patronymically from עֵרָן; an Eranite or descendant (collectively) of Eran; Eranites.
Transliteration:ʻÊrânîy
Pronunciation:ay-raw-nee'
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew term עֵרָנִי (ʻÊrânîy), transliterated as Eranite, is a patronymic noun derived from the personal name עֵרָן (Eran). As a patronymic, its core meaning denotes a descendant or collective group of descendants belonging to the individual named Eran. Therefore, it signifies "an Eranite" or "the family of the Eranites." The semantic range is quite narrow, strictly confined to this specific familial and tribal designation within ancient Israel. It does not carry broader conceptual or abstract meanings beyond its function as a lineage identifier.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term ʻÊrânîy (H6198) appears only once in the Hebrew Bible, specifically in the book of Numbers:
* [[Numbers 26:36]]: "Of Eran, the family of the Eranites."
This solitary occurrence is found within the detailed genealogical record of the second census of Israel, conducted in the plains of Moab before entering Canaan. The verse immediately precedes the listing of the families of the tribe of Manasseh, but ʻÊrânîy refers to a specific clan within the tribe of Ephraim, as Eran was a son of Shuthelah, who was a son of Ephraim (cf. [[Numbers 26:35]]). The context is purely genealogical and administrative, serving to meticulously document the various clans and their numerical strength within the twelve tribes. This precise enumeration was crucial for the allocation of land in Canaan, the organization of the tribal armies, and the maintenance of tribal identity and inheritance rights. The inclusion of even smaller family units like the Eranites underscores the thoroughness of the biblical record keeping.
### Related Words & Concepts
The most directly related word is the proper noun עֵרָן (Eran), from which ʻÊrânîy (H6198) is derived. Eran is the ancestral figure whose descendants are identified by this patronymic. Conceptually, ʻÊrânîy is intrinsically linked to the broader biblical themes of:
* **Genealogy and Lineage:** The meticulous recording of family lines, crucial for identity, inheritance, and the fulfillment of divine promises (e.g., the Abrahamic covenant).
* **Tribal Structure:** The organization of Israel into distinct tribes and clans, foundational to its social, religious, and military life.
* **Census:** The periodic enumeration of the people, often for military readiness, land distribution, or taxation purposes, as seen in the book of Numbers.
* **Inheritance:** The divine allocation of land to specific families and tribes, making accurate lineage records vital for claiming and maintaining ancestral portions.
* **Patronymics:** Grammatical constructions (like ʻÊrânîy) that identify individuals or groups by their paternal ancestor, a common feature in biblical Hebrew (e.g., "Reubenites," "Gadites," "Levites").
### Theological Significance
While ʻÊrânîy itself is a technical term for a specific family, its inclusion within the biblical narrative carries significant theological weight. The meticulous preservation of such seemingly minor family names within the extensive genealogies of Numbers highlights several profound theological principles:
* **Divine Order and Providence:** God's meticulous attention to detail extends even to the precise lineage of His people. This demonstrates a divine order and providential care over the community of Israel, ensuring that every family has its place and purpose within the larger covenant plan.
* **Covenant Faithfulness:** The recording of numerous descendants, even obscure families like the Eranites, testifies to God's faithfulness in fulfilling His covenant promise to Abraham regarding the multiplication of his offspring (e.g., [[Genesis 12:2]], [[Genesis 15:5]]). Each family unit, however small, contributed to the vast nation that God raised up.
* **Identity and Belonging:** For the Israelites, their identity was deeply rooted in their tribal and familial affiliation. The existence of terms like ʻÊrânîy reinforced a sense of belonging and continuity with their ancestors, connecting them to the historical narrative of God's people.
* **Preparation for Inheritance:** The census, including the identification of specific families, was directly linked to the distribution of the Promised Land. This underscores God's commitment to providing for His people and establishing them in a land of their own, with each family receiving its portion according to its lineage.
### Summary
The term עֵרָנִי (ʻÊrânîy, H6198) is a patronymic noun signifying "an Eranite" or "the family of the Eranites," derived from the ancestral name Eran. Its sole biblical occurrence in [[Numbers 26:36]] places it within the detailed genealogical census of Israel, specifically identifying a clan within the tribe of Ephraim. Although a seemingly minor detail, the inclusion of ʻÊrânîy underscores the biblical emphasis on precise lineage, tribal structure, and God's meticulous ordering of His covenant people. It reflects the divine faithfulness in fulfilling promises of multiplication and the importance of family identity and inheritance within the divinely orchestrated history of Israel.
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