יַחְצְאֵלִי

a Jachtseelite (collectively) or descendants of Jachtseel

Definition

The term יַחְצְאֵלִי (Yachtsᵉʼêlîy) refers to a member or descendant of the tribe of Jahzeel (or Jachtseel), one of the sons of Naphtali (Genesis 46:24). It specifically denotes the Jahzeelites as a clan within the larger tribe of Naphtali. This word is used exclusively in a genealogical and tribal context, identifying a group of people by their ancestral lineage. The single biblical occurrence is in Numbers 26:48, where the Jahzeelites are listed among the clans of Naphtali during the census in the wilderness.

Biblical Usage

This word appears only once in the Old Testament, in Numbers 26:48, within the context of the second census of the Israelites taken in the plains of Moab. Its usage is strictly genealogical, serving to identify one of the familial clans ('mishpachah') that constituted the tribe of Naphtali. There are no patterns of varied usage, as it is a straightforward patronymic designation.

Etymology

Derived patronymically from the proper name יַחְצְאֵל (Yachtse'el, H3183), meaning 'God apportions' or 'God divides.' The suffix -י (-i) indicates 'belonging to' or 'descendant of.' Thus, יַחְצְאֵלִי literally means 'belonging to Jahzeel' or 'descendant of Jahzeel.' It follows a common Hebrew pattern for forming gentilics or tribal names from personal names.

Semantic Range

In ancient Israelite culture, tribal and clan identities were of paramount importance for social organization, inheritance rights, and military service. Being identified as a יַחְצְאֵלִי placed an individual within the specific lineage of Jahzeel, son of Naphtali, and within the broader covenant community of Israel. This naming reflects the value placed on ancestry and the fulfillment of God's promise to multiply the descendants of the patriarchs.

נַפְתָּלִי (Naphtali, H5321) — The broader tribal name to which the Jahzeelites belonged.

Word Details

Scripture References