הֲרָרִי (ha.ra.ri)
ha.ra.ri
Hararite
N:N--LG / N:N-M-PQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 4 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- N:N--LG / N:N-M-P
Word Overview
The term harari functions as a gentilic adjective in Hebrew, primarily translating to "Hararite" or "mountain dweller." Lexical sources indicate it likely derives from the root for mountain, suggesting an origin tied to highland geography rather than a specific city. It appears exclusively in the genealogical and military records of David’s reign, specifically within the lists of his mighty men found in 2 Samuel and 1 Chronicles.
Its usage is narrow and descriptive, identifying individuals by their regional affiliation or ancestry. The text associates this title with notable warriors such as Agee, Shammah, and Sharar, who are celebrated for their loyalty and combat prowess. By linking these heroes to the harari designation, the biblical narrative highlights the diverse origins of David’s support base, which included men from rugged, mountainous regions.
Translators consistently render this word as "Hararite" to preserve the proper noun aspect while acknowledging its geographic root. The term serves a historical function, anchoring these specific figures in a particular social and physical context within ancient Israel. It reflects the tribal and regional mix that characterized the kingdom’s military elite during this period.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The term Hararite identifies a warrior from the highlands, likely meaning one who dwells in the mountains. In the lists of David’s mighty men, this title appears alongside names like Shammah and Jonathan. These records show that God’s chosen leaders came from diverse backgrounds, including rugged, remote regions.
For your faith, this reminds us that God uses people from every corner of society. You do not need a prestigious background to serve Him faithfully. Just as the Hararites stood firm in battle, you can trust that God values your unique place and history. Your ordinary life is part of His larger story.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 4 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- the/ Hararite4×
- [the] Hararite1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- הָרָרִ֑י1×
- הָ/ארָרִֽי\׃\ \ס1×
- הַֽ/הֲרָרִ֔י1×
- הַ/הֲרָרִֽי\׃\ \ס1×
- הַ/הֲרָרִ֖י1×
Key Verses
-
II Samuel 23:11
After him was Shammah the son of Agee a Hararite. The Philistines had gathered together into a troop where there was a plot of ground full of lentils; and the people fled from the Philistines.
This verse introduces Shammah the Hararite, highlighting his role in a specific defensive stand against Philistines over a field of lentils.
-
I Chronicles 11:34
the sons of Hashem the Gizonite, Jonathan the son of Shagee the Hararite,
Here Jonathan the son of Shagee is called a Hararite, showing how chroniclers tracked lineage and regional origin for David’s elite guards.
-
I Chronicles 11:35
Ahiam the son of Sacar the Hararite, Eliphal the son of Ur,
Ahiam the son of Sacar is listed as a Hararite, further illustrating the geographic diversity within the king’s military leadership.