### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew term `{{H4354}}`, transliterated as *Mâkîyrîy* (מָכִירִי), is a patronymic adjective derived directly from the proper noun `{{H4353}}` (Mâkîyr). As a patronymic, its core meaning denotes a descendant or member of the family/clan of Makir. Specifically, it refers to "a Makirite" or "of Makir." Makir himself was the firstborn son of Manasseh, who was a son of Joseph, one of the twelve patriarchs of Israel. The semantic range of `{{H4354}}` is therefore quite narrow and precise, functioning primarily as a tribal or clan identifier within the larger tribe of Manasseh. It serves to distinguish this particular lineage and its members from other branches of Manasseh or other Israelite tribes.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term `{{H4354}}` appears in three significant contexts within the Hebrew Bible, each underscoring its role as a precise identifier of lineage and tribal affiliation:
1. **Numbers 26:29**: "Of Makir, the family of the Makirites; and Makir was the father of Gilead; of Gilead, the family of the Gileadites." [[Numbers 26:29]]
* Context: This verse is part of the second census of Israel taken in the plains of Moab, prior to entering the Promised Land. It meticulously lists the clans within each tribe, demonstrating God's orderly arrangement of His people. The inclusion of "the family of the Makirites" here confirms their distinct identity as a major subdivision of the tribe of Manasseh, from whom the Gileadites (another prominent Manassite clan) descended. This highlights the importance of precise genealogical records in defining tribal boundaries and inheritance rights.
2. **Judges 5:14**: "From Ephraim their root went down into the valley, after you, Benjamin, among your peoples; from Makir came down commanders, and from Zebulun those who handle the marshal's staff." [[Judges 5:14]]
* Context: This verse is part of the Song of Deborah, a poetic recounting of the victory over Sisera. The mention of "Makir" (referring to the Makirites) coming down with commanders indicates their active participation in the battle. This is significant because it distinguishes the Makirites as a contributing military force, likely representing the transjordanic portion of Manasseh, who answered the call to arms alongside other tribes. It speaks to their corporate responsibility and engagement in the nation's defense.
3. **1 Chronicles 7:16**: "And Maachah the wife of Makir bore a son, and she called his name Peresh; and the name of his brother was Sheresh; and his sons were Ulam and Rakem." [[1 Chronicles 7:16]]
* Context: This verse appears within the detailed genealogies of the tribes of Israel, specifically focusing on Manasseh. While the immediate verse speaks of Makir's direct descendants (Peresh and Sheresh), the broader context of the chapter is to meticulously trace the lineage of the various tribal clans. The very existence of the "Makirites" as a distinct family unit is rooted in this genealogical foundation, reinforcing the historical and familial basis for their identity.
Across these occurrences, `{{H4354}}` consistently functions to delineate a specific lineage within the tribe of Manasseh, whether for census purposes, military participation, or genealogical record-keeping.
### Related Words & Concepts
The primary related word is `{{H4353}}` (Mâkîyr), the proper noun for the individual Makir, from whom the Makirites derive their name. Understanding the relationship between the individual `{{H4353}}` and the group `{{H4354}}` is fundamental.
Broader related concepts include:
* **Patronymics:** The formation of `{{H4354}}` is a classic example of a patronymic, a common linguistic feature in the Hebrew Bible used to identify groups based on a common ancestor (e.g., "Israelite" from Israel, "Judahite" from Judah). This highlights the importance of lineage and ancestry in ancient Israelite society.
* **Tribal Identity:** The Makirites represent a distinct sub-tribe or clan within the larger tribe of Manasseh. This concept underscores the structured nature of Israelite society, where tribal affiliation dictated land inheritance, military service, and social standing.
* **The Tribe of Manasseh:** The Makirites were a prominent part of Manasseh, particularly significant because Makir was the father of Gilead, and the Makirites (specifically the Gileadites) settled on the east side of the Jordan River, distinguishing them from the western Manassites. This geographical and historical distinction is crucial for understanding Israel's territorial distribution.
* **Genealogy:** The meticulous recording of lineages, as seen in Numbers and Chronicles, emphasizes the theological importance of preserving the family lines, especially in relation to the covenant promises and the future Messiah.
### Theological Significance
While `{{H4354}}` primarily functions as a descriptor of lineage, its theological significance is embedded within the broader themes it touches upon:
1. **God's Faithfulness to His Covenant:** The detailed preservation of tribal and clan identities, including the Makirites, testifies to God's meticulous care and faithfulness in fulfilling His covenant promises to Abraham regarding a numerous offspring. Each named family, no matter how seemingly minor, is a testament to divine providence in the formation of a nation.
2. **Divine Order and Providence in National Formation:** The precise enumeration of the Makirites in the censuses and genealogies reflects God's sovereign hand in organizing and establishing His people. It demonstrates a divine order in the tribal structure, which was integral to their social, military, and religious life, and their eventual inheritance of the land.
3. **Corporate Responsibility and Participation:** The mention of Makirites in the Song of Deborah (Judges 5) highlights the corporate nature of Israel's covenant relationship with God. The Makirites, as a collective, participated in the nation's struggles and victories, underscoring the idea that the actions of individual clans contributed to the overall obedience or disobedience of Israel.
4. **Inheritance of the Land:** As a distinct clan, the Makirites (specifically through Gilead) received a significant portion of the inheritance east of the Jordan. This allocation was part of God's fulfillment of His promise to give the land to Abraham's descendants, distributed according to tribal and clan boundaries. The identity of the Makirites was thus intrinsically linked to their portion of the Promised Land.
### Summary
The term `{{H4354}}`, *Mâkîyrîy*, precisely identifies a "Makirite" or "descendant of Makir," the firstborn son of Manasseh. Its core function in the biblical text is that of a patronymic, serving to delineate a specific and prominent clan within the tribe of Manasseh. Occurrences in Numbers 26, Judges 5, and 1 Chronicles 7 consistently highlight its role in census records, military participation, and genealogical tracing, thereby establishing their distinct identity and place within Israel. The theological significance of `{{H4354}}` extends beyond mere identification, touching upon God's faithfulness to His covenant, His meticulous ordering of His people, the concept of corporate responsibility within the nation, and the divine allocation of land inheritance. It underscores the profound importance of lineage and tribal identity in the unfolding narrative of God's people.
TRV