from the plural of יַעַר and the masculine plural active participle of אָרַג; woods of weavers; Jaare-Oregim, an Israelite; Jaare-oregim.
Transliteration:Yaʻărêy ʼÔrᵉgîym
Pronunciation:yah-ar-ay' o-reg-eem'
Detailed Word Study
AI-Generated
Loading Study...
### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew lemma יַעֲרֵי אֹרְגִים (Yaʻărêy ʼÔrᵉgîym), Strong's number `{{H3296}}`, is a compound proper noun. It is derived from the plural form of יַעַר (ya'ar, `{{H3293}}`), meaning "forest," "wood," or "thicket," and the masculine plural active participle of אָרַג (ʼārag, `{{H707}}`), meaning "to weave." Therefore, the literal meaning of the name is "forests of weavers" or "woods of weavers." As a proper name, it designates an individual Israelite, though its unusual formation suggests a descriptive or perhaps even a metaphorical origin, or more likely, as will be discussed, a textual issue.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The name Jaare-Oregim appears in only one passage in the Hebrew Bible, [[2 Samuel 21:19]]: "And there was again war with the Philistines at Gob, and Elhanan the son of Jaare-Oregim, the Bethlehemite, struck down Lahmi the brother of Goliath the Gittite, the shaft of whose spear was like a weaver's beam."
This verse presents a notable textual challenge when compared with its parallel account in [[1 Chronicles 20:5]]: "And there was again war with the Philistines, and Elhanan the son of Jair struck down Lahmi the brother of Goliath the Gittite, the shaft of whose spear was like a weaver's beam."
The discrepancy lies in the father's name: "Jaare-Oregim" in Samuel versus "Jair" in Chronicles. The phrase "the shaft of whose spear was like a weaver's beam" (וְעֵץ חֲנִיתוֹ כִּמְנוֹר אֹרְגִים) is identical in both passages, referring to the weapon of Lahmi. Many scholars propose that "Oregim" in [[2 Samuel 21:19]] is not part of the father's name but rather a misplaced or misread descriptor related to the "weaver's beam." It is widely believed that "Jaare" is a corruption or variant of "Jair" (יָעִיר, `{{H3264}}`), and "Oregim" (אֹרְגִים) was erroneously incorporated into the name from the subsequent description of Lahmi's spear. Thus, the reading in Chronicles, "Elhanan the son of Jair," is often considered the more original and accurate version of the text, with Jaare-Oregim being a textual variant or scribal conflation in the Samuel account. This interpretation implies that "Jaare-Oregim" as a distinct proper name may not have existed in its full form, but rather arose from a textual transmission issue.
### Related Words & Concepts
The study of יַעֲרֵי אֹרְגִים inherently involves its constituent parts:
* **יַעַר (ya'ar, `{{H3293}}`):** "Forest" or "wood." This term appears frequently in the Bible, often denoting wild, uncultivated areas, or sources of timber. Examples include the "forest of Ephraim" ([[2 Samuel 18:6]]) or "forest of cedars" ([[1 Kings 7:2]]). In the context of "Jaare," it would simply be a personal name, likely a variant of "Jair."
* **אָרַג (ʼārag, `{{H707}}`):** "To weave." This verb and its derivatives describe the act of weaving or the tools used for it. The most pertinent related concept here is the "weaver's beam" (מְנוֹר אֹרְגִים, menôr ʼōrᵉgîm), which describes the massive spear shaft of Goliath ([[1 Samuel 17:7]]) and his brother Lahmi ([[2 Samuel 21:19]], [[1 Chronicles 20:5]]). The close proximity of "Oregim" to this descriptive phrase in [[2 Samuel 21:19]] is central to understanding the proposed textual variant.
* **Textual Variants and Parallel Passages:** The most significant related concept is the critical study of parallel biblical accounts, particularly between the books of Samuel and Chronicles. Discrepancies like the one concerning Elhanan's father highlight the importance of textual criticism and the careful comparison of manuscripts to discern the most probable original reading. This process helps scholars understand the transmission history of the biblical text. The name "Jair" (יָעִיר, `{{H3264}}`) itself, meaning "he enlightens" or "he awakens," is a common biblical name, further supporting its likelihood over the more unusual "Jaare-Oregim."
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of Jaare-Oregim is not found in the name itself, as it is primarily a textual problem rather than a name with inherent theological meaning or a person who plays a significant theological role. Instead, its importance lies in what its study reveals about the nature of the biblical text and its transmission:
* **Divine Preservation Amidst Human Transmission:** The existence of such textual variants demonstrates that the Bible, while divinely inspired, was transmitted through human hands. Yet, the consistency of the core message and the ability of scholars to identify and analyze these variants speak to God's providential preservation of His Word. Minor discrepancies, like this one, do not undermine the overall reliability or authority of Scripture but rather invite deeper, more rigorous study.
* **The Value of Textual Criticism:** The case of Jaare-Oregim underscores the necessity and value of biblical textual criticism. By comparing different manuscripts and parallel accounts, scholars can reconstruct the most probable original readings, enhancing our understanding of the biblical narrative. This process is a testament to the academic rigor applied to the study of God's Word.
* **Focus on God's Champions:** Regardless of the father's exact name, the narrative in both Samuel and Chronicles emphasizes Elhanan's role in defeating a formidable Philistine giant. This highlights the theme of God raising up individuals to accomplish His purposes, even against overwhelming odds, demonstrating His power through His chosen servants.
### Summary
The Hebrew proper name יַעֲרֵי אֹרְגִים (Yaʻărêy ʼÔrᵉgîym, `{{H3296}}`) literally translates to "forests of weavers." Its sole appearance is in [[2 Samuel 21:19]], where it identifies Elhanan's father. However, a critical comparison with the parallel account in [[1 Chronicles 20:5]], which names Elhanan's father as Jair (יָעִיר, `{{H3264}}`), strongly suggests that "Jaare-Oregim" is a textual variant or scribal error. Most scholars believe that "Jaare" is a corruption of "Jair," and "Oregim" was likely a misplaced or misread descriptor related to the "weaver's beam" (מְנוֹר אֹרְגִים), the large spear shaft of Lahmi, whom Elhanan defeated. Thus, the primary significance of this word lies not in its direct meaning or the actions of the individual it names, but in its role as a key example for understanding textual criticism and the careful transmission of the biblical text, affirming the overall reliability of Scripture despite minor variations.
TRV