### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew name **Yirʼîyâyh**, represented by `{{H3376}}`, means **fearful of Jah**. It appears **2 times** across **2 unique verses** in the Bible, referring to a specific Israelite named Irijah. This individual's actions are documented in a single, significant encounter.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
Both occurrences of `{{H3376}}` are found in the book of Jeremiah. Irijah is identified as a captain `{{H1167}}` of the ward `{{H6488}}` stationed at the gate `{{H8179}}` of Benjamin `{{H1144}}`. His lineage is noted as the son `{{H1121}}` of Shelemiah `{{H8018}}` and the grandson of Hananiah `{{H2608}}`. In this capacity, he took `{{H8610}}` the prophet `{{H5030}}` Jeremiah `{{H3414}}`, accusing him of defecting to the Chaldeans `{{H3778}}` [[Jeremiah 37:13]]. Jeremiah denied the charge, stating, "It is false `{{H8267}}`; I fall not away `{{H5307}}` to the Chaldeans `{{H3778}}`." However, Irijah did not hearken `{{H8085}}` to the prophet, instead seizing him and bringing `{{H935}}` him to the princes `{{H8269}}` [[Jeremiah 37:14]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words provide context for Irijah's interaction with Jeremiah:
* `{{H1167}}` **baʻal** (a master; hence, a husband, or (figuratively) owner): This word describes Irijah's role as a "captain," a man with authority and command over the ward. This authority is central to his ability to arrest the prophet [[Jeremiah 37:13]].
* `{{H8610}}` **tâphas** (to manipulate, i.e. seize; chiefly to capture): This word describes the physical action Irijah took against Jeremiah. He didn't just question him; he captured him based on his accusation [[Jeremiah 37:13]].
* `{{H5307}}` **nâphal** (to fall, in a great variety of applications): This is the root of the accusation against Jeremiah, that he was deserting his people to join the enemy. Jeremiah's denial uses the same term, showing a direct refutation of Irijah's charge [[Jeremiah 37:14]].
* `{{H8267}}` **sheqer** (an untruth; by implication, a sham): Jeremiah's emphatic defense is that the accusation is a lie. This word stands in direct opposition to the charge leveled by Irijah [[Jeremiah 37:14]].
### Theological Significance
The brief account of `{{H3376}}` carries significant weight in its context.
* **The Irony of a Name:** Irijah's name means "fearful of Jah." However, his actions involve arresting God's chosen prophet `{{H5030}}`, Jeremiah `{{H3414}}`. This creates a stark contrast between the reverence implied by his name `{{H8034}}` and his refusal to hearken `{{H8085}}` to the prophet's words [[Jeremiah 37:14]].
* **Human vs. Divine Authority:** The incident pits the authority of a captain `{{H1167}}` of the ward `{{H6488}}` against the authority of a prophet `{{H5030}}` speaking for God. Irijah exercises his earthly power to detain Jeremiah, escalating the conflict by bringing him before the princes `{{H8269}}`.
* **False Accusation against God's Messenger:** The charge that Jeremiah was falling away `{{H5307}}` to the Chaldeans `{{H3778}}` was a serious act of treason. Jeremiah's declaration that the charge was false `{{H8267}}` highlights a recurring theme of God's servants facing untrue and malicious accusations from their own people [[Jeremiah 37:14]].
### Summary
In summary, `{{H3376}}` identifies a specific historical figure, Irijah, whose role is confined to a single, pivotal confrontation. Though he appears only twice, his actions are crucial to the narrative of Jeremiah's persecution. The account uses his character to explore themes of misplaced authority, false accusation, and the dramatic irony of a man named "fearful of Jah" acting against God's prophet.
TRV