### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew lemma עִירִי (ʻÎyrîy), designated by Strong's `{{H5901}}`, functions as a proper noun, specifically a personal name. Its base definition indicates a derivation from עִיר (ʻîr, `{{H5892}}`), meaning "city" or "town." This etymological connection gives rise to the suggested secondary meaning of "urbane," implying characteristics associated with city dwelling, such as sophistication or civility. However, for a proper noun, the primary semantic range is limited to its identification of a specific individual: "Iri." While the etymology offers a fascinating glimpse into potential cultural associations or the circumstances of the individual's birth (e.g., being "of the city"), its core meaning in biblical usage is simply to name a person within a genealogical record.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The name ʻÎyrîy (`{{H5901}}`) appears only once in the Hebrew Bible, specifically in the book of Chronicles.
* **[[1 Chronicles 7:7]]**: "And the sons of Bela: Ezbon, and Uzzi, and Uzziel, and Jerimoth, and Iri, five; heads of fathers’ houses, mighty men of valor; and their enrollment by genealogies was twenty-two thousand and thirty-four."
In this solitary occurrence, Iri is listed as one of the five sons of Bela, who was a son of Benjamin. This places Iri firmly within the tribal lineage of Benjamin, a significant tribe in Israelite history, known for its strategic location and for producing figures like King Saul. The context is purely genealogical, serving to document the descendants of the patriarchs and to establish the tribal identities and strengths of the Israelite people. The mention of "heads of fathers’ houses" and "mighty men of valor" suggests that these individuals, though perhaps not central figures in narrative accounts, held positions of leadership and strength within their respective clans.
### Related Words & Concepts
The most direct linguistic relation to ʻÎyrîy (`{{H5901}}`) is its root word, עִיר (ʻîr, `{{H5892}}`), meaning "city" or "town." This root is pervasive throughout the Hebrew Bible, referring to numerous urban centers, from the earliest settlements (e.g., Cain's city in [[Genesis 4:17]]) to significant cities like Jerusalem, Babylon, and Nineveh. The concept of "city" in biblical thought is multifaceted: it can represent human civilization and its achievements, centers of power and commerce, places of refuge, but also sites of rebellion against God, idolatry, and moral decay. The ultimate theological vision of a "city" is the New Jerusalem, the holy city descending from heaven (e.g., [[Revelation 21:2]]).
Other related concepts include:
* **Genealogy**: The primary context of Iri's mention is a genealogical list. Biblical genealogies are not mere historical records; they serve crucial theological purposes, demonstrating God's faithfulness to His covenant promises, tracing the lineage of the Messiah, and establishing tribal identities and land claims.
* **Tribal Identity**: Iri's placement within the tribe of Benjamin underscores the importance of tribal affiliation in ancient Israel, which shaped social, political, and religious life.
* **Proper Nouns**: As a proper noun, ʻÎyrîy belongs to a category of words that identify specific individuals, places, or entities, each contributing a unique thread to the biblical narrative tapestry.
### Theological Significance
While Iri himself is not a figure with a distinct narrative or theological role, his inclusion in the biblical record, however brief, carries significance. The meticulous preservation of names, even those appearing only once in a genealogical list, reflects the divine author's precise and comprehensive record-keeping. It underscores the belief that every individual, no matter how seemingly minor, plays a part in God's overarching plan for humanity and the history of His covenant people.
The etymological connection to "city" (עִיר) may subtly hint at the broader theological concept of God's engagement with human civilization. From the first city built by Cain as an act of defiance, to the call of Abraham from Ur, to the establishment of Jerusalem as the City of God, and ultimately to the vision of the New Jerusalem, the "city" serves as a profound theological symbol. Iri's name, rooted in this concept, reminds us that even within the detailed lineages of God's people, there are echoes of the grand narrative of God's interaction with human society and His ultimate purpose for His creation. The very presence of his name in the inspired text affirms God's providential care for every generation and every member of His chosen lineage.
### Summary
ʻÎyrîy (`{{H5901}}`) is a proper Hebrew noun, the personal name "Iri." Its etymological root, עִיר (`{{H5892}}`), means "city," potentially implying an "urbane" quality or connection to an urban center. This name appears only once in the biblical text, in [[1 Chronicles 7:7]], where Iri is listed as a son of Bela and a grandson of Benjamin, serving to document the tribal lineage. The significance of ʻÎyrîy lies not in any specific action or teaching attributed to him, but in his inclusion within the divinely inspired genealogies, which attest to God's meticulous attention to the history of His people. His name, though brief in its appearance, contributes to the rich tapestry of Israelite identity and subtly echoes the broader biblical theme of the "city" in God's redemptive plan.
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