or יְרִיָּהוּ; from יָרָה and יָהּ; Jah will throw; Jerijah, an Israelite; Jeriah, Jerijah.
Transliteration:Yᵉrîyâh
Pronunciation:yer-ee-yaw'
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew lemma יְרִיָּה (Yᵉrîyâh), Strong's H3404, is a theophoric name derived from two components: the verb יָרָה (yarah) and the divine element יָהּ (Yah). The root יָרָה (`{{H3384}}`) carries a primary meaning of "to throw," "cast," or "shoot." However, its semantic range extends to "to teach," "instruct," and even "to lay a foundation" or "to establish." The element יָהּ (`{{H3050}}`) is a shortened form of יְהוָה (YHWH), the personal name of God.
Combining these elements, the name יְרִיָּה (Yᵉrîyâh) most directly translates to "Jah will throw" or "Yah will cast." While "throwing" might initially suggest an act of judgment or violence, in the context of a personal name, it often signifies a divine act of establishment, direction, or provision. It can imply God's sovereign action in one's life, whether in bringing forth, establishing, or guiding. The alternative readings of יָרָה (`{{H3384}}`) as "to teach" or "to lay a foundation" could also subtly inform the name's depth, suggesting "Jah will teach" or "Jah will establish." However, the primary definition provided points to the "throwing/casting" sense.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The name יְרִיָּה (Yᵉrîyâh) appears exclusively in the book of 1 Chronicles, referring to a single individual during the reign of King David. He is consistently identified as a prominent Levite, specifically a chief among the Hebronites.
1. [[1 Chronicles 23:19]]: "The sons of Hebron: Jeriah the head, Amariah the second, Jahaziel the third, and Jekameam the fourth." Here, Jeriah is listed as the firstborn or chief (ראשׁ, *ro'sh*) among the sons of Hebron, indicating his preeminent position within this significant Levitical family.
2. [[1 Chronicles 24:23]]: "The sons of Hebron: Jeriah the head, Amariah the second, Jahaziel the third, Jekameam the fourth." This verse reiterates the lineage and Jeriah's leadership role, reinforcing the ordered structure of the Levitical divisions for temple service established by David.
3. [[1 Chronicles 26:31]]: "As for the Hebronites, Jeriah was chief of the Hebronites according to their generations by fathers’ houses. In the fortieth year of David’s reign search was made, and mighty men of valor were found among them at Jazer in Gilead." This passage further emphasizes Jeriah's leadership ("chief of the Hebronites") and places him in a historical context within David's reign. The discovery of "mighty men of valor" (גִּבּוֹרֵי חַיִל, *gibborê ḥayil*) among his lineage suggests a family line characterized by strength, capability, and perhaps military or administrative prowess, alongside their priestly duties.
In each instance, Jeriah is presented as a significant figure in the organization of the Levites, highlighting the Chronicler's interest in the proper order and divine appointment within Israel's religious and administrative structures. His leadership among the Hebronites, a key Levitical clan responsible for various temple duties, underscores his importance in the Davidic era's spiritual and civic life.
### Related Words & Concepts
The primary components of יְרִיָּה (Yᵉrîyâh) provide crucial connections:
* **יָרָה (yarah) `{{H3384}}`**: This verb is foundational. Beyond "to throw," its broader semantic range to "teach" (as in Torah, from the same root) or "lay a foundation" offers richer interpretive possibilities for the name. "Jah will teach" or "Jah will establish" are plausible nuances, suggesting divine instruction or divine appointment to a role. The act of "throwing" can also be seen as God's decisive action, whether in judgment or in bringing about a particular outcome.
* **יָהּ (Yah) `{{H3050}}`**: This is a common abbreviated form of the divine name YHWH, frequently found in theophoric names (names containing a divine element). Its presence signifies a direct connection to God and often expresses a statement of faith, praise, or a petition concerning God's character or action.
* **Theophoric Names**: Names like יְרִיָּה (Yᵉrîyâh) are abundant in the Hebrew Bible (e.g., יְשַׁעְיָהוּ, Isaiah, "YHWH is salvation"; יִרְמְיָהוּ, Jeremiah, "YHWH will uplift"; זְכַרְיָה, Zechariah, "YHWH remembers"). These names served as constant reminders of God's presence, attributes, and active involvement in the lives of individuals and the nation. They often encapsulated hopes, prayers, or theological declarations.
* **Levitical Order**: Jeriah's identity as a chief Levite connects him to the broader concept of divine order and service. The Chronicler meticulously details the Levitical divisions, emphasizing their crucial role in maintaining the covenant relationship between God and Israel through worship and administration.
### Theological Significance
The name יְרִיָּה (Yᵉrîyâh), "Jah will throw/cast," carries significant theological weight. It speaks to the active and sovereign nature of God. The act of "throwing" or "casting" by God can be interpreted in several profound ways:
1. **Divine Providence and Guidance**: God "casting" one's lot or directing one's path. For a Levite leader, this could signify God's sovereign hand in establishing Jeriah in his position of authority and guiding his service. It speaks to a divinely ordained destiny or calling.
2. **Divine Establishment**: Drawing on the "laying a foundation" aspect of יָרָה (`{{H3384}}`), the name could mean "Jah will establish." This would be particularly fitting for a chief among the Levites, whose role was to help establish and maintain the order of worship and temple service. It suggests that Jeriah's leadership was not merely human appointment but divinely sanctioned.
3. **Divine Initiative**: The name highlights God as the initiator of action. It is not merely "Jeriah trusts in Jah," but "Jah *will throw*." This emphasizes God's active involvement in the lives of His people and in the unfolding of His redemptive plan.
4. **A Declaration of Faith**: For the parents who named him, and for Jeriah himself, the name would have been a constant declaration of God's power and active presence. It affirms belief in a God who intervenes, directs, and establishes.
In the context of the Chronicler, who meticulously records the genealogies and the organization of the temple service, names like Jeriah underscore the divine hand in Israel's history and institutions. Jeriah's name serves as a theological statement that his leadership and the very structure of the Levitical service were initiated and sustained by God.
### Summary
The Hebrew name יְרִיָּה (Yᵉrîyâh), Strong's H3404, signifies "Jah will throw" or "Yah will cast," derived from the verb יָרָה (`{{H3384}}`, "to throw, cast, teach, establish") and the divine element יָהּ (`{{H3050}}`, "Yah"). This theophoric name appears in 1 Chronicles, consistently identifying a prominent Levite, a chief of the Hebronites, during King David's reign ([[1 Chronicles 23:19]], [[1 Chronicles 24:23]], [[1 Chronicles 26:31]]). His position underscores his significance in the ordered structure of Israel's worship and administration. Theologically, the name points to God's active, sovereign involvement in human affairs, particularly in establishing and guiding individuals in their roles. It suggests divine providence, establishment, and initiative, serving as a powerful declaration of faith in God's decisive action.
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