### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew term מִכְרִי (Mikrîy, `{{H4381}}`) functions primarily as a proper noun, a personal name. Its etymology traces back to the verb מָכַר (makar, `{{H4376}}`), meaning "to sell" or "to trade." Thus, the literal underlying meaning of Mikrîy would be "my sale" or "one who sells," hence "salesman" or "merchant." This derivation suggests that the name may have originally been descriptive of an ancestor's profession or a characteristic associated with their family. However, within the biblical text, it is exclusively employed as an individual's given name, devoid of any direct occupational reference for the person bearing it. Its semantic range is therefore restricted to its function as an identifier within a genealogical context.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The name Mikrîy (`{{H4381}}`) appears only once in the Hebrew Bible, specifically in the post-exilic genealogical records of the Chronicler:
* **[[1 Chronicles 9:8]]**: "And Ibneiah the son of Jeroham, and Elah the son of Uzzi, the son of Michri, and Meshullam the son of Shephatiah, the son of Reuel, the son of Ibneiah;"
In this solitary occurrence, Mikri is identified as the father of Uzzi and grandfather of Elah, belonging to the tribe of Benjamin. The verse is part of a larger section in 1 Chronicles (chapters 9-16) that details the inhabitants of Jerusalem and the surrounding areas after the return from Babylonian exile. This extensive list serves to establish the lineage and tribal affiliations of those who reconstituted the community in Jerusalem, emphasizing continuity with the pre-exilic Israelite identity. Mikri is presented purely as a link in a genealogical chain, with no further narrative or descriptive information provided about his life, actions, or significance beyond his familial relationship. His inclusion underscores the Chronicler's meticulous attention to lineage and the importance of maintaining tribal distinctions for the re-establishment of the covenant community.
### Related Words & Concepts
The most directly related word is the verbal root מָכַר (makar, `{{H4376}}`), from which Mikrîy is derived. This root signifies "to sell," "to betray (by selling)," or "to be sold." Concepts associated with makar include:
* **Commerce and Trade**: The act of buying and selling goods, a fundamental aspect of human society.
* **Slavery/Servitude**: Often, the verb refers to selling persons into slavery (e.g., Joseph sold by his brothers, [[Genesis 37:27]]).
* **Betrayal**: The act of "selling out" someone, as seen in the betrayal of Jesus by Judas (though in Greek, the concept is similar).
While Mikrîy as a proper name does not directly evoke these commercial or negative connotations in its biblical usage, its etymological link reminds us of the ordinary, everyday aspects of life that were part of ancient Israelite society. Other related concepts include:
* **Genealogy**: The study and recording of lines of descent, a crucial element in biblical narratives for establishing identity, inheritance, and covenantal promises.
* **Proper Nouns**: The use of names to identify individuals, often carrying descriptive or aspirational meanings, though not always directly applicable to the person named.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of Mikrîy is not found in any profound meaning of the name itself, nor in any actions attributed to the individual. Rather, its importance lies in its mere presence within the inspired biblical text, particularly within a genealogical list.
1. **Divine Meticulousness**: The inclusion of a name like Mikri, even in a lengthy and seemingly mundane list, speaks to the meticulous nature of God's record-keeping and His attention to every individual within His covenant people. It highlights that no person, however obscure, is overlooked in His divine plan.
2. **Continuity of God's Covenant**: The genealogies in Chronicles serve to affirm the continuity of God's covenant with Israel, especially after the disruption of the exile. The listing of families, including Mikri's, demonstrates the re-establishment of the community and the preservation of the twelve tribes, even if only in remnant form. This underscores God's faithfulness to His promises despite human failure.
3. **Ordinary Lives in God's Story**: The name's derivation from a common occupation ("salesman") subtly reminds us that God's plan unfolds through the lives of ordinary people engaged in everyday activities. The sacred history of Israel is not solely the story of kings and prophets, but also of families and individuals whose vocations might have been quite common, yet whose lineage was preserved by divine providence.
4. **Theological Purpose of Genealogies**: While seemingly dry, biblical genealogies are rich with theological purpose, linking generations, establishing identity, and pointing towards the ultimate fulfillment of God's promises through a particular lineage, culminating in the Messiah. Mikri's inclusion contributes to this larger tapestry.
### Summary
Mikrîy (`{{H4381}}`) is a Hebrew proper noun, a personal name derived from the verb "to sell" (`{{H4376}}`), suggesting an original meaning of "salesman" or "merchant." It appears only once in the Bible, in [[1 Chronicles 9:8]], identifying an ancestor in the post-exilic Benjamite lineage. As a name in a genealogical list, Mikri holds no independent narrative significance. However, its inclusion within the inspired Word points to God's meticulous care for individuals within His covenant community, the continuity of His promises through generations, and the integration of ordinary lives into His overarching redemptive plan. The name itself, while etymologically rooted in a common occupation, serves primarily as a historical identifier within the sacred record of Israel's re-establishment.
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