patronymically from יַחְלְאֵל; a Jachleelite or descendant of Jachleel; Jahleelites.
Transliteration:Yachlᵉʼêlîy
Pronunciation:yakh-leh-ay-lee'
Detailed Word Study
AI-Generated
Loading Study...
### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew term `{{H3178}}` (Yachlᵉʼêlîy) is a patronymic noun, directly derived from the personal name Jachleel (יַחְלְאֵל, `{{H3177}}`). As such, its core meaning denotes a descendant of Jachleel, or a member of the clan associated with this individual. The suffix "-î" (י) indicates belonging or origin, hence "Jachleelite" or "of Jachleel." The root of the name Jachleel itself is often associated with יָחַל (yachal), meaning "to wait, hope, be patient," combined with the divine element "El" (God). Thus, Jachleel could mean "God waits," "He will wait for God," or "May God wait." Consequently, a Jachleelite is one who belongs to the lineage carrying this name and its potential theological implications of hope, patience, or divine forbearance.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term `{{H3178}}` appears exclusively in the book of Numbers, specifically within the detailed census of the Israelite tribes taken in the plains of Moab. Its sole occurrence is found in:
* [[Numbers 26:26]]: "Of Jachleel, the family of the Jachleelites: these are the families of the Zebulunites according to those who were numbered of them, sixty thousand five hundred."
In this context, the "Jachleelites" are identified as one of the three major families (alongside the Seredites and Elonites) belonging to the tribe of Zebulun. This second census, conducted after the plague at Peor, served a crucial purpose: to re-establish the military and administrative structure of Israel prior to entering the Promised Land, and to allocate land inheritances based on tribal and familial strength. The mention of the Jachleelites, therefore, is not narrative but strictly genealogical and administrative, affirming their established place within the divinely ordered community of Israel. It underscores the meticulous record-keeping and the importance of lineage in ancient Israelite society, particularly in relation to tribal identity and land tenure.
### Related Words & Concepts
The primary related word is the ancestor's name itself:
* **Jachleel (יַחְלְאֵל, `{{H3177}}`):** The individual from whom the Jachleelite family descends. He is listed as one of the sons of Zebulun in [[Genesis 46:14]] and [[Numbers 26:26]].
Beyond this direct relationship, the concept of `{{H3178}}` connects to broader biblical themes:
* **Patronymics:** The common practice in Hebrew culture of naming families or clans after a founding ancestor (e.g., "Israelites" from Israel, "Levites" from Levi). This highlights the importance of ancestry and continuity of identity.
* **Genealogy and Tribal Organization:** The detailed lists in Numbers, Chronicles, and other books emphasize God's ordering of His people, the preservation of tribal distinctions, and the fulfillment of covenant promises regarding the multiplication of Abraham's descendants.
* **Inheritance and Land Allotment:** The census in Numbers 26 directly precedes the division of the land, demonstrating that tribal and familial identity, such as that of the Jachleelites, was foundational to the distribution of the Promised Land.
### Theological Significance
While the term `{{H3178}}` itself is a descriptor of lineage, its inclusion in the biblical record carries significant theological weight.
1. **Divine Order and Providence:** The meticulous enumeration of the Jachleelites, alongside other families, reflects God's sovereign hand in organizing His people. It speaks to a divine order that undergirds the community of Israel, ensuring their identity and structure for the fulfillment of His purposes.
2. **Covenant Faithfulness:** The continued existence and enumeration of distinct families like the Jachleelites, centuries after the initial promises to Abraham, testifies to God's unwavering faithfulness to His covenant to multiply Abraham's seed into a great nation ([[Genesis 12:2]]). Each family, however small, is a living testament to this divine promise.
3. **Corporate Identity and Belonging:** For an ancient Israelite, being a "Jachleelite" was not merely a label but a profound aspect of their identity. It signified their place within the tribe of Zebulun, their share in the covenant, and their participation in the corporate life of Israel. This emphasizes the biblical importance of belonging to a people chosen and set apart by God.
4. **Echoes of the Ancestor's Name:** If Jachleel means "He will wait for God" or "God waits," then the very name of the Jachleelites might subtly carry a legacy of patient endurance, hope in divine timing, or a reminder of God's own long-suffering with His people. While the text does not elaborate on this, the etymology offers a reverent reflection on the potential spiritual heritage of this family line.
### Summary
The term `{{H3178}}` (Yachlᵉʼêlîy) refers to the "Jachleelites," a specific family or clan descended from Jachleel (`{{H3177}}`), one of the sons of Zebulun. Its sole biblical occurrence is in the census list of [[Numbers 26:26]], where it designates a distinct subdivision within the tribe of Zebulun. As a patronymic, it underscores the vital role of lineage and tribal identity in ancient Israel. Theologically, the presence of the Jachleelites in the biblical record highlights God's meticulous ordering of His covenant people, His faithfulness in preserving their identity through generations, and the profound significance of corporate belonging within the divinely chosen nation. While a descriptive term, it subtly points to the intricate tapestry of God's providential care for every segment of His people.
TRV