יְרִיָּהוּ (ye.riy.yah)

ye.riy.yah

Jeriah

H3404 · Hebrew · Old Testament · 3 verses

N:N-M-P

Language: Biblical Hebrew
Testament: Old Testament
Occurrences: 3 verses
Root: —
Part of speech: N:N-M-P

Word Overview

The name Yeriyahu, rendered in English as Jeriah, means "taught by Jehovah." It is a personal name found only three times in the Hebrew Bible, both occurrences appearing in the genealogical records of 1 Chronicles. The sources identify him as a Kohathite Levite and a chief of the house of Hebron, linking him to the priestly service established during King David’s reign.

Yeriyahu appears in two distinct chronological contexts within these lists. In one instance (1 Chronicles 23:19), he is described as a descendant from the time of the Exodus and wilderness wandering, serving as a son of Hebron. In the other (1 Chronicles 26:31), he is listed among the leaders assigned to duties during the Divided Monarchy. These entries highlight his role as a leader within the Levitical families responsible for temple service.

The etymology of the name reflects a theological emphasis on divine instruction, with the element "Yahu" referring to Yahweh and "yarah" meaning to teach or instruct. This naming convention underscores the importance of learning God’s laws within the Levitical tradition. The repetition of his name in different genealogical sections suggests a lasting prominence for his family line in organizing worship.

Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).

What This Word Means for Your Faith

The name Jeriah carries a quiet but powerful meaning: "taught by Jehovah." In the ancient world, names were not just labels; they were prayers and declarations of identity. For the Levites who served in the temple, being taught by God was their primary calling. It reminds us that our role in worship is not about performance, but about listening and learning from the Lord.

Jeriah appears in the genealogies of 1 Chronicles as a chief among the Hebronites. These lists might seem dry at first glance, but they show how God values order and lineage. By tracing his family back through generations, the Bible highlights the continuity of faith. It shows that devotion to God is often passed down through families, creating a legacy of service that outlasts any single generation.

When we read about Jeriah, we are invited to see ourselves as part of this long line of believers. Just as he was set apart for temple duties, we too are called to be learners in God’s house. This name encourages us to seek divine instruction daily, trusting that God is the true teacher of our hearts.

How it's translated

How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 3 verses where it appears, by frequency.

Jeriah3×

Forms in the text

The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.

יְרִיָּ֤הוּ1×
יְרִיָּ֣ה1×
יְרִיָּ֑הוּ1×

Key Verses

I Chronicles 23:19
The sons of Hebron: Jeriah the chief, Amariah the second, Jahaziel the third, and Jekameam the fourth.

This verse establishes Jeriah's position as the chief of Hebron's sons during David's organization of temple service, highlighting his leadership role in worship.
I Chronicles 24:23
The sons of Hebron: Jeriah, Amariah the second, Jahaziel the third, and Jekameam the fourth.

The repetition of this list reinforces the official record of Levitical duties, showing how Jeriah's family was formally recognized for their ongoing service.
I Chronicles 26:31
Of the Hebronites, Jerijah was the chief of the Hebronites, according to their generations by fathers’ households. They were sought for in the fortieth year of the reign of David, and mighty men of valor were found among them at Jazer of Gilead.

Here, Jeriah is noted as a mighty man of valor found in Gilead, indicating that his family line remained strong and active even decades after David's initial arrangements.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does the name Jeriah mean?

Jeriah is a Hebrew name that means "taught by Jehovah." It combines the word for teaching (yarah) with the divine name Yahweh, reflecting a life dedicated to learning God's laws.

Who was Jeriah in the Bible?

Jeriah was a Levite from the clan of Hebron. He is listed in 1 Chronicles as a chief among the sons of Hebron, serving in the temple organization established by King David.

Why is Jeriah mentioned multiple times?

He appears in different genealogical sections (1 Chronicles 23 and 26) to show the continuity of his family's service. These records confirm that his lineage remained prominent and active in temple duties over time.

Every Occurrence (3 verses across 1 books)

I Chronicles 3 verses

I Chronicles 23:19

The sons of Hebron: Jeriah the chief, Amariah the second, Jahaziel the third, and Jekameam the fourth.

I Chronicles 24:23

The sons of Hebron: Jeriah, Amariah the second, Jahaziel the third, and Jekameam the fourth.

I Chronicles 26:31

Of the Hebronites, Jerijah was the chief of the Hebronites, according to their generations by fathers’ households. They…