from the same as אֲתָרִים; stepping; Jeatherai, an Israelite; Jeaterai.
Transliteration:yᵉʼâthᵉray
Pronunciation:yeh-aw-ther-ah'ee
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew proper noun יְאָתְרַי (yᵉʼâthᵉray), Strong's number `{{H2979}}`, is derived from a root meaning "stepping" or "tracks." The base definition provided indicates it comes "from the same as אֲתָרִים" (ʼăthârîm), which refers to `{{H871}}`, meaning "places" or "tracks." Thus, the name itself carries the semantic nuance of movement, progression, or perhaps even the marking of a path. As a personal name, it functions primarily as an identifier for an individual within a specific lineage. Its meaning, "stepping" or "my steps," could subtly allude to one's journey, walk, or place within a lineage, though such interpretations for proper nouns are often speculative without explicit biblical commentary.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The name יְאָתְרַי (yᵉʼâthᵉray) appears only once in the Hebrew Bible, specifically in the genealogical records of the tribe of Levi.
* In [[1 Chronicles 6:21]], Jeatherai is listed as a descendant of Gershom, the eldest son of Levi. The verse states: "Joah his son, Iddo his son, Zerah his son, Jeatherai his son." This places Jeatherai within the priestly lineage, though not directly in the line of Aaron. He is part of the Gershomite branch, whose primary duties involved the care and transport of the tabernacle's coverings and curtains. The context is purely genealogical, serving to meticulously record the generations of Levi, underscoring the importance of lineage and tribal identity in ancient Israel. The brevity of his mention suggests that his significance lies primarily in his contribution to the unbroken chain of the Levite ancestry, rather than any specific actions or events attributed to him.
### Related Words & Concepts
The etymological root of יְאָתְרַת (yᵉʼâthᵉray) is closely tied to אֲתָרִים (ʼăthârîm), `{{H871}}`, which denotes "places" or "tracks." This root is rare, appearing in the context of journeying or following a path, as seen in the phrase "the way of the spies" or "the way of the Atharim" in [[Numbers 21:1]]. This connection reinforces the idea of "stepping" or "following tracks."
Beyond its immediate etymological link, the concept of "stepping" or "walking" is profoundly significant in biblical theology. Terms like הָלַךְ (halakh, `{{H1980}}`, "to walk") frequently describe one's conduct, moral life, or relationship with God (e.g., "walking with God" as in [[Genesis 5:24]] or "walking in His ways" as in [[Deuteronomy 8:6]]). While there is no direct textual evidence to link Jeatherai's name meaning to such theological concepts, the underlying root resonates with a broader biblical lexicon concerning life's journey and adherence to divine paths. The meticulous recording of names and lineages, as seen in Chronicles, also connects to the broader biblical concept of covenant faithfulness and the preservation of identity within God's chosen people.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of Jeatherai, as with many individuals mentioned solely within genealogies, is primarily indirect. His inclusion in the Levitical lineage in [[1 Chronicles 6:21]] underscores the divine meticulousness in preserving the records of Israel's tribes, particularly those consecrated for service to the Lord. This reflects God's faithfulness to His covenant promises and His ordered plan for His people.
The very act of recording names in lengthy genealogies serves several theological purposes:
1. **Continuity of Covenant:** It demonstrates the unbroken chain of God's covenant people, from generation to generation.
2. **Divine Order:** It highlights the structured and divinely ordained roles within Israel, such as the distinct responsibilities of the Levites.
3. **Identity and Inheritance:** It affirms the identity and inheritance of each individual within their tribe, a crucial aspect of Israelite society and their relationship with God's land and promises.
While the meaning "stepping" for Jeatherai's name does not carry explicit theological weight in the biblical narrative itself, one might reverently ponder it as a subtle reminder of the generations "stepping" forward in the divine plan, each playing their part in the unfolding story of salvation history, even if their specific contributions are not detailed.
### Summary
Jeatherai (יְאָתְרַי, `{{H2979}}`) is a Hebrew proper noun meaning "stepping" or "my steps," derived from the root associated with "tracks" or "places" (`{{H871}}`). He is mentioned only once in the biblical record, in [[1 Chronicles 6:21]], as a descendant in the Gershomite line of the Levites. His inclusion in this genealogy highlights the biblical emphasis on lineage, tribal identity, and the meticulous preservation of records within God's covenant people. While no specific actions or theological insights are directly attributed to Jeatherai himself, his presence in the Levitical genealogy underscores the divine order and continuity of God's plan for Israel, where each individual, however briefly mentioned, plays a part in the grand tapestry of salvation history.
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