patronymically from יַחְצְאֵל; a Jachtseelite (collectively) or descendants of Jachtseel; Jahzeelites.
Transliteration:Yachtsᵉʼêlîy
Pronunciation:yakh-tseh-ay-lee'
Detailed Word Study
AI-Generated
Loading Study...
### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew term `{{H3184}}` (Yachtsᵉʼêlîy) is a patronymic noun, denoting "Jahzeelites" or "Yachtseelites." It refers collectively to the descendants of an individual named Jahzeel. The base word from which this patronymic is derived is `{{H3183}}` (Yachtsᵉʼêl), which means "God apportions" or "God divides." Therefore, `{{H3184}}` specifically identifies a family or clan within ancient Israel that traces its lineage back to this progenitor. Its semantic range is narrow, exclusively serving to designate this particular tribal subdivision. It does not carry an independent theological or conceptual meaning beyond its genealogical function.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term `{{H3184}}` appears only once in the Hebrew Bible, specifically in the book of Numbers:
* [[Numbers 26:48]]: "The sons of Naphtali according to their families: of Jahzeel, the family of the Jahzeelites; of Guni, the family of the Gunites;"
This occurrence is found within the second census of the Israelites, conducted in the plains of Moab before their entry into the land of Canaan. This census, detailed in Numbers 26, was crucial for several reasons: it demonstrated the fulfillment of God's promise of a numerous progeny to Abraham, it served to organize the tribes for the conquest and settlement of Canaan, and it provided the basis for the allocation of land by lot according to tribal and family size. The Jahzeelites are listed as one of the four families descended from Naphtali, highlighting their established identity and role within the larger tribal structure. Their inclusion in this precise genealogical record underscores the meticulous divine oversight of Israel's tribal divisions and the importance of lineage for identity and inheritance in the Mosaic economy.
### Related Words & Concepts
The primary related term is `{{H3183}}` (Yachtsᵉʼêl), the proper name of the progenitor from whom the Jahzeelites descended. Jahzeel was one of the four sons of Naphtali, as recorded in [[Genesis 46:24]] and [[1 Chronicles 7:13]]. The name itself, "God apportions," connects to the broader concept of divine sovereignty and providence, particularly in the distribution of people and land.
Other related concepts include:
* **Patronymics:** The linguistic formation of names from a father or ancestor, common in ancient Near Eastern cultures and crucial for tribal identification in Israel.
* **Genealogy:** The meticulous recording of family lines, which served vital functions in ancient Israel for establishing tribal identity, land rights, priestly succession, and ultimately, the lineage of the Messiah.
* **Tribal Organization:** The division of Israel into twelve tribes, each with its sub-clans and families, which was fundamental to Israel's social, military, and religious structure.
* **Inheritance:** The allocation of land by lot to the various tribes and their families, a divinely ordained process that ensured each family had a stake in the Promised Land. The Jahzeelites, as a recognized family, would have received their portion within the inheritance of the tribe of Naphtali.
### Theological Significance
While `{{H3184}}` itself is a descriptive term for a family line, its presence in the biblical narrative carries significant theological weight.
1. **Divine Order and Providence:** The inclusion of the Jahzeelites in the census reflects God's meticulous ordering of His people. Every family, no matter how seemingly small, was known and accounted for by God. This speaks to divine providence not only on a grand scale but also in the specific details of human lineage and societal structure.
2. **Fulfillment of Covenant Promises:** The existence and numbering of the Jahzeelites, along with all the other families of Israel, is a tangible demonstration of God's faithfulness to His covenant with Abraham, promising an innumerable progeny ([[Genesis 12:2]], [[Genesis 15:5]]). Each family line, including the Jahzeelites, contributed to the vast multitude that became the nation of Israel.
3. **Identity and Belonging:** For the ancient Israelite, tribal and family identity was paramount. Being a "Jahzeelite" meant belonging to a specific lineage within the tribe of Naphtali, with associated rights, responsibilities, and a place within the divinely ordained community. This reinforces the theological concept of Israel as a chosen and distinct people, meticulously organized by God.
4. **Theological Implication of the Root Name:** The name "Jahzeel" (`{{H3183}}`), meaning "God apportions," subtly imbues the very identity of this family with a theological truth. Their existence and place within Israel's inheritance were not accidental but divinely apportioned. This underscores God's sovereignty over the destiny of individuals and families within His larger redemptive plan.
### Summary
The term `{{H3184}}` (Yachtsᵉʼêlîy) designates the "Jahzeelites," a specific family or clan descended from Jahzeel, one of the sons of Naphtali. Appearing uniquely in the census of [[Numbers 26:48]], this patronymic serves a crucial genealogical function, identifying a recognized subdivision within the tribe of Naphtali. While descriptive in nature, its presence in the biblical record highlights profound theological truths: God's meticulous care and ordering of His people, the fulfillment of His covenant promises regarding Israel's numerous descendants, and the divine establishment of identity and inheritance within the chosen nation. The root meaning of the progenitor's name, "God apportions," further underscores God's sovereign hand in the formation and placement of this family within the tapestry of Israel's history.
TRV