שְׂעֹרִים
Seorim, an Israelite
Definition
Seorim is a proper noun referring to an individual in the Old Testament. It is the name of a priestly leader during the time of King David, specifically the head of the fourth division of priests established by lot (1 Chronicles 24:8). The name itself is the plural form of the Hebrew word for 'barley' (שְׂעֹרָה, sᵉʻôrâ). As a personal name, it does not carry multiple senses or meanings beyond this single biblical reference to the priestly figure.
Biblical Usage
The word שְׂעֹרִים (Sᵉʻôrîym) is used only once in the Old Testament, in 1 Chronicles 24:8. Its usage is strictly as a personal name within a list detailing the organization of the priestly service. It appears in a context of sacred lots being cast to establish the order of ministerial duties for the descendants of Aaron, placing Seorim as a leader of one of the 24 divisions.
Etymology
The name Seorim is directly derived from the masculine plural form of the Hebrew noun שְׂעֹרָה (sᵉʻôrâ, H8184), meaning 'barley.' It is a cognate with other Semitic languages where similar words refer to barley. As a personal name, it follows a common biblical pattern where names are taken from agricultural or natural elements, though its specific meaning as 'barley grains' is not directly emphasized in its single usage as a proper name.
Semantic Range
While the name Seorim itself is not theologically loaded, its context is significant. His role as a head of a priestly division underscores the themes of divine order, sacred service, and the organization of worship established under David's reign, which was crucial for maintaining the Levitical system. Understanding that even the casting of lots for these duties (1 Chronicles 24:5) was seen as directed by God highlights the belief in God's sovereignty over the details of worship.
In ancient Israel, names were often meaningful and connected to everyday life or hopes. 'Seorim' (Barley) as a personal name reflects an agricultural society where barley was a staple grain. Being chosen by lot for priestly service was a culturally accepted method to discern divine will, preventing human favoritism and affirming that the order of ministry was ordained by God.
As a unique proper noun, there are no direct synonyms. It is etymologically related to: שְׂעֹרָה (sᵉʻôrâ, H8184) — the singular noun meaning 'barley,' from which the name is derived.
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 →