Lexical Summary Yetser: Inclination, imagination, mind, purpose, frame Original Word: יֵצֶר Strong's Exhaustive Concordance Jezer The same as yetser; Jetser, an Israelite -- Jezer. see HEBREW yetser NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom 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: 2. Allotment of Land: 3. Military Contribution: 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). Key Verses “The sons of Naphtali: Jahzeel, Guni, Jezer, and Shillem.” “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 wəyêṣerLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman'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 1 Chronicles 7:13 3 Occurrences |