broader narrative of Israelite political and military affairs. Their inclusion, though brief, serves to ground the historical account in specific geographical and demographic realities.
### Related Words & Concepts
Given the uncertain derivation and singular occurrence of `{{H1276}}`, direct linguistic relatives are not identifiable. However, it relates conceptually to other proper nouns designating people groups or inhabitants of specific localities in the biblical narrative, often ending in "-ite." Examples include the Jebusites, Hittites, Amorites, and Perizzites, though these often represent larger, more prominent ethnic or tribal entities. The mention of "the Berites" highlights the meticulous detail of the biblical record, which often names even seemingly minor groups or places to provide historical verisimilitude. It falls within the category of geographically defined inhabitants, much like the "Gileadites" or "Jezreelites," who are identified by their association with a particular region or city. The concept of "gathering together" (נֶאֶסְפוּ, *ne'esfu*) with Joab also links them to the broader theme of tribal or regional allegiance and military mobilization within ancient Israel, a common motif throughout the historical books.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of a proper noun with such a limited and historically specific occurrence is primarily indirect. The mention of "the Berites" contributes to the Bible's claim of historical accuracy and its rootedness in real-world geography and demography. It reminds the reader that the events described are not abstract tales but occurred within a tangible, populated world. This meticulous detail, even for seemingly minor players like the Berites, implicitly points to the divine inspiration that allows for such precise historical documentation. God's providential oversight extends to all aspects of human history, even the movements of small, obscure groups. Their brief appearance in a moment of national crisis (Sheba's rebellion) underscores that all elements, great and small, play a part in the unfolding of God's redemptive plan and the establishment of His chosen king. While the Berites themselves hold no explicit theological doctrine, their inclusion affirms the particularity and historical reliability of the biblical narrative, which is foundational to its theological claims.
### Summary
The term בֵּרִי (Bêrîy), `{{H1276}}`, designates "the Berites," a specific people group or inhabitants of a locality near Abel of Beth-maacah in northern Israel. Its derivation is unknown, and it appears only once in the Hebrew Bible, in [[2 Samuel 20:14]], where they are depicted as joining Joab's pursuit of Sheba son of Bichri. Despite its singular and brief appearance, the inclusion of "the Berites" exemplifies the Bible's detailed historical record, grounding its narratives in specific geographical and demographic realities. While lacking direct theological significance, their mention contributes to the overall credibility and historical verisimilitude of the biblical text, affirming God's sovereign involvement in all aspects of human history, even those involving seemingly minor groups.
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