### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew term H3337 (Yêtser) is primarily a proper noun, "Jezer," referring to an individual in the biblical genealogies. Its definition explicitly states it is "the same as `{{H3336}}`." This direct etymological link is crucial for understanding its semantic range. The root word, `{{H3336}}` (yēṣer), carries the core meaning of "form," "formation," "purpose," "imagination," or "inclination." It derives from the verb יָצַר (yāṣar, `{{H3335}}`), meaning "to form" or "to fashion," often used in the context of a potter shaping clay. Therefore, while H3337 is a personal name, it implicitly carries the connotation of "formation," "purpose," or "what is formed/fashioned."
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The proper noun H3337 (Jezer) appears three times in the Hebrew Bible, consistently within genealogical lists, identifying a significant figure in the lineage of Israel:
* **[[Genesis 46:24]]**: "The sons of Naphtali: Jahzeel, Guni, Jezer, and Shillem." Here, Jezer is listed as one of the four sons of Naphtali, who was one of Jacob's twelve sons. This verse places Jezer within the foundational patriarchal narrative, establishing his tribal origin.
* **[[Numbers 26:49]]**: "Of Jezer, the family of the Jezerites; of Shillem, the family of the Shillemites." In this census of the Israelites in the plains of Moab, Jezer is identified as the progenitor of one of the subclans within the tribe of Naphtali, the "Jezerites." This highlights his role in the demographic and organizational structure of the nascent nation.
* **[[1 Chronicles 7:13]]**: "The sons of Naphtali: Jahzeel, Guni, Jezer, and Shallum." This verse reiterates the list from Genesis, confirming Jezer's place as a direct son of Naphtali in the Chronicler's genealogical record, which often emphasizes the continuity and identity of the tribes of Israel.
In all occurrences, H3337 functions as a proper noun within the context of establishing lineage and tribal identity, serving to trace the descent and organization of the Israelite people.
### Related Words & Concepts
The most significant related word is `{{H3336}}` (yēṣer), from which H3337 derives its meaning. `{{H3336}}` encompasses a broad semantic range:
* **"Form" or "thing formed"**: As in [[Isaiah 29:16]], where humanity is described as God's "work" or "form" (yēṣer).
* **"Imagination" or "inclination"**: This is a crucial theological usage, particularly in the Pentateuch. For instance, [[Genesis 6:5]] speaks of the "imagination" (yēṣer) of the thoughts of man's heart being only evil continually. Similarly, [[Genesis 8:21]] notes that "the imagination" (yēṣer) of man's heart is evil from his youth. This highlights the inherent bent of human will.
* **"Purpose" or "design"**: Implied in the act of forming something with intention.
Other related terms include the verb `{{H3335}}` (yāṣar), "to form, fashion, create," which is the root of both H3336 and, by extension, H3337. This verb is frequently used to describe God's creative activity, as in forming man from the dust of the ground ([[Genesis 2:7]]) or forming the eyes and ears ([[Psalm 94:9]]). The conceptual link between the name "Jezer" and the idea of being "formed" or "purposed" is thus very strong, even if not explicitly stated for the proper noun itself.
### Theological Significance
While H3337 itself, as a proper noun, does not carry direct theological propositions beyond its role in establishing Israelite lineage, its etymological connection to `{{H3336}}` (yēṣer) imbues it with indirect theological resonance. The root word `{{H3336}}` is profoundly significant:
1. **Divine Sovereignty in Creation**: The concept of *yēṣer* points to God as the ultimate "Former" or "Creator" (`{{H3335}}`). God forms humanity, not as an arbitrary act, but with purpose and design ([[Isaiah 29:16]], [[Psalm 103:14]]). The very existence of "Jezer" in the biblical genealogies, therefore, subtly affirms God's active hand in shaping and ordering the generations of Israel.
2. **Humanity's Moral Inclination**: The use of *yēṣer* to describe the "imagination" or "inclination" of the human heart ([[Genesis 6:5]], [[Genesis 8:21]]) speaks to the fallen nature of humanity. This theological concept, while not directly tied to the individual "Jezer," is part of the broader semantic field from which his name is derived. It underscores the biblical anthropology that recognizes both humanity's divine formation and its inherent propensity towards evil.
3. **God's Knowledge of Humanity**: [[Psalm 103:14]] states, "For he knows our frame [yēṣer]; he remembers that we are dust." This verse beautifully links humanity's formed nature to God's compassionate understanding of human frailty. The name "Jezer" could, in a reverent sense, be seen as a reminder of humanity's formed state and God's intimate knowledge of His creation.
4. **Continuity of God's Plan**: The inclusion of "Jezer" in the genealogies underscores the meticulous record-keeping and the divine ordering of Israel's history, demonstrating God's faithfulness to His covenant promises through generations.
### Summary
H3337 (Yêtser), transliterated as "Jezer," is a proper noun identifying a son of Naphtali and progenitor of a subclan in Israel. Its significance is largely derived from its direct link to the Hebrew word `{{H3336}}` (yēṣer), meaning "form," "formation," "purpose," or "inclination." While primarily a genealogical marker in [[Genesis 46:24]], [[Numbers 26:49]], and [[1 Chronicles 7:13]], the name subtly connects to broader theological themes. These themes include God's sovereign role as the "Former" of all creation, humanity's inherent nature and moral inclination, and God's intimate knowledge and compassionate understanding of His formed creatures. Thus, "Jezer" is not merely a name but an echo of the divine act of formation and the inherent nature of humanity within the unfolding narrative of God's people.
TRV