חֶבְרִי
a Chebrite (collectively) or descendants of Cheber
Definition
The Hebrew word חֶבְרִי (Chebrîy) is a gentilic noun meaning 'a Chebrite' or 'belonging to the clan of Cheber.' It specifically refers to the descendants of Cheber (Heber), who was a grandson of Asher, the son of Jacob. This term is used collectively to identify this family group within the larger tribe of Asher. Its sole biblical occurrence is in Numbers 26:45, where it is used in a census list to enumerate the clans of the tribe of Asher.
Biblical Usage
This word is used only once in the Old Testament, in the book of Numbers. It appears in the context of the second census of the Israelites in the plains of Moab (Numbers 26). Specifically, in Numbers 26:45, it lists the 'sons of Beriah': of Heber, the family of the Heberites (Chebrites). Its usage is purely genealogical and administrative, serving to identify a sub-clan within the tribe of Asher for the purpose of tribal organization and inheritance.
Etymology
The word חֶבְרִי (Chebrîy) is formed patronymically from the proper name חֶבֶר (Cheber, Strong's H2268), meaning 'companion' or 'associate.' The suffix -ִי (-îy) indicates 'belonging to' or 'descended from.' Thus, Chebrîy literally means 'of Cheber' or 'belonging to Cheber.' The root חבר (ḥbr) relates to joining or associating, which is reflected in the name of the ancestor.
Semantic Range
In its original cultural setting, this term functioned as a clan or family designation within the tribal structure of ancient Israel. Such names were crucial for establishing lineage, tribal identity, and land inheritance rights as outlined in the Mosaic law. Understanding this word highlights the importance of genealogy and tribal affiliation in maintaining the social and religious cohesion of the Israelite community, especially during their wilderness journey and settlement in Canaan.
אָשֵׁרִי (Asherîy, H843) — Refers to the broader tribal affiliation as a member of the tribe of Asher, whereas Chebrîy specifies a sub-clan within that tribe.
Word Details
How this works
Hebrew definitions are from Brown-Driver-Briggs (1906) and Strong's Exhaustive Concordance (1890), both public domain. BDB was groundbreaking for its era but reflects 19th-century assumptions about Semitic etymology. Modern scholarship (HALOT, DCH) has revised many entries. Use these definitions as a starting point for exploration, not as the final word on a term's meaning in context.
Full methodology & sources →