יוֹרַי (yo.ray)
yo.ray
Jorai
N:N-M-PQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 1 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- N:N-M-P
Word Overview
Jorai appears only once in the Hebrew Bible, listed as a leader among the Gadites in 1 Chronicles 5:13. He is identified as the son of Abihail and part of a large family group that included brothers such as Michael and Meshullam. The text places him among the descendants who settled in Gilead and Bashan during the reign of King Jotham of Judah, highlighting the continued presence and organization of this tribe despite the political divisions of the era.
The name itself carries a distinct theological weight, meaning "Jehovah has taught me" or "Yahweh teaches." This etymology suggests that personal identity and lineage were often viewed through the lens of divine instruction. By recording his name alongside his numerous brothers, the chronicler preserves not just a genealogical record, but a testament to how individuals understood their place within God’s broader historical narrative.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The name Jorai means "Jehovah has taught me." In a world that often values self-made success, this simple declaration reminds us that true wisdom comes from divine instruction. It is a humble acknowledgment that our understanding of life and purpose is shaped by God's guidance rather than our own cleverness.
Although Jorai appears only once in the Bible as one of seven Gadite leaders, his name stands out for its theological depth. The Chronicler includes him among those who settled in Gilead during King Jotham’s reign, showing that even ordinary family names carried spiritual significance. This suggests that every believer, regardless of prominence, is part of a larger story where God teaches and leads His people through history.
When we read these ancient records, we see that our own lives are also under divine instruction. Just as Jorai’s name reflected his reliance on God’s teaching, we too can trust that the Lord shapes our path. This perspective brings comfort, knowing that our identity is rooted in being taught by the Creator.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 1 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- and/ Jorai1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- וְ/יוֹרַ֧י1×
Key Verses
-
I Chronicles 5:13
Their brothers of their fathers’ houses: Michael, Meshullam, Sheba, Jorai, Jacan, Zia, and Eber, seven.
This verse lists Jorai among seven Gadite leaders, highlighting how his name reflects divine instruction within a specific tribal and historical context.