יָעוּר

Jaur, an Israelite

Definition

יָעוּר (Yâʻûwr) is a proper noun referring to an individual named Jaur, an Israelite mentioned only once in the Old Testament. The name appears in 1 Chronicles 20:5 as the father of Elhanan, who slew Lahmi, the brother of Goliath. The name is likely a variant or scribal form related to the more common name 'Jair' (יָאִיר), as noted in the KJV margin. As a proper name, it functions solely to identify this specific person within the genealogical and historical record of Israel's warriors.

Biblical Usage

This word is used only once in the entire Old Testament, in 1 Chronicles 20:5. It appears in a military context within the Chronicler's record of David's wars, specifically listing the heroes who fought against the Philistines. The usage is purely as a patronymic—'Elhanan the son of Jaur'—to identify the lineage of a notable warrior.

Etymology

The name יָעוּר is apparently derived as a passive participle from the same root as H3293 יַעַר (ya'ar), meaning 'forest' or 'wooded area.' Thus, the name carries a sense of 'wooded' or 'forested.' This connects it etymologically to the name Jair (יָאִיר, H2971), which means 'he enlightens,' suggesting possible textual variation or a different nominal form from a common root related to vegetation or light.

Semantic Range

In the cultural context of ancient Israel, names often held meaning related to characteristics, circumstances of birth, or divine attributes. While the exact significance of 'Jaur' is obscure due to its single occurrence, its potential link to 'forest' may symbolically associate the individual with strength, natural provision, or a connection to the land. Its appearance in a warrior list underscores the importance of lineage and recorded heroism in Israel's historical identity.

יָאִיר (Yâʼîyr, H2971) — The more common name Jair, meaning 'he enlightens,' found in narratives about judges and leaders in Israel (e.g., Numbers 32:41, Judges 10:3).

Word Details

Scripture References