from יָרָה and אֵל; thrown of God; Jeriel, an Israelite; Jeriel. Compare יְרוּאֵל.
Transliteration:Yᵉrîyʼêl
Pronunciation:yer-ee-ale'
Detailed Word Study
AI-Generated
Loading Study...
### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew name Yᵉrîyʼêl (`{{H3400}}`) is a compound word derived from the verb יָרָה (yarah, `{{H3384}}`) and the divine name אֵל (El, `{{H410}}`). The root יָרָה primarily means "to throw, cast, shoot," but can also carry nuances of "to cast lots," "to lay a foundation," or even "to instruct" (as in Torah, "instruction," derived from the same root). In the context of a personal name, "thrown of God" most likely signifies divine appointment, designation, or establishment by God. It implies that the individual's existence, position, or destiny is divinely initiated and ordained, rather than accidental. The semantic range points towards God's active involvement and sovereignty in the life of the person bearing this name.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The name Yᵉrîyʼêl (`{{H3400}}`) appears only once in the Hebrew Bible, specifically in the genealogies of 1 Chronicles:
* [[1 Chronicles 7:2]]: "And the sons of Tola: Uzzi, and Rephaiah, and Jeriel, and Jahmai, and Ibsam, and Shemuel, heads of their fathers' houses, even of Tola, mighty men of valor in their generations; whose number in the days of David was two and twenty thousand and six hundred."
In this sole occurrence, Jeriel is listed as one of the sons of Tola, a prominent descendant of Issachar. The context is a detailed genealogical record, emphasizing the lineage and numerical strength of the tribes of Israel. While the phrase "mighty men of valor" applies generally to the descendants of Tola, Jeriel is specifically named as one of the "heads of their fathers' houses." The inclusion of his name in this esteemed lineage underscores his significance within the tribal structure, and the etymology of his name, "thrown of God," would have resonated with the ancient Israelite understanding of divine providence in human affairs, particularly in the establishment and growth of families and tribes.
### Related Words & Concepts
* יָרָה (yarah, `{{H3384}}`): The verbal root forming the first part of the name. Its primary meaning of "to throw" or "to cast" is central to Yᵉrîyʼêl. This root is also foundational to words like תּוֹרָה (torah), "instruction" or "law," which can be understood as God "casting forth" or "laying down" His divine instruction. In names, it often suggests divine action or designation.
* אֵל (El, `{{H410}}`): The common Semitic word for God, frequently incorporated into personal names (e.g., Israel, Immanuel, Gabriel) to signify a direct relationship with or blessing from the divine. Its presence in Yᵉrîyʼêl unequivocally attributes the "throwing" or "appointing" action to God.
* יְרוּאֵל (Yeru'el, `{{H3385}}`): The Strong's definition for Yᵉrîyʼêl explicitly suggests a comparison with Yeru'el. While phonetically similar, Yeru'el is often interpreted as "founded of God" or "taught of God," stemming from a slightly different nuance of the יָרָה root. The comparison highlights the subtle yet distinct shades of meaning within names derived from the same root, emphasizing divine establishment or instruction.
* **Concepts:** Divine appointment, divine sovereignty, God's active involvement in human history, the theological significance of names in ancient Israelite culture, where names often conveyed hope, prophecy, or a statement about God's character.
### Theological Significance
The name Yᵉrîyʼêl, meaning "thrown of God" or "appointed by God," carries profound theological significance. It fundamentally points to God's initiative and sovereignty in the life of an individual. In a culture where names were often seen as prophetic or descriptive of character and destiny, Jeriel's name would have declared that his existence, perhaps even his role as a "head of a father's house" and a member of "mighty men of valor," was not a matter of chance but a divine ordination.
This name reinforces the broader biblical theme that God is intimately involved in the details of human lives, from conception to destiny. It speaks to a theology of divine providence, where God actively "casts forth" or "establishes" individuals for His purposes. For the original audience reading the genealogies in Chronicles, such a name would serve as a quiet but potent reminder that even the most foundational elements of their society – their family lineages and the strength of their tribes – were rooted in God's deliberate and purposeful action. It transforms a simple listing of names into a testament to God's ongoing work in His people.
### Summary
Yᵉrîyʼêl (`{{H3400}}`) is a Hebrew personal name meaning "thrown of God" or "appointed by God," derived from יָרָה (`{{H3384}}`, "to throw, cast") and אֵל (`{{H410}}`, "God"). Its sole biblical appearance is in [[1 Chronicles 7:2]], where Jeriel is listed as a son of Tola, a descendant of Issachar, and a "head of a father's house" among "mighty men of valor." The name's etymology underscores a theology of divine appointment and active providence, signifying that the individual's life and position are divinely ordained. It serves as a subtle yet powerful reminder of God's sovereignty and His deliberate involvement in the lives and lineages of His people.
TRV