יִצְהָרִי (yits.ha.ri)
yits.ha.ri
Izharite
N:N--PGQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 4 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- N:N--PG
Word Overview
The term yits.ha.ri identifies a member of the Izharite clan, a specific branch within the tribe of Levi. These individuals were descendants of Izhar, the son of Kohath and grandson of Levi, placing them in the priestly lineage responsible for sacred duties during the wilderness period. The word functions as a gentilic adjective, distinguishing this family group from other Levitical houses such as those of Amram or Hebron.
Etymologically, the name Izhar relates to the Hebrew root for oil, suggesting a symbolic connection to anointing or purity within their sacred role. Although the lexicon data notes this linguistic link, the text itself focuses on genealogy rather than ritual function. The clan is recorded as having notable members like Korah and Zichri, embedding them in the narrative of Israel’s early community structure.
Scripture mentions the Izharites only four times, primarily in the books of Numbers and Chronicles. These references serve to catalog the tribal divisions and establish their place within the broader Levitical order. The brevity of these citations highlights their role as a distinct familial unit rather than a dominant political force in the biblical narrative.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word yits.ha.ri identifies a member of the Izharite clan, a specific branch within the tribe of Levi. These individuals were descendants of Izhar, the son of Kohath and grandson of Levi, placing them in the priestly lineage responsible for sacred duties during the wilderness period. The term functions as a gentilic adjective, distinguishing this family group from other Levitical houses such as those of Amram or Hebron.
Etymologically, the name Izhar relates to the Hebrew root for oil, suggesting a symbolic connection to anointing or purity within their sacred role. Although the lexicon data notes this linguistic link, the text itself focuses on genealogy rather than ritual function. The clan is recorded as having notable members like Korah and Zichri, embedding them in the narrative of Israel’s early community structure.
Scripture mentions the Izharites only four times, primarily in the books of Numbers and Chronicles. These references serve to catalog the tribal divisions and establish their place within the broader Levitical order. The brevity of these citations highlights their role as a distinct familial unit rather than a dominant political force in the biblical narrative.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 4 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- to the/ Izharite[s]2×
- the/ Izharite[s]1×
- for the/ Izharite[s]1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- לַ/יִּצְהָרִ֣י1×
- לַ/יִּצְהָרִ֞י1×
- לַ/יִּצְהָרִ֔י1×
- הַ/יִּצְהָרִ֔י1×
Key Verses
-
Numbers 3:27
Of Kohath was the family of the Amramites, the family of the Izharites, the family of the Hebronites, and the family of the Uzzielites. These are the families of the Kohathites.
This verse lists the Izharites alongside other Kohathite families, establishing their official place in the tabernacle service structure.
-
I Chronicles 26:29
Of the Izharites, Chenaniah and his sons were appointed to the outward business over Israel, for officers and judges.
Here the text shows an Izharite, Chenaniah, appointed to judicial duties, indicating their role extended beyond temple rituals into civil leadership.
-
I Chronicles 24:22
Of the Izharites, Shelomoth; of the sons of Shelomoth, Jahath.
This genealogical record traces the line of Shelomoth through the Izharites, preserving their identity for future generations.