or הָרָרִי; (2 Samuel 23:11), or הָארָרִי; (2 Samuel 23:34, last clause [), apparently from הָרָר; a mountaineer; {Hararite}; Hararite.
Transliteration:Hărârîy
Pronunciation:hah-raw-ree'
Detailed Word Study
AI-Generated
Loading Study...
### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The lemma H2043, Hărârîy (הֲרָרִי), is a gentilic adjective derived from the root `{{H2042}}` (Hărâr), which itself is closely related to the more common Hebrew word `{{H2022}}` (har), meaning "mountain" or "hill." The primary meaning of Hărârîy is "mountaineer" or "inhabitant of the mountains," denoting a person's origin or association with a mountainous region. The Strong's definition notes orthographic variations such as הָרָרִי and הָארָרִי, all pointing to the same fundamental concept of a person from the mountains. It functions as a descriptor of lineage or geographical affiliation.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term Hărârîy appears exclusively in the historical books of 2 Samuel and 1 Chronicles, specifically within the lists of David's elite warriors, known as his "mighty men."
* **[[2 Samuel 23:11]]**: "Shammah the son of Agee the Hararite." Here, Shammah is identified as one of the "three mighty men" (the "trio") renowned for their extraordinary valor. His designation as "the Hararite" indicates his origin or family name.
* **[[2 Samuel 23:33]]**: "Jonathan the son of Shammah the Hararite." This verse identifies Jonathan as the son of the previously mentioned Shammah, confirming the continuation of the "Hararite" designation within this lineage of mighty warriors.
* **[[2 Samuel 23:34]]**: The Strong's entry notes a reference to this verse, specifically the "last clause." However, standard Masoretic texts do not contain "Hararite" in the last clause of [[2 Samuel 23:34]]. This may point to a textual variant or an interpretive note from the Strong's concordance itself, rather than a direct occurrence in the most widely accepted Hebrew texts. The primary and unambiguous occurrences are those directly naming individuals.
* **[[1 Chronicles 11:34]]**: "Jonathan the son of Shagee the Hararite." This parallels [[2 Samuel 23:33]], with "Shagee" being a variant spelling for "Agee" or "Shammah's father." It reinforces Jonathan's Hararite identity.
* **[[1 Chronicles 11:35]]**: "Ahiam the son of Sacar the Hararite." This verse introduces another individual, Ahiam, who is also identified as a Hararite among David's mighty men, further emphasizing the presence of people from this background within David's elite forces.
In all clear occurrences, Hărârîy functions as a gentilic, identifying individuals who were part of David's most formidable and loyal fighting force. This consistent association suggests that the "Hararites" were a people or family known for producing strong, capable, and perhaps rugged individuals, accustomed to challenging environments.
### Related Words & Concepts
* **`{{H2042}}` (Hărâr)**: The direct root noun from which Hărârîy is derived, meaning "mountain" or "hill." This connection underscores the geographical origin implied by the term.
* **`{{H2022}}` (har)**: The general Hebrew word for "mountain," forming the conceptual basis for all related terms. The "Hararite" is fundamentally a "man of the mountain."
* **Gentilic Nouns**: Hărârîy belongs to a class of biblical terms (e.g., Gilonite, Ithrite, Hittite, Carmelite) that denote a person's place of origin, tribal affiliation, or ancestral lineage. These terms often carry cultural or historical connotations about the people from those regions.
* **David's Mighty Men**: The context of these occurrences is crucial. The Hararites are listed among the most valiant and loyal warriors who served King David. This association links the term to concepts of military prowess, unwavering loyalty, and exceptional strength, qualities highly valued in the service of the king and, by extension, in the service of God.
### Theological Significance
While Hărârîy is primarily a geographical and ethnic designation, its consistent placement within the narrative of David's mighty men imbues it with implicit theological significance.
* **Divine Providence and Diverse Service**: The presence of Hararites alongside warriors from various other regions (e.g., Ammonite, Hittite, Gilonite) among David's loyal guard highlights God's providential hand in assembling a diverse company of individuals to serve His anointed king. This diversity underscores that God uses people from all backgrounds and regions to accomplish His purposes.
* **Strength and Resilience in God's Service**: Mountains in biblical literature often symbolize strength, steadfastness, and enduring power. The "mountaineer" could thus represent individuals possessing inherent strength, resilience, and a rugged determination, qualities that are invaluable when serving God's kingdom, especially in challenging times. The Hararites' valor against overwhelming odds (e.g., Shammah's defense of the lentil field in [[2 Samuel 23:11-12]]) exemplifies this resilience.
* **Loyalty and Costly Discipleship**: The unwavering loyalty and dedication of David's mighty men, including the Hararites, serve as a powerful metaphor for faithfulness to God. Their willingness to risk their lives for the king foreshadows the call to costly discipleship and unwavering commitment to the divine King.
### Summary
The Hebrew term H2043, Hărârîy (הֲרָרִי), designates an individual as a "mountaineer" or one originating from a mountainous region, deriving from `{{H2042}}` (Hărâr), meaning "mountain." This gentilic term is exclusively found in the biblical accounts of David's most valiant warriors, his "mighty men." Key figures identified as Hararites include Shammah, Jonathan, and Ahiam, whose exploits are recorded in [[2 Samuel 23:11]], [[2 Samuel 23:33]], [[1 Chronicles 11:34]], and [[1 Chronicles 11:35]]. Their consistent inclusion among David's elite forces suggests a lineage or region known for producing individuals of exceptional strength, courage, and loyalty. Beyond its literal geographical meaning, the term Hărârîy implicitly speaks to the virtues of resilience, steadfastness, and dedicated service, illustrating God's sovereign choice to gather diverse individuals to faithfully serve His appointed leaders and fulfill His divine purposes.
TRV