בַּלְעִי (bal.i)
bal.i
Belaite
N:N--PGQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 1 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- N:N--PG
Word Overview
The Hebrew term בַּלְעִי (bal‘î) functions as a gentilic adjective, identifying a member or descendant of Bela. It appears only once in the canonical text, within the genealogical records of Numbers 26:38. In this context, it serves to categorize the specific lineage descending from Bela, who was himself a son of Benjamin.
The word derives its meaning from the personal name Bela (H1106), which carries the sense of "swallowing" or devouring. By adding the suffix indicating belonging or origin, the term distinguishes this particular branch of the tribe of Benjamin from other families listed in the census. Its usage is strictly descriptive, anchoring the identity of these individuals within the broader tribal structure during the wilderness period.
As a rare lexical item with a single occurrence, בַּלְעִי highlights the meticulous nature of ancient Israelite genealogies. It preserves the distinction of Bela’s descendants at a time when tribal counts were critical for land inheritance and military organization. The term itself does not carry theological weight beyond its function as a marker of ancestry, pointing readers back to the patriarchal lists found in Genesis and Numbers.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The name Belaites appears in Numbers 26:38 as part of a census listing the families of Benjamin. This word identifies a specific branch of Israel’s history, showing how God kept track of His people even in the wilderness. It reminds us that every family line matters to Him.
While this term does not carry deep theological teaching, it highlights the care God takes in preserving details. Each name and family group was recorded for a purpose, ensuring that no one was forgotten in the grand narrative of Israel’s journey.
When we read these lists, we are invited to trust in a God who knows each person by name. Just as Bela’s descendants were counted, you are known and valued by Him. This small detail encourages us to see our own place in His story with confidence and peace.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 1 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- the/ Belaite[s]1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- הַ/בַּלְעִ֔י1×
Key Verses
-
Numbers 26:38
The sons of Benjamin after their families: of Bela, the family of the Belaites; of Ashbel, the family of the Ashbelites; of Ahiram, the family of the Ahiramites;
This verse uses the term to identify the specific family line descending from Bela within the tribe of Benjamin during the second census.