עִירוּ (i.ru)
i.ru
Iru
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 Iru, or ‘iru, appears only once in the Hebrew Bible, recorded as a member of the tribe of Judah in 1 Chronicles 4:15. He is identified as the son of Caleb and the grandson of Jephunneh, placing him within one of the most prominent families of Israel’s pre-monarchic era. His inclusion in this genealogy highlights his connection to Caleb’s other children, including Achsah, Elah, and Naam.
Linguistically, the name is generally understood to mean "watch" or "vigilance." This etymology suggests a meaning related to keeping watch or being alert. In the context of Caleb’s lineage, which is often associated with faithfulness and steadfastness in the biblical narrative, the name may reflect a family characteristic or hope for spiritual attentiveness.
As a proper noun found in a single verse, Iru serves as a specific link in the historical record of Judah. His presence in 1 Chronicles underscores the detailed preservation of tribal lineages, connecting the era of the judges and conquest to the later history of Israel through these familial ties.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The name Iru appears in a single verse within the genealogy of Judah, carrying a meaning linked to watchfulness or vigilance. While it is easy to overlook such brief entries in Scripture, they serve as vital links connecting generations of faith. This specific mention places Iru as a son of Caleb and grandson of Jephunneh, anchoring him firmly within a family known for its steadfast trust in God during the conquest of Canaan.
For your own life, this detail offers a quiet encouragement to remain spiritually alert. Just as the name suggests keeping watch, we are invited to stay attentive to God’s presence in our daily routines and family histories. It reminds us that every generation plays a role in preserving the story of faith, and that even brief mentions in Scripture contribute to the larger tapestry of His redemptive work.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 1 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- Iru1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- עִ֥ירוּ1×
Key Verses
-
I Chronicles 4:15
The sons of Caleb the son of Jephunneh: Iru, Elah, and Naam. The son of Elah: Kenaz.
This verse identifies Iru as a son of Caleb, linking him directly to a lineage celebrated for its faithfulness and courage in the Promised Land.