אַרְאֵלִי

Areli (or an Arelite, collectively), an Israelite and his descendants

Definition

אַרְאֵלִי (ʼArʼêlîy) is a proper noun referring to an individual Israelite and his tribal descendants. In Genesis 46:16, Areli is listed as one of the sons of Gad, making him a grandson of Jacob and a founder of one of the Gadite clans. In Numbers 26:17, the term appears in its collective plural form 'Arelites' (הָאַרְאֵלִי), designating the clan descended from Areli as part of the tribe of Gad during the wilderness census. The word can thus refer to the patriarch himself or, collectively, to his family group within Israel.

Biblical Usage

This word is used only twice in the Old Testament, both times in genealogical and census contexts. It first appears in the list of Jacob's family who went to Egypt (Genesis 46:16). Its second use is in the census of the Israelites taken in the plains of Moab, where the 'Arelites' are counted as a clan of Gad (Numbers 26:17). The usage is strictly for tribal identification within the nation of Israel.

Etymology

Derived from the Hebrew root אֶרְאֵל (ʼerʼêl, H691), which is often understood to mean 'hero' or 'valiant one.' The name Areli likely means 'heroic' or 'lion of God,' fitting a pattern of names expressing strength or divine association. It is formed by adding the possessive or gentilic suffix (ִי-), indicating 'belonging to' or 'descended from.'

Semantic Range

While the name itself is not central to major doctrines, its presence in the tribal lists underscores the biblical theme of God's faithfulness to His covenant promises through specific family lines. Recording the name 'Areli' and his descendants (Genesis 46:16, Numbers 26:17) highlights God's meticulous care in preserving and numbering each part of His chosen people, Israel, fulfilling the promise to make them a great nation. Understanding such names enriches reading by connecting abstract promises to tangible, named individuals.

In ancient Israelite culture, personal names often carried significant meaning, describing character, destiny, or invoking the divine. 'Areli,' meaning 'heroic,' may have reflected hoped-for traits or celebrated an ancestor's valor. Being listed in a genealogy conferred identity, inheritance rights, and a place within the tribal structure of Israel. The shift from the individual 'Areli' to the clan designation 'Arelites' illustrates how family identity was foundational to social and religious organization.

None directly applicable as a proper tribal name. For related concepts: גָּדִי (Gādîy, H1425) — a member of the tribe of Gad, the larger tribal group to which the Arelites belonged.

Word Details

Scripture References