3337. Yetser
Lexical Summary
Yetser: Inclination, imagination, mind, purpose, frame

Original Word: יֵצֶר
Part of Speech: Proper Name Masculine
Transliteration: Yetser
Pronunciation: YAY-tser
Phonetic Spelling: (yay-tser)
KJV: Jezer
NASB: Jezer
Word Origin: [the same as H3336 (יֵצֶר - intent)]

1. Jetser, an Israelite

Strong's Exhaustive Concordance
Jezer

The same as yetser; Jetser, an Israelite -- Jezer.

see HEBREW yetser

NAS Exhaustive Concordance
Word Origin
from yatsar
Definition
a son of Naphtali
NASB Translation
Jezer (3).

Brown-Driver-Briggs
II. יֵּ֫צֶר proper name, masculine son of Naphtali Genesis 46:24 = 1 Chronicles 7:13; Numbers 26:49 (P).

Topical Lexicon
Scriptural Occurrences

Genesis 46:24; Numbers 26:49; 1 Chronicles 7:13.

Genealogical Setting

Jezer is listed among the four sons of Naphtali, Jacob’s sixth son by Bilhah. These four names appear together in each of the three references, confirming the integrity of the biblical record from Patriarchal times (Genesis), through the wilderness period (Numbers), and into the post-conquest settlement era recorded by the Chronicler. The consistency of the list underscores the reliability of the inspired genealogies and their importance for Israel’s tribal identity.

Tribal and Historical Significance

1. Formation of a Clan:
Numbers 26:49 notes “the Jezerite clan,” attesting that Jezer’s descendants grew into a distinct family unit within Naphtali.
• The second wilderness census counted 45,400 fighting men from Naphtali—all traceable to four patriarchs, including Jezer.

2. Allotment of Land:
• While Joshua 19 does not single out Jezerites by name, their clan would have received territory within the broader boundaries allotted to Naphtali in the Galilee region, later renowned as the setting for much of Jesus’ earthly ministry (Matthew 4:13–16).

3. Military Contribution:
• Naphtali’s men are praised in Judges 4–5 for courage under Barak and Deborah. Jezerite warriors almost certainly stood among those ranks, demonstrating the clan’s participation in delivering Israel from Canaanite oppression.
• In 1 Chronicles 12:34, 37, tens of thousands from Naphtali rallied to David. The Chronicler’s emphasis on large numbers implies strong clan involvement, including the Jezerites.

Theological Themes

1. Covenant Continuity:

The unbroken appearance of Jezer’s name from Genesis through Chronicles illustrates the faithfulness of God in preserving each lineage of the covenant people, making genealogical precision foundational for messianic expectation (cf. Luke 3:23–38).

2. Individual Worth within the Corporate Body:

Even a figure mentioned only in genealogies is divinely recorded. Jezer’s preservation in Scripture affirms the value God places on every family and person incorporated into His redemptive plan (Isaiah 49:16).

3. Corporate Responsibility:

The rise of the Jezerite clan reminds readers that obedience and faithfulness—or disobedience and apostasy—never occur in isolation. The actions of a clan ripple through the entire tribe and, by extension, the nation (Joshua 7; 1 Samuel 14:24–46).

Ministry Applications

• Pastoral Care: Genealogical passages model shepherding that knows names, families, and stories. Local churches mirror this by valuing membership rolls and personal relationships (John 10:3).
• Intercessory Prayer: Remembering lesser-known biblical figures encourages prayer for every member of the congregation, not only the prominent or vocal (Ephesians 6:18).
• Discipleship: The Jezerites likely transmitted faith narratives across generations. Contemporary discipleship similarly depends on parents and mentors who intentionally pass on the gospel (2 Timothy 2:2).

Key Verses

Genesis 46:24

“The sons of Naphtali: Jahzeel, Guni, Jezer, and Shillem.”

Numbers 26:49

“These were the clans of Naphtali according to their families: the Jahzeelite clan, the Gunite clan, the Jezerite clan, and the Shillemite clan. They numbered 45,400.”

Summary

Jezer, though mentioned only in genealogical contexts, represents a vital thread in the tapestry of Israel’s history. His descendants formed part of Naphtali’s fighting force, inherited land in Galilee, and contributed to Israel’s worship and warfare. The enduring record of his name testifies to God’s meticulous care for every generation of His people and challenges believers today to honor both corporate heritage and individual faithfulness.

Forms and Transliterations
וְיֵ֥צֶר ויצר לְיֵ֕צֶר ליצר lə·yê·ṣer ləyêṣer leYetzer veYetzer wə·yê·ṣer wəyêṣer
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Interlinear GreekInterlinear HebrewStrong's NumbersEnglishman's Greek ConcordanceEnglishman's Hebrew ConcordanceParallel Texts
Englishman's Concordance
Genesis 46:24
HEB: יַחְצְאֵ֥ל וְגוּנִ֖י וְיֵ֥צֶר וְשִׁלֵּֽם׃
NAS: and Guni and Jezer and Shillem.
KJV: and Guni, and Jezer, and Shillem.
INT: Jahzeel and Guni and Jezer and Shillem

Numbers 26:49
HEB: לְיֵ֕צֶר מִשְׁפַּ֖חַת הַיִּצְרִ֑י
NAS: of Jezer, the family of the Jezerites;
KJV: Of Jezer, the family of the Jezerites:
INT: of Jezer the family Jitsri

1 Chronicles 7:13
HEB: יַחֲצִיאֵ֧ל וְגוּנִ֛י וְיֵ֥צֶר וְשַׁלּ֖וּם בְּנֵ֥י
NAS: Guni, Jezer, and Shallum,
KJV: and Guni, and Jezer, and Shallum,
INT: Jahziel Guni Jezer and Shallum the sons

3 Occurrences

Strong's Hebrew 3337
3 Occurrences


lə·yê·ṣer — 1 Occ.
wə·yê·ṣer — 2 Occ.

3336
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