אִיעֶזְרִי

an Iezrite or descendant of Iezer

Definition

אִיעֶזְרִי (ʼÎyʻezrîy) is a patronymic noun meaning 'a descendant of Iezer' or 'a Jezerite.' It specifically identifies an individual belonging to the clan of Iezer, who was a son of Gilead and grandson of Manasseh (Numbers 26:30). The term functions solely as a tribal or clan designation within the genealogy of the tribe of Manasseh. Its single biblical occurrence serves to list the Jezerites as one of the familial subdivisions within the larger Israelite tribal structure during the wilderness census.

Biblical Usage

This word is used only once in the entire Old Testament, in Numbers 26:30. It appears in the context of the second census of the Israelites taken in the plains of Moab, specifically within the genealogy of the tribe of Manasseh. The usage is purely genealogical and tribal, listing 'the family of the Jezerites' as descended from Iezer, son of Gilead. There are no other contextual uses or patterns.

Etymology

The word is a straightforward patronymic formation, derived directly from the personal name אִיעֶזֵר (ʼÎyʻezer, H372), meaning 'Iezer' or possibly 'helper.' It follows the common Hebrew pattern for creating a gentilic or clan name by adding the suffix '-i' (ִי), which denotes 'belonging to' or 'descended from.' Thus, אִיעֶזְרִי literally means 'of Iezer' or 'the Iezerite.'

Semantic Range

In its original setting, this term reflects the paramount importance of genealogy, tribal identity, and land inheritance within ancient Israelite society. Being identified as a 'Jezerite' situated an individual within a specific lineage of the tribe of Manasseh, which had direct implications for one's social standing, inheritance rights, and military obligations. This clan-based identity was a fundamental organizing principle during the period of the conquest and settlement of Canaan.

אִיעֶזֵר (ʼÎyʻezer, H372) — the personal name 'Iezer,' the progenitor from whom the clan derives its name.

Word Details

Scripture References