### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew term `{{H3140}}` (Yôwray) is a proper noun, specifically a personal name. Its etymology traces back to the root `{{H3384}}` (yarah), which carries a rich semantic range encompassing "to throw," "to cast," "to pour," "to shoot," and by extension, "to teach" or "to instruct." The specific nuance attributed to `{{H3140}}` in its base definition, "rainy," is derived from the "pouring" aspect of `{{H3384}}`, particularly in reference to the pouring down of rain. Thus, the name Yôwray can be understood as "he will pour out" or "rainy," perhaps implying one who brings refreshment or abundance, or one born during a time of significant rain. As a proper name, its semantic range is fixed to the individual it identifies, but its underlying meaning carries these broader connotations rooted in the act of pouring or providing.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The name `{{H3140}}` (Yôwray) appears only once in the Hebrew Bible, within a genealogical record in the book of Chronicles:
* [[1 Chronicles 11:46]]: "Eliel the Mahavite, and Jeribai, and Joshaviah, the sons of Elnaam, and Ithmah the Moabite," (This is incorrect, I need to find the correct verse for Jorai. Let me re-verify. Ah, it's in 1 Chronicles 5:13, not 11:46. My apologies for the internal thought error. I must correct this.)
Let me correct the verse reference.
* [[1 Chronicles 5:13]]: "and their brethren of the house of their fathers, Michael, and Meshullam, and Sheba, and Jorai, and Jachan, and Zia, and Heber, seven."
In this context, `{{H3140}}` is listed among the heads of families or prominent men of the tribe of Gad, specifically those dwelling in Bashan and Gilead. The verse enumerates several individuals who were "heads of the house of their fathers." The passage in [[1 Chronicles 5]] focuses on the genealogies of Reuben, Gad, and the half-tribe of Manasseh, highlighting their settlement, increase, and eventual exile. Jorai is presented as one of the seven brethren, implying his status as a significant figure within his lineage, though no further narrative details or actions are attributed to him. His inclusion in this list underscores the meticulous nature of biblical genealogies, which served to establish tribal identity, land rights, and the historical continuity of God's covenant people.
### Related Words & Concepts
The most significant related word to `{{H3140}}` is its root, `{{H3384}}` (yarah). This root is foundational to several important biblical concepts:
* **Rain and Provision**: As seen in the name Yôwray, yarah is directly linked to the "pouring" of rain, a vital source of sustenance and blessing in an agrarian society. Rain is frequently depicted as a divine gift, a sign of God's faithfulness and provision ([[Deuteronomy 11:14]], [[Job 5:10]]).
* **Instruction and Teaching**: A highly significant derivative of yarah is `{{H8451}}` (Torah), meaning "instruction," "law," or "teaching." This connection implies that God "pours out" His wisdom and commands to His people. The priest's role was to "teach" (from yarah) the people God's statutes ([[Leviticus 10:11]]).
* **Casting and Direction**: The root yarah also means "to cast" or "to throw," as in casting lots for divine guidance ([[Joshua 18:6]]) or shooting arrows ([[1 Samuel 20:20]]). This suggests a sense of direction, guidance, or destiny.
While `{{H3140}}` itself is a proper name, its etymological roots connect it to these profound themes of divine provision, instruction, and guidance, subtly enriching its meaning beyond a mere identifier.
### Theological Significance
Though `{{H3140}}` (Yôwray) is a proper name with no accompanying narrative, its etymological connection to "rainy" or "he will pour out" carries inherent theological resonance. In the ancient Near East, rain was a direct manifestation of divine favor and provision. A "rainy" name could symbolize:
* **Divine Blessing and Sustenance**: The very existence of rain was dependent on God's will ([[Deuteronomy 28:12]], [[Jeremiah 5:24]]). A name like Jorai might implicitly acknowledge God as the ultimate provider of life-giving water, essential for crops, livestock, and human survival. It speaks to God's faithful care for creation.
* **Fruitfulness and Prosperity**: Abundant rain led to fertile land and a prosperous harvest, often seen as a sign of covenant blessing ([[Leviticus 26:4]]). Thus, Jorai's name could be an invocation or acknowledgment of such prosperity.
* **God's Outpouring of Grace**: Extending beyond physical rain, the concept of "pouring out" can metaphorically refer to God's pouring out of His Spirit ([[Joel 2:28]]), His blessings, or His judgment. While speculative for this specific name, the root certainly opens up such theological avenues.
* **Theological Echoes of Torah**: The deeper connection to `{{H3384}}` and its derivative Torah (instruction) suggests that even seemingly simple names can carry echoes of God's revelatory and guiding nature. God "pours out" His instruction and wisdom for humanity's benefit.
### Summary
`{{H3140}}` (Yôwray) is a Hebrew proper name, transliterated as Jorai, appearing once in the biblical text within the genealogical record of the tribe of Gad in [[1 Chronicles 5:13]]. Its etymological root is `{{H3384}}` (yarah), meaning "to pour" or "to cast," from which the meaning "rainy" is derived. While Jorai himself is a figure without narrative detail, his name subtly points to the crucial concept of divine provision and blessing, as rain was a direct gift from God in the ancient world. Furthermore, the broader semantic field of `{{H3384}}` connects to the "pouring out" of God's instruction (Torah), suggesting a deeper theological resonance even in seemingly minor biblical names, highlighting God's character as provider, sustainer, and instructor.
TRV