### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word H3263 (יְעוּץ, Yᵉʻûwts) is a proper noun, specifically a personal name. Its meaning is derived directly from the verbal root `{{H5779}}` (עוּץ, ʻûwts), which signifies "to advise," "to counsel," or "to deliberate." Thus, the name Yᵉʻûwts carries the inherent meaning of "counsellor" or "one who is advised/counselled." As a proper noun, its semantic range is limited to identifying a specific individual, yet the etymological connection imbues the name with a particular significance related to wisdom, guidance, and deliberation.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The name Yᵉʻûwts (H3263) appears only once in the Hebrew Bible, in the book of 1 Chronicles:
* [[1 Chronicles 8:10]]: "and Jeuz, and Sachia, and Mirma. These were his sons, heads of the fathers' houses."
In this sole occurrence, Yᵉʻûwts is listed as one of the sons of Shaharaim by his wife Hodesh, within the detailed genealogies of the tribe of Benjamin. The context is purely genealogical, serving to delineate family lines and tribal affiliations. There is no narrative information provided about the individual Jeuz, nor any specific actions or roles attributed to him. His inclusion in this lineage underscores the meticulous record-keeping of Israelite tribal identity and the importance of ancestral connections. While the text offers no direct commentary on the person, the very presence of a name meaning "counsellor" within a significant lineage might subtly highlight a desired quality or a perceived characteristic within that family line.
### Related Words & Concepts
The primary linguistic connection for H3263 is its root, `{{H5779}}` (עוּץ, ʻûwts), "to advise" or "to counsel." This root is closely related to other significant Hebrew terms pertaining to wisdom and guidance:
* `{{H6098}}` (עֵצָה, etsah): This noun frequently translates to "counsel," "advice," "purpose," or "plan." It is used extensively in wisdom literature and prophetic texts to refer to both human and divine counsel.
* `{{H3289}}` (יָעַץ, ya'ats): This verb means "to advise," "to counsel," or "to consult." It is often used to describe the act of giving or receiving counsel, whether from human advisors or from God.
The concept of "counsel" is deeply embedded in biblical thought, encompassing themes of discernment, strategic planning, divine guidance, and the wisdom necessary for righteous living and effective leadership. Related concepts include wisdom (חָכְמָה, chokmah, `{{H2451}}`), understanding (בִּינָה, binah, `{{H998}}`), and discernment.
### Theological Significance
While the individual Jeuz (H3263) holds no specific theological narrative within Scripture due to his singular genealogical mention, the *meaning* of his name, "counsellor" or "one who is advised," carries significant theological weight within the broader biblical framework.
1. **Divine Counsel:** The Bible frequently portrays God as the ultimate Counsellor (e.g., [[Isaiah 9:6]] refers to the Messiah as "Wonderful Counselor"). True wisdom and effective counsel ultimately derive from Him ([[Psalm 33:11]], [[Proverbs 19:21]]). The name "Counsellor" can thus subtly point to the divine source of all good counsel and wisdom, even if the human bearer of the name may or may not have embodied this ideal.
2. **Importance of Counsel in Leadership:** Throughout Scripture, wise counsel is presented as essential for righteous governance and successful leadership ([[Proverbs 11:14]], [[Proverbs 24:6]]). Kings and leaders often sought counsel, sometimes from God's prophets or from trusted advisors. The name "Counsellor" could reflect a hope or expectation for the individual or their lineage to contribute wisdom and guidance to their community.
3. **Wisdom and Discernment:** The concept of counsel is intrinsically linked to wisdom and discernment. To be a "counsellor" implies a capacity for sound judgment and the ability to offer beneficial guidance. To be "advised" implies a receptiveness to wisdom and instruction, a quality highly valued in biblical ethics.
The very choice of such a name by parents in ancient Israel often reflected aspirations, character traits, or circumstances. Thus, "Jeuz" might have been a name given with the hope that the child would grow to be a source of wise counsel, or perhaps indicating that the family itself was known for seeking or offering sound advice.
### Summary
H3263 (יְעוּץ, Yᵉʻûwts) is a Hebrew proper name, meaning "counsellor" or "one who is advised," derived from the root `{{H5779}}` (עוּץ, "to advise"). It appears only once in the Bible, in [[1 Chronicles 8:10]], as part of a Benjaminite genealogy, identifying a son of Shaharaim. Despite its singular and non-narrative occurrence, the name's etymological meaning connects it to the profound biblical themes of counsel, wisdom, and divine guidance. It subtly points to the importance of sound advice in human affairs and ultimately, to God as the source of all true counsel, reflecting a desire for wisdom within the family line.
TRV