יְחִיאֵלִי
a Jechielite or descendant of Jechiel
Definition
Yᵉchîyʼêlîy is a patronymic noun meaning 'a Jechielite,' referring specifically to a descendant of Jechiel (H3171). In the biblical context, it identifies members of a Levitical family group within the tribe of Levi, who were entrusted with specific temple duties. The term appears exclusively in 1 Chronicles 26:21-22, where it designates the sons of Jechiel, Zetham, and Joel, who were appointed as treasurers or overseers of the storehouses for the dedicated things in the house of the LORD.
Biblical Usage
This word is used only twice in the Old Testament, both occurrences in 1 Chronicles 26:21-22. It functions strictly as a genealogical and administrative identifier within a list of Levitical assignments made by King David for the temple service. The usage pattern is purely descriptive, naming a family line responsible for guarding the temple treasuries.
Etymology
Derived patronymically from the proper name יְחִיאֵל (Yᵉchîyʼêl, H3171), which means 'God lives' or 'may God preserve.' The suffix -ִי (-î) forms a gentilic or patronymic noun, indicating 'belonging to' or 'descended from' Jechiel. This is a standard Hebrew construction for identifying family or clan affiliation.
Semantic Range
While the word itself is a simple identifier, its context in 1 Chronicles highlights the theological importance of orderly worship, stewardship, and the delegation of sacred responsibilities within the community of faith. Understanding that even 'treasurers' were specifically appointed from a Levitical lineage enriches the reading by showing God's concern for the integrity and proper management of resources dedicated to His service.
In ancient Israelite culture, patronymics (names derived from a father) were crucial for establishing identity, lineage, inheritance rights, and social roles. Being identified as a 'Jechielite' placed these individuals within the priestly tribe of Levi, granting them specific hereditary duties and status connected to the temple, which was the center of national and religious life.
לֵוִי (Lēwî, H3878) — A broader term for a member of the tribe of Levi, whereas יְחִיאֵלִי specifies a sub-group within that tribe.
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 →