### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word **Yᵉrîyâh**, represented by `{{H3404}}`, is a proper name meaning **"Jah will throw."** It appears **3 times** in **3 unique verses** in the Bible. This name identifies a specific Israelite who held a position of leadership among the Levites during the reign of King David.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
Jeriah is mentioned exclusively in genealogical lists within 1 Chronicles. He is identified as the **first** `{{H7218}}` of the **sons** `{{H1121}}` of **Hebron** `{{H2275}}` ([[1 Chronicles 23:19]]; [[1 Chronicles 24:23]]). A more detailed account designates him as **Jerijah** `{{H3404}}` the **chief** `{{H7218}}` among the **Hebronites** `{{H2276}}`, noted according to the **generations** `{{H8435}}` of his **fathers** `{{H1}}`. This record specifies that in the **fortieth** `{{H705}}` **year** `{{H8141}}` of **David's** `{{H1732}}` **reign** `{{H4438}}`, a search was conducted, and **mighty men** `{{H1368}}` of **valour** `{{H2428}}` were **found** `{{H4672}}` among his family at **Jazer** `{{H3270}}` of **Gilead** `{{H1568}}` [[1 Chronicles 26:31]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words help clarify Jeriah's identity and role:
* `{{H2275}}` **Chebrôwn** (Hebron): This word establishes Jeriah's lineage as one of the "sons of Hebron," connecting him to a key Levitical family [[1 Chronicles 23:19]]. The name itself means "seat of association."
* `{{H2276}}` **Chebrôwnîy** (Hebronites): This term defines Jeriah's clan identity. He was not just a descendant but the **chief** `{{H7218}}` of the **Hebronites** `{{H2276}}`, a position of significant authority within that family group [[1 Chronicles 26:31]].
* `{{H7218}}` **rôʼsh** (chief, first): This word is used to denote Jeriah's status. He is listed as the **first** `{{H7218}}` son in two genealogies and the **chief** `{{H7218}}` of the Hebronites, underscoring his position of rank and leadership ([[1 Chronicles 23:19]]; [[1 Chronicles 26:31]]).
### Theological Significance
Though brief, the mention of `{{H3404}}` carries theological weight within its context of Levitical organization.
* **Divine Order and Administration:** Jeriah's placement as a **chief** `{{H7218}}` highlights the detailed organization of the Levitical families for service during David's reign. These records show a divinely structured administration for the kingdom.
* **Valorous Service:** Jeriah's family was noted for its **mighty men** `{{H1368}}` of **valour** `{{H2428}}` [[1 Chronicles 26:31]]. This links his leadership not only to priestly lineage but also to strength and capability in serving God and the king.
* **Generational Legacy:** The reference to his lineage "according to the **generations** `{{H8435}}` of his **fathers** `{{H1}}`" grounds his role in a historical line of succession and faithfulness, demonstrating the importance of family history in biblical records [[1 Chronicles 26:31]].
### Summary
In summary, `{{H3404}}` **Yᵉrîyâh** is the name of a specific Levitical leader whose identity is preserved in Scripture. While the references are contained within genealogies, they define him as a man of rank and the head of a capable, valorous family. His inclusion in the biblical text serves as an example of the meticulous order and generational continuity that characterized the administration of God's people during the reign of David.
TRV