יְרִיָּה
Jerijah, an Israelite
Definition
Jerijah is the name of a Levite from the family of Kohath, specifically a descendant of Hebron (1 Chronicles 23:19, 24:23). He is noted as a chief man among his relatives, indicating a position of leadership and responsibility within the Levitical service. In 1 Chronicles 26:31, he is mentioned in the context of King David's organization of the temple service, where he and his relatives were assigned duties outside the temple, likely involving administrative or judicial roles for the tribes of Israel.
Biblical Usage
The name Jerijah appears exclusively in the genealogical and organizational lists of 1 Chronicles, specifically in chapters 23, 24, and 26. It is used to identify a specific Levitical leader during the reign of King David. The usage is consistent, always referring to this same individual within the context of establishing the religious and civil order for the nation (1 Chronicles 23:19, 24:23, 26:31).
Etymology
The name Jerijah (יְרִיָּה) is a shortened form of יְרִיָּהוּ (Yᵉrîyâhû). It is a theophoric name, combining the root יָרָה (H3384), meaning 'to throw, shoot, or cast,' with the divine name יָהּ (H3050), a shortened form of Yahweh. Thus, the name means 'Yahweh will throw' or 'Yahweh will shoot,' possibly expressing trust in God's action, such as casting down enemies or casting forth (i.e., providing) blessings.
Semantic Range
While the name itself is not central to major doctrines, its appearance in the Chronicler's detailed records highlights the theological importance of orderly worship and divinely appointed leadership. The meticulous assignment of Levites like Jerijah underscores that God is a God of order (1 Corinthians 14:33) and that every role in His service is significant. Understanding the name's meaning ('Yahweh will throw') can remind readers that the establishment of true worship and governance relies on God's active intervention and provision.
In ancient Israelite culture, names were often descriptive or expressed a hope or statement about God. A name like Jerijah, meaning 'Yahweh will throw,' likely reflected the parents' faith or a circumstance surrounding the birth. As a Levite, Jerijah's life was dedicated to religious service, and his recorded role in David's administration shows the integration of spiritual and civic leadership in the kingdom.
Jeriah (יְרִיָּה, H3404) — This is simply a variant English spelling for the same Hebrew name, used in some translations for the same individual.
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 →