Lexical Summary Iri: Iri Original Word: עִירִי Strong's Exhaustive Concordance Iri From iyr; urbane; Iri, an Israelite -- Iri. see HEBREW iyr NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom ir Definition a Benjamite NASB Translation Iri (1). Brown-Driver-Briggs עִירִי proper name, masculine Benjamite 1 Chronicles 7:7, Ουρ(ε)ι. Topical Lexicon Biblical Occurrence and Context Iri appears once in Scripture, within the genealogy of the tribe of Benjamin: “The descendants of Bela: Ezbon, Uzzi, Uzziel, Jerimoth, and Iri; they were heads of families—22,034 mighty warriors listed in their genealogy” (1 Chronicles 7:7). The Chronicler presents Iri as one of five sons of Bela, the firstborn of Benjamin, emphasizing both family leadership and military valor. Tribal and Genealogical Significance 1 Chronicles 7 spotlights the numerical strength of Benjamin’s clans. By naming Iri among the “heads of families,” Scripture affirms the divinely ordered structure of Israel’s tribal society, where lineage safeguarded covenant inheritance (Numbers 26:55–56). Iri’s inclusion supports three key purposes of biblical genealogy: Historical Background Although the genealogies in Chronicles were compiled after the Babylonian captivity, they reach back to Israel’s early settlement in Canaan. The muster roll of 22,034 warriors linked to Bela’s line testifies to Benjamin’s resilience despite its small territorial allotment and past civil strife. Iri’s household would have contributed to the defense of Israel’s central hill country and, by extension, to the stability that enabled worship at the Temple in Jerusalem. Theological Themes 1. Divine Faithfulness: By recording even briefly mentioned figures like Iri, Scripture illustrates God’s meticulous remembrance of His people (Malachi 3:16). Ministry Implications • Individual Worth: The singular mention of Iri encourages pastors and congregations to honor faithful members whose quiet service strengthens the body of Christ. Summary Although Iri occupies only one verse, his placement within Benjamin’s genealogy underscores the precision of God’s historical record, the importance of familial faithfulness, and the enduring call to courageous service. Forms and Transliterations וְעִירִ֜י ועירי veiRi wə‘îrî wə·‘î·rîLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance 1 Chronicles 7:7 HEB: וְ֠עֻזִּיאֵל וִירִימ֨וֹת וְעִירִ֜י חֲמִשָּׁ֗ה רָאשֵׁי֙ NAS: Jerimoth and Iri. They [were] heads KJV: and Jerimoth, and Iri, five; INT: and Uzziel and Jerimoth and Iri five heads 1 Occurrence |
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