בַּלְעִי

a Belaite (collectively) or descendants of Bela

Definition

בַּלְעִי (Balʻîy) is a patronymic noun meaning 'a Belaite,' referring collectively to the descendants of Bela, the firstborn son of Benjamin. This term specifically denotes a clan or family group within the larger tribe of Benjamin. It appears only in the context of the second wilderness census recorded in Numbers 26:38, where the Belaites are listed as one of the familial subdivisions of Benjamin. The word functions solely as an ethnic or tribal designation, with no other attested meanings in the biblical text.

Biblical Usage

This word is used only once in the Old Testament, in Numbers 26:38, within a genealogical and census list. Its usage is purely administrative and tribal, serving to identify one of the clan groups descended from Benjamin's sons during the Israelites' wilderness journey. The context is the numbering of the fighting men from each tribe, and the Belaites are counted among the Benjaminite clans.

Etymology

The word is derived patronymically from the proper name בֶּלַע (Belaʿ, H1106), who was the firstborn son of Benjamin (Genesis 46:21). The suffix -ִי (-î) indicates 'belonging to' or 'descended from,' forming a gentilic noun. Thus, בַּלְעִי literally means 'of Bela' or 'belonging to Bela.'

Semantic Range

In ancient Israelite society, tribal and clan identity was paramount for inheritance, military organization, and social structure. Being identified as a 'Belaite' situated an individual within the specific lineage of Bela and the broader tribe of Benjamin. This designation would have carried legal and social significance regarding land allotment and community responsibility, concepts central to Israel's covenant identity as they prepared to enter the Promised Land.

בִּנְיָמִינִי (Binyāmînî, H1145) — refers to any member of the entire tribe of Benjamin, whereas בַּלְעִי specifies only the clan descending from Bela.

Word Details

Scripture References