### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word **Bᵉʼêrîy**, represented by `{{H882}}`, means **fountained**. It is used as a proper name for two individuals in the Old Testament: one a Hittite, and the other an Israelite. The name appears **2 times** in **2 unique verses**, serving primarily to establish paternal lineage.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In the biblical narrative, `{{H882}}` identifies the fathers of two very different figures. The first mention is in the patriarchal accounts, where Beeri is identified as a Hittite `{{H2850}}` and the father of Judith `{{H3067}}`, who became one of Esau's wives [[Genesis 26:34]]. The second Beeri is an Israelite, identified as the father of the prophet Hosea `{{H1954}}`, to whom the word `{{H1697}}` of the LORD `{{H3068}}` came during the reigns of the kings `{{H4428}}` of Judah `{{H3063}}` and Israel `{{H3478}}` [[Hosea 1:1]].
### Related Words & Concepts
The name Beeri is contextually linked to several key figures and terms that define relationships and identity:
* `{{H1954}}` **Hôwshêaʻ** (deliverer): Beeri is the father of this major prophet, establishing the human lineage through which God's word `{{H1697}}` was delivered to Israel [[Hosea 1:1]].
* `{{H2850}}` **Chittîy** (Hittite): This term identifies the first Beeri's ethnicity, placing him among the Canaanite peoples and establishing his daughter's marriage to Esau `{{H6215}}` as a union with a non-Israelite [[Genesis 26:34]].
* `{{H1121}}` **bên** (son): This foundational word for kinship is used to connect Beeri to his son, the prophet Hosea, signifying his role in the lineage of Israel [[Hosea 1:1]].
* `{{H1323}}` **bath** (daughter): This term establishes Beeri the Hittite's relationship to Judith, one of the wives `{{H802}}` whom Esau `{{H6215}}` took `{{H3947}}` [[Genesis 26:34]].
### Theological Significance
Though appearing rarely, the name `{{H882}}` carries narrative weight by highlighting specific familial lines and their significance.
* **Prophetic Authority:** By identifying Beeri as the father of Hosea, the text grounds the divine word of the LORD in a specific historical and familial context, affirming the prophet's Israelite heritage [[Hosea 1:1]].
* **Patriarchal Connections:** The mention of Beeri the Hittite is crucial in the Genesis narrative, as it details the lineage of Esau and his decision to take wives from the people of the land, a choice that contrasts with the path of his brother Jacob [[Genesis 26:34]].
* **Contrast in Lineage:** The two uses of Beeri present a notable contrast: one man is the father of a prophet within the covenant community of Israel, while the other is a Hittite whose daughter marries into the line of Esau, which was often in conflict with Israel.
### Summary
In summary, `{{H882}}` is a specific proper name whose importance lies in the figures it connects to. While its direct meaning is "fountained," its function in scripture is to be a source of identity for two individuals on very different sides of the biblical story. The name Beeri serves as a genealogical marker that links the world of the patriarchs with the era of the prophets, providing context for both the family of Esau and the ministry of Hosea.
TRV