from the same as חֲזִיר; perhaps protected; Chezir, the name of two Israelites; Hezir.
Transliteration:Chêzîyr
Pronunciation:khay-zeer'
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew lemma חֵזִיר (Chêzîyr), designated by `{{H2387}}`, functions exclusively as a proper noun in the biblical text. Its base definition indicates it is "from the same as חֲזִיר" (`{{H2386}}`), which refers to "swine" or "pig." However, the suggested etymological meaning for the *name* itself is "perhaps protected." This distinction is crucial: while related to the root for the animal, the word `{{H2387}}` itself denotes a personal name, "Hezir," borne by two distinct individuals in the Old Testament. The semantic range is thus limited to its function as an anthroponym, with a possible underlying meaning related to divine safeguarding or enclosure, rather than the animal itself.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The name Hezir (חֵזִיר) appears twice in the Hebrew Bible, referring to two different individuals, both playing significant roles within the Israelite community.
1. **[[1 Chronicles 24:15]]**: Here, Hezir is identified as the head of the seventeenth of the twenty-four priestly divisions established by King David. This detailed cataloging of priestly families and their assigned courses demonstrates a highly organized system for temple service, ensuring continuous and orderly worship. Hezir's inclusion in this list underscores his lineage, authority, and responsibility within the Levitical priesthood, indicating a family dedicated to the sacred duties of the tabernacle/temple. The context highlights the divine ordering of worship and the importance of faithful adherence to established protocols for service before God.
2. **[[Nehemiah 10:20]]**: In this instance, Hezir is listed among the heads of the people who sealed the covenant alongside Nehemiah, Ezra, and the other leaders following the return from Babylonian exile. This covenant, detailed in Nehemiah 9-10, represented a solemn recommitment of the post-exilic community to the Mosaic Law and the worship of Yahweh. The act of sealing the covenant was a public declaration of repentance, adherence to God's commands, and a pledge to uphold the spiritual and social reforms necessary for the restoration of Israel. Hezir's presence among these signatories signifies his personal and corporate commitment to God's covenant and the rebuilding of the nation's spiritual foundation.
In both contexts, the name Hezir is associated with individuals holding positions of responsibility and demonstrating commitment to the religious and communal life of Israel.
### Related Words & Concepts
The primary linguistic connection for `{{H2387}}` is to `{{H2386}}` (חֲזִיר), which means "swine" or "pig." While the proper name Hezir shares the same root, its meaning is not that of the animal. The suggested etymology of "protected" for the name itself points to a different conceptual sphere.
Related concepts include:
* **Priestly Service**: As seen in [[1 Chronicles 24:15]], Hezir's role connects him to the organized worship and sacrificial system of ancient Israel, highlighting the importance of ordained ministry and lineage.
* **Covenant Fidelity**: The Hezir in [[Nehemiah 10:20]] embodies the concept of covenant renewal and corporate commitment to God's law, a central theme in post-exilic Judaism.
* **Lineage and Identity**: The naming of individuals and their inclusion in genealogical lists or rolls (like in Chronicles and Nehemiah) underscores the significance of family lines, tribal identity, and continuity within the Israelite community.
* **Divine Providence/Protection**: If the "protected" etymology holds, the name itself subtly points to the concept of divine safeguarding, a recurring theme throughout biblical narrative where God guards His people and individuals.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of חֵזִיר (Hezir) is derived less from the etymology of the name itself and more from the roles and actions of the individuals who bore it.
The Hezir of [[1 Chronicles 24:15]] represents the divine order and meticulous organization of worship. His position as a head of a priestly division underscores God's desire for an orderly and dedicated service in His presence. This speaks to the principle that worship is not chaotic but structured, requiring specific roles and responsibilities to facilitate the people's approach to a holy God. It also highlights the continuity of divine appointment through generations.
The Hezir of [[Nehemiah 10:20]] embodies the post-exilic community's renewed commitment to God's covenant. His act of sealing the covenant signifies a corporate and individual pledge to obey the Torah, re-establish righteous living, and rebuild the spiritual integrity of the nation. This demonstrates the theological concept of repentance, restoration, and the vital importance of covenant faithfulness in maintaining a right relationship with God. The willingness of leaders and people to bind themselves to God's law reflects a deep understanding of their identity as God's chosen people, called to live in obedience.
While the name's possible meaning "protected" is not explicitly developed in the biblical narrative, it could subtly reflect the overarching theme of God's protection over His covenant people, even through times of exile and restoration, and His safeguarding of those dedicated to His service.
### Summary
חֵזִיר (Chêzîyr), `{{H2387}}`, is a Hebrew proper noun, "Hezir," referring to two distinct Israelites mentioned in the Old Testament. Despite sharing a root with the word for "swine" (`{{H2386}}`), the name's suggested etymology is "perhaps protected." The first biblical occurrence in [[1 Chronicles 24:15]] identifies Hezir as the head of the seventeenth priestly division, underscoring the divine ordering of temple worship and the importance of lineage and responsibility in sacred service. The second occurrence in [[Nehemiah 10:20]] lists Hezir among those who sealed the covenant, signifying a profound commitment to God's law and the spiritual restoration of Israel after the exile. Thus, the theological significance of Hezir lies in the roles of these individuals, representing the principles of orderly worship, covenant faithfulness, and the corporate dedication of God's people to His commands.
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