or (prolonged) הַגְרִיאxlit Hagrîʼ corrected to Hagrîyʼ; perhaps patronymically from הָגָר; a Hagrite or member of a certain Arabian clan; Hagarene, Hagarite, Haggeri.
Transliteration:Hagrîy
Pronunciation:hag-ree'
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew term הַגְרִי (Hagrîy, `{{H1905}}`) refers to a "Hagrite" or "Hagarene," denoting a member of a specific Arabian clan. The base definition explicitly states that it is "perhaps patronymically from הָגָר" (Hagar, `{{H1904}}`). This etymological link is crucial, as Hagar was the Egyptian handmaid of Sarah and the mother of Ishmael ([[Genesis 16:1-16]]). Therefore, the Hagrites are understood as a tribal group descended from Hagar, likely through Ishmael, placing them among the broader constellation of Arabian peoples. The semantic range of Hagrîy thus encompasses ethnic and tribal identity, pointing to a specific lineage and geographical association within the ancient Near East.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term Hagrîy appears in the Old Testament primarily within the book of 1 Chronicles, offering insights into their identity and interactions with Israel.
1. **As a People Group in Conflict:**
* [[1 Chronicles 5:10]]: "And in the days of Saul they made war with the Hagrites, who fell by their hand; and they dwelt in their tents throughout all the east of Gilead."
* [[1 Chronicles 5:19]]: "And they made war with the Hagrites, with Jetur, and Naphish, and Nodab."
These verses describe the Transjordanian tribes of Reuben, Gad, and the half-tribe of Manasseh engaging in successful warfare against the Hagrites and their allies (Jetur, Naphish, and Nodab). The context suggests the Hagrites were a nomadic or semi-nomadic people, indicated by "they dwelt in their tents," inhabiting regions east of Gilead. Their defeat by Israel led to the expansion of Israelite territory and resources, particularly in the fertile lands of Gilead. This portrayal highlights the Hagrites as a distinct, often adversarial, foreign entity bordering Israel.
2. **As Individuals Integrated into Israelite Society:**
* [[1 Chronicles 11:38]]: "Joel the brother of Nathan, Mibhar the son of Hagri,"
* [[1 Chronicles 27:31]]: "Over the flocks in the valleys was Ezri the son of Chelub. Over the camels was Obil the Ishmaelite. Over the donkeys was Jehdeiah the Meronothite. Over the flocks was Jaziz the Hagrite."
In these instances, "Hagrite" functions as a descriptor for individuals rather than the collective clan. Mibhar, "the son of Hagri," is listed among David's mighty men, suggesting a person of Hagrite origin who achieved prominence in Israel's military. Similarly, Jaziz the Hagrite is appointed as an overseer of David's flocks. This indicates that while the Hagrites were often adversaries, individuals from their clan could be assimilated into Israelite society, serving in significant roles, perhaps valued for their expertise in animal husbandry, a skill common among nomadic Arabian peoples.
### Related Words & Concepts
The understanding of Hagrîy is enriched by its connection to several related biblical terms and concepts:
* **Hagar (הָגָר, `{{H1904}}`):** The foundational link. Hagar, the Egyptian servant of Sarah, bore Ishmael to Abraham. Her story is one of divine care in the wilderness ([[Genesis 16:7-14]], [[Genesis 21:14-19]]), and her descendants, including the Hagrites, represent a branch of Abraham's vast progeny.
* **Ishmael (יִשְׁמָעֵאל, `{{H3458}}`):** Hagar's son, the progenitor of twelve princes and numerous tribes ([[Genesis 25:12-16]]). The Hagrites are implicitly part of the broader "Ishmaelite" family, a term often used generically for Arabian tribes. The mention of "Obil the Ishmaelite" alongside "Jaziz the Hagrite" in [[1 Chronicles 27:30-31]] suggests a close association, if not direct overlap, between the two designations.
* **Arabian Tribes/Peoples:** The Hagrites belong to the diverse group of nomadic and semi-nomadic peoples inhabiting the Arabian peninsula and its fringes. These groups frequently interacted with Israel, sometimes in conflict, sometimes in trade, and occasionally through individual integration.
* **Covenant and Non-Covenant Peoples:** The Hagrites, as descendants of Ishmael, represent those outside the direct covenant line established through Isaac and Jacob, yet still part of God's broader dealings with humanity.
### Theological Significance
The presence and portrayal of the Hagrites in the biblical narrative carry several theological implications:
* **Divine Sovereignty and Promise:** The existence of the Hagrites, as descendants of Hagar and Ishmael, testifies to the fulfillment of God's promise to Abraham that Ishmael too would become a great nation ([[Genesis 17:20]], [[Genesis 21:13]]). Even though the covenant passed through Isaac, God's providential care extended to Ishmael and his descendants, ensuring their proliferation.
* **The Scope of God's Plan:** The inclusion of non-Israelite peoples like the Hagrites, whether as adversaries or as integrated individuals, highlights that God's overarching plan encompasses a wider array of nations and peoples beyond the direct line of Israel. This foreshadows the universal scope of salvation later revealed in the New Testament.
* **Complexities of Inter-Ethnic Relations:** The biblical account of the Hagrites illustrates the multifaceted nature of ancient Near Eastern inter-ethnic relations. They are portrayed both as a foreign power engaged in warfare with Israel and as individuals who could serve within Israelite society. This duality reflects the dynamic and often nuanced interactions between God's chosen people and the surrounding nations.
* **Genealogical Record and Identity:** The detailed genealogical records in Chronicles, including the mention of the Hagrites, underscore the biblical emphasis on lineage and identity. These records not only trace the heritage of Israel but also acknowledge the presence and significance of surrounding peoples, situating Israel within a broader historical and ethnic context.
### Summary
The term הַגְרִי (Hagrîy, `{{H1905}}`) identifies a "Hagrite," a member of an Arabian clan understood to be descended from Hagar, the mother of Ishmael. Biblically, the Hagrites appear in 1 Chronicles both as a distinct nomadic people engaged in conflict with Israelite tribes in the Transjordan region and as individuals who served within King David's administration. Their presence underscores the fulfillment of God's promise to Hagar and Ishmael regarding their numerous descendants. Theologically, the Hagrites represent a non-covenant people within God's broader providential care, illustrating the complex interactions between Israel and its neighbors, and affirming the comprehensive scope of God's dealings with humanity.
TRV