patronymically from יָאִיר; a Jairite or descendant of Jair; Jairite.
Transliteration:Yâʼirîy
Pronunciation:yaw-ee-ree'
Detailed Word Study
AI-Generated
Loading Study...
### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew term יָאִרִי (Yâʼirîy, `{{H2972}}`) is a gentilic noun, directly derived from the personal name יָאִיר (Yâʼîr, `{{H2971}}`). As a gentilic, its fundamental meaning denotes a descendant or member of the family or clan associated with the individual named Jair. Thus, its semantic range is quite narrow and specific: "a Jairite," signifying an individual belonging to the lineage of Jair. It functions primarily as a marker of identity and tribal affiliation within the ancient Israelite social structure, indicating a familial or clanic relationship to the progenitor Jair.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term יָאִרִי (Yâʼirîy, `{{H2972}}`) appears only once in the Hebrew Bible, specifically in 1 Chronicles 27:21. The verse reads: "of Manasseh, Iddo the son of Zechariah, of the Jairites; of Benjamin, Jaasiel the son of Abner."
In this context, the mention of "the Jairites" serves to identify the lineage of Iddo, one of the tribal commanders or officials appointed by King David. The chapter provides a detailed list of these officials, specifying their tribal affiliation and, in some cases, their specific clan or family origin. The "Jairites" here likely refer to the descendants of Jair, the son of Manasseh, who had significant holdings in Gilead (cf. Numbers 32:41; Deuteronomy 3:14; 1 Chronicles 2:22-23). This particular Jair was a prominent figure in the tribe of Manasseh, whose descendants held towns known as Havvoth-Jair. The inclusion of "Jairites" in this administrative roster underscores the meticulous record-keeping of Israelite genealogies and the importance of lineage in defining roles and responsibilities within the kingdom.
### Related Words & Concepts
The primary related word is the personal name יָאִיר (Yâʼîr, `{{H2971}}`), from which יָאִרִי (Yâʼirîy, `{{H2972}}`) is derived. Several individuals bear the name Jair in the Old Testament:
* **Jair, the Judge:** One of the minor judges of Israel from Gilead, who judged Israel for twenty-three years and had thirty sons who rode on thirty donkeys and owned thirty towns in Gilead (Judges 10:3-5).
* **Jair, son of Manasseh:** A descendant of Manasseh who captured the region of Argob and called its villages Havvoth-Jair (Numbers 32:41; Deuteronomy 3:14; 1 Chronicles 2:22-23). This Jair is the most probable progenitor of the "Jairites" mentioned in 1 Chronicles 27:21, given the association with Manasseh in that verse.
* **Jair, father of Elhanan:** Elhanan, the son of Jair, is noted for killing Lahmi, the brother of Goliath (1 Chronicles 20:5).
The concept of **gentilic nouns** is crucial for understanding יָאִרִי. These are common in Hebrew, forming names for groups based on their ancestor, place of origin, or tribal affiliation (e.g., "Israelite," "Moabite," "Levite," "Benjaminite"). Such terms were vital for establishing identity, lineage, inheritance rights, and tribal boundaries in ancient Israel. The meticulous recording of such affiliations, particularly in books like Chronicles, highlights the importance of **genealogy** in biblical thought, which served to confirm covenant relationships, establish claims to land, and trace the lineage leading to the Messiah.
### Theological Significance
While יָאִרִי (Yâʼirîy, `{{H2972}}`) itself does not carry a direct theological message, its presence in the biblical text points to broader theological themes. Firstly, it underscores the **divine order and meticulousness** evident in God's dealings with His people. The detailed tribal and clanic records, of which "Jairite" is an example, reflect a God who is sovereign over human history and who works through specific individuals and families to fulfill His purposes. This attention to lineage is particularly significant in the unfolding story of salvation, which culminates in the genealogies of Christ (e.g., [[Matthew 1:1-17]]; [[Luke 3:23-38]]).
Secondly, the designation "Jairite" speaks to the biblical emphasis on **identity and belonging** within the covenant community. To be a "Jairite" was to belong to a specific family and tribe within Israel, carrying with it a shared heritage, responsibilities, and a place within God's chosen nation. This corporate identity reflects the truth that God often deals with humanity not only as individuals but also within the context of families, tribes, and nations, demonstrating His faithfulness across generations.
### Summary
The term יָאִרִי (Yâʼirîy, `{{H2972}}`), "Jairite," is a specific gentilic noun denoting a descendant or member of the clan of Jair. Its sole occurrence in [[1 Chronicles 27:21]] places it within a list of tribal officials during King David's reign, likely referring to the descendants of Jair, the Manassite. This word, while rare, exemplifies the biblical emphasis on **lineage, tribal identity, and meticulous record-keeping** within ancient Israel. Theologically, it subtly points to God's ordered creation, His faithfulness in dealing with generations, and the significance of belonging within the covenant community, laying groundwork for the broader narrative of salvation history.
TRV