יָעִיר (ya.ur)
ya.ur
Jair
N:N-M-PQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 1 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- N:N-M-P
Word Overview
The name Ya’ir, meaning "he enlightens" or "forested," identifies a specific warrior from the era of Israel’s United Monarchy. He is recorded as the father of Elhanan, one of King David’s mighty men who famously defeated the giant Goliath in Bethlehem (2 Samuel 21:19; 1 Chronicles 20:5). This entry distinguishes him from other biblical figures with similar names by anchoring his identity to this specific military lineage.
Lexical sources note a textual variant where the name appears as Jaare-oregim, which translates to "forests of weavers." This alternative title suggests a possible geographic origin or a descriptive epithet rather than a personal name. The variation highlights how ancient scribes sometimes preserved local names or titles alongside standard Hebrew forms, offering a glimpse into the diverse linguistic landscape of David’s court.
Ya’ir appears in only one verse in the provided data, located in 1 Chronicles. His significance lies not in his own deeds but in his role as the progenitor of Elhanan. By recording his name, the chronicler preserves the genealogical context of David’s elite soldiers, ensuring that the families behind these legendary acts are remembered alongside the heroes themselves.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The name Ya’ir carries the sense of one who enlightens or brings light. In the biblical record, this meaning is woven into the lineage of Elhanan, a mighty man serving under King David. The text highlights that Elhanan was the son of Jair, anchoring his identity in this specific family line during the conflicts with the Philistines.
It is comforting to know that God remembers the families behind the famous deeds. While Elhanan’s victory over Lahmi is noted, the Chronicler also preserves the name of his father. This detail shows that every individual and lineage has a place in the broader story of faithfulness. We are part of a larger narrative where our contributions, however small they may seem, are recorded and valued.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 1 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- Jair1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- יָעִ֗יר1×
Key Verses
-
I Chronicles 20:5
Again there was war with the Philistines; and Elhanan the son of Jair killed Lahmi the brother of Goliath the Gittite, the staff of whose spear was like a weaver’s beam.
This verse identifies Elhanan as the son of Jair, establishing the genealogical link that gives the name its specific historical context within David's army.