### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word **ʼÎyʻezrîy**, represented by `{{H373}}`, is a patronymic term meaning an **Iezrite** or **descendant of Iezer**. Its name is derived directly from the individual **ʼÎyʻezêr** `{{H372}}`. This highly specific word appears just **1 time** in **1 unique verse** in the entire Bible, where it serves to identify a particular family line.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The single appearance of `{{H373}}` is in a genealogical census recorded in the book of Numbers. The verse establishes the lineage of the sons of Gilead, stating, "of Jeezer, the family of the **Jeezerites**: of Helek, the family of the Helekites" [[Numbers 26:30]]. In this context, **ʼÎyʻezrîy** functions as a formal designation for the clan that descended from the patriarch Jeezer, clearly defining them as a distinct family unit within the larger tribe.
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words in its immediate context clarify its meaning and function:
* `{{H372}}` **ʼÎyʻezêr** (Jeezer): The Israelite from whom the Jeezerites descend. The relationship is direct, as `{{H373}}` is the patronymic form of this name.
* `{{H4940}}` **mishpâchâh** (family): This word is used in conjunction with `{{H373}}` to define the group as "the **family** of the Jeezerites" [[Numbers 26:30]], emphasizing the role of ancestry in social structure.
* `{{H2516}}` **Chelqîy** (Helkites): Appearing in the same list, this term for the descendants of **Chelek** `{{H2507}}` provides a parallel example, demonstrating the common biblical practice of forming clan names from a progenitor's name [[Numbers 26:30]].
### Theological Significance
The significance of `{{H373}}` lies in the structural and social principles it represents.
* **Genealogical Precision:** The use of a specific term like **ʼÎyʻezrîy** highlights the meticulous detail with which biblical genealogies were recorded, ensuring that each family line was clearly and accurately identified.
* **Clan Identity:** The word underscores the importance of the **family** `{{H4940}}` as the foundational unit of Israelite society. These family groups formed the basis for the nation's organization and census.
* **Framework for Inheritance:** By defining a specific family line within a census, the term plays a role in the biblical system of heritage. Such lists were essential for establishing a family's identity and its claim to its ancestral portion [[Leviticus 25:10]].
### Summary
In summary, while **ʼÎyʻezrîy** `{{H373}}` is rare, its single use is highly illustrative. It is more than just a name; it is a structural marker that defines a specific lineage, "the family of the Jeezerites," within the recorded history of Israel. It provides a clear example of how patronymics functioned to preserve ancestral identity, organize society, and form the basis for generational continuity and inheritance.
TRV