יָאִרִי (ya.i.ri)
ya.i.ri
Jairite
N:N--PGQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 1 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- N:N--PG
Word Overview
The term ya’iri is an adjective meaning “Jairite,” identifying someone as a descendant of Jair, a figure from the tribe of Judah first mentioned in Numbers 32:41. In the Hebrew Bible, this gentilic form serves as a precise marker of lineage, linking individuals to their ancestral roots within the tribal structure of Israel.
Its most notable appearance occurs in 2 Samuel 20:26, where it describes Ira the Jairite, who served as a priest or official under King David. This single usage highlights how such terms functioned not just as geographical labels, but as indicators of social and religious status within the royal administration, connecting personal identity to a specific family heritage.
By specifying descent from Jair, the text preserves the memory of this Judahite lineage during a period of political consolidation. The rarity of the word underscores its role as a specialized identifier rather than a common descriptor, offering readers a glimpse into the detailed record-keeping of David’s court and the importance of tribal affiliation in ancient Israelite society.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The name Jair appears in the Old Testament as a descendant of Judah, establishing a family line that played a role in Israel’s tribal structure. When we encounter the term "Jairite" in Scripture, it serves as a specific marker of heritage and identity. It reminds us that God knows individuals not just by their actions, but also by their lineage and place within His larger story.
In 2 Samuel 20:26, Ira the Jairite is listed among King David’s officials. This brief mention highlights how ordinary people with specific family backgrounds were part of the machinery of leadership and service in ancient Israel. It shows that faithfulness and duty were valued regardless of one's fame or public profile.
For you today, this word offers a quiet encouragement. Your background, your history, and your unique place in the world matter to God. He uses people from every tribe and family line to fulfill His purposes. You are known by name, just as Ira was known by his heritage, and your life has significance in His eyes.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 1 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- the/ Jairite1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- הַ/יָּ֣אִרִ֔י1×
Key Verses
-
II Samuel 20:26
and Ira the Jairite was chief minister to David.
This verse identifies Ira the Jairite as a chief minister to David, using the term to specify his ancestral lineage within the royal administration.