חֶבְרִי (chev.ri)
chev.ri
Heberite
N:N--PGQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 1 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- N:N--PG
Word Overview
The Hebrew word chevri is a gentilic adjective meaning "Heberite," referring to a specific family group within the tribe of Asher. It denotes those who were descendants of Heber, a son of Beriah and grandson of Benjamin. This term appears only once in the Hebrew Bible, in Numbers 26:45.
In that census verse, the text lists the families of Asher, including the Chevrites. The word functions as a collective noun for this lineage, distinguishing them from other clans like the Shualites or Acherites. Its existence highlights the detailed genealogical record-keeping in the wilderness narratives, preserving the identity of minor family units alongside major tribal groups.
Because it occurs so rarely, chevri offers a glimpse into the intricate social structure of Israel’s tribes. It reminds readers that each tribe was composed of many smaller families, each with its own name and place in the community. The word itself preserves the memory of Heber, ensuring his descendants remained identifiable in the historical record.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The name Chevri appears just once in the Hebrew Bible, marking a small family line within the tribe of Asher. In Numbers 26:45, the census lists the Heberites alongside other clans like the Malchielites. This single mention preserves the identity of Heber’s descendants, ensuring they were counted among God’s people during their wilderness journey.
While this word is rare, it reminds us that God knows each person by name and lineage. The detailed records in Scripture show that no one is overlooked, whether part of a large tribe or a small family unit. For believers today, this offers comfort: your place in God’s community is secure, known fully by Him.
Such genealogies are not merely historical footnotes but affirmations of belonging. They reflect a God who values every individual within His broader narrative of redemption and covenant faithfulness.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 1 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- the/ Heberite[s]1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- הַֽ/חֶבְרִ֑י1×
Key Verses
-
Numbers 26:45
Of the sons of Beriah: of Heber, the family of the Heberites; of Malchiel, the family of the Malchielites.
This verse identifies the Heberites as a distinct family group descending from Heber, son of Beriah, within the tribe of Asher.