עִירָא
Ira, the name of three Israelites
Definition
עִירָא (Ira) is a proper masculine name borne by three distinct individuals in the Old Testament. The primary figure is Ira the Jairite, who served as King David's personal priest (2 Samuel 20:26). Another is Ira son of Ikkesh, one of David's mighty warriors known as the 'Thirty' (2 Samuel 23:26, 1 Chronicles 11:28). A third individual named Ira, also from Tekoa, is listed among David's military commanders (2 Samuel 23:38, 1 Chronicles 11:40) and later as an officer over a monthly division (1 Chronicles 27:9). The name's meaning, derived from a root for 'wakefulness,' may connote vigilance or alertness.
Biblical Usage
The name Ira appears exclusively in historical narratives concerning King David's administration and military, specifically in 2 Samuel and 1 Chronicles. It is used to identify three different men holding positions of trust and authority: a royal priest, a member of the elite warrior corps, and a divisional army commander. The usage patterns show it was a known Israelite name in the Davidic period, associated with loyalty and service to the king.
Etymology
The name עִירָא (ʻÎyrâʼ) is derived from the Hebrew root עוּר (ʻûr, H5782), meaning 'to awake, arouse, or stir up.' As a proper name, it is likely a shortened or nominal form meaning 'Wakeful,' 'Watchful,' or 'He Arouses.' It shares this root with other words related to awakening and excitement.
Semantic Range
While a personal name, its etymological connection to 'wakefulness' can symbolically reflect the qualities expected of David's officials: spiritual alertness in the priestly role (Ira the Jairite) and vigilant, faithful service in military and administrative duties. It subtly underscores the theme of devoted, watchful service to God's anointed king, a model for faithful living.
In ancient Israelite culture, names often carried meaningful significance, describing character, destiny, or a circumstance of birth. A name meaning 'Wakeful' likely expressed a parental hope for the child's alertness, diligence, or perhaps commemorated a notable event. Its bearers' high-ranking roles indicate it was a respectable name within the societal structures of the united monarchy.
Other Hebrew names derived from verbs of perception include: צֹפֶה (Tsôpheh, H6822) — meaning 'watchman' or 'one who looks out.' עֵר (ʻÊr, H6147) — another name meaning 'Watchful' or 'Awake,' from the same root.
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.
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