The Hebrew word Yôwrâh, represented by H3139, is a proper name for an Israelite. The base definition is rainy; Jorah, an Israelite; Jorah. It is an exceedingly rare term, appearing only 1 time in 1 unique verse in the entire biblical text, marking it as a specific genealogical reference rather than a common noun.
The single appearance of H3139 is found in a genealogical list within the book of Ezra. The verse states, "The children of Jorah, an hundred and twelve" Ezra 2:18. This context places Jorah as the patriarch of a family clan that was part of the community returning from the Babylonian exile. The name serves to identify and quantify one of the specific family groups that made up the restored nation of Israel.
Several related words appear alongside H3139 in its only scriptural context:
- H1121 bên (children): This word, defined as "a son (as a builder of the family name)," is used here to establish the lineage of the group descending from Jorah.
- H3967 mêʼâh (hundred): A primitive numeral for one hundred, this word begins the count of Jorah's descendants.
- H8147 shᵉnayim and H6240 ʻâsâr (twelve): These two words, meaning "two" and "ten" (as in -teen) respectively, combine to specify the number twelve, completing the census of Jorah's family at one hundred and twelve members.
While the name Jorah itself carries limited theological weight, its inclusion in scripture is significant.
- Genealogical Identity: The mention of the "children of Jorah" is part of the meticulous record-keeping that verified the lineage of the remnant returning to their land. This underscores the importance of heritage and belonging in the post-exilic community.
- Covenant Fulfillment: The list in which H3139 appears is a historical testament to God's faithfulness. By preserving and enumerating the families, including the house of Jorah, the text provides concrete evidence of God's promise to restore His people to their home after the exile.
In summary, H3139 Yôwrâh is the name of a patriarch whose descendants are noted in the biblical record. Its significance is not derived from its definition but from its singular context in Ezra 2:18. The name functions as a historical marker, representing one of the families that comprised the faithful remnant of Israel, whose return from exile serves as a key event in the story of God's redemptive plan for His people.
TRV