דִּבְרִי

דִּבְרִי

Dibri, an Israelite

Definition

Dibri is a proper name of an Israelite man, mentioned only once in the Bible. The name means 'wordy' or 'eloquent,' deriving from the Hebrew root for 'word' or 'thing' (דָּבָר). He is identified as the father of Shelomith, a woman from the tribe of Dan, in the context of a significant legal narrative (Leviticus 24:11). As a personal name, it carries no other distinct meanings or senses in the biblical text.

Biblical Usage

The name Dibri appears exclusively in Leviticus 24:11. It is used in a genealogical context to identify the father of Shelomith, whose son blasphemed the Name of God. This single occurrence places the name within a narrative that establishes a key legal precedent concerning blasphemy and communal responsibility in ancient Israel.

Etymology

Dibri (דִּבְרִי) is a patronymic or gentilic adjective derived from the common Hebrew noun דָּבָר (dābār, H1697), meaning 'word,' 'thing,' or 'matter.' The '-i' suffix typically indicates 'my word' or 'belonging to/associated with the word.' Thus, the name likely signifies 'wordy,' 'eloquent,' or 'my word.' It is related to the same root used for the 'Ten Commandments' (עֲשֶׂרֶת הַדְּבָרִים—the ten words).

Semantic Range

While the name Dibri itself is not theologically loaded, its sole biblical appearance is theologically significant. It anchors a critical narrative in Leviticus 24:10-23, where the blasphemy of Dibri's grandson leads to a divine ordinance establishing that the same law applies to both native and foreigner. This underscores the holiness of God's name and the universal accountability under His covenant law. Understanding the name's meaning ('wordy') may subtly contrast with the 'word' of blasphemy spoken by his descendant, highlighting the power of speech for blessing or cursing. In ancient Israelite culture, names often conveyed meaning or character. Dibri, meaning 'wordy' or 'eloquent,' may have reflected a hoped-for trait or a family characteristic. His identification as a Danite places him within a specific tribal lineage, which was central to social and religious identity. The narrative shows that legal and religious responsibility was tied to one's household, making the identification of his daughter and grandson crucial for applying the law. No direct synonyms exist as this is a unique proper name. It is etymologically related to: dābār (דָּבָר, H1697) — the common noun for 'word,' 'thing,' or 'matter,' from which Dibri is derived.

Word Details