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עֵרִי

𐤏𐤓𐤉

Eri

H6180 noun

SILEX Entry

Root ער to be awake, alert, watchful (if root is correct; may be uncertain)

Definition

A member or descendant of Eri, specifically an individual or group belonging to the clan or family line of Eri within the tribal structure of the Israelites. Used in genealogical records to denote clan affiliation rather than geographical or occupational designation.

Semantic Range

descendant of Eri, member of the clan or family of Eri, Erite (gentilic from Eri)

Root / Etymology

Derived from the personal name עֵרִי (Eri), which may relate to an uncertain root עֵר (possibly 'watchful' or a name of unknown origin). The '-ִי' suffix forms a gentilic or patronymic, indicating 'belonging to' or 'descended from' Eri.

Historical & Contextual Notes

עֵרִי occurs within genealogical lists (e.g., Numbers 26:44), designating the descendants of Eri, who was a son of Gad and thus associated with the tribe of Gad. This usage is strictly familial and tribal, functioning similarly to other gentilics formed with the '-ִי' suffix in Hebrew. It does not denote a geographic territory or political entity, but a lineage within the larger tribal structure. English translations often render the term 'Erites,' though the underlying meaning specifically ties membership to the clan of Eri. No later historical administrative or religious interpretations are attached to this designation in the biblical contexts. There is minimal semantic shift across Israelite history, as the term appears only in tribal genealogical contexts and does not develop broader connotations.

Original Strong's Gloss (1890)

patronymically of עֵרִי; a Erite (collectively) or descendants of Eri; Erites.

Bantu Hebrew

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Root Family

ער (ʿ-r) — wakefulness, alertness, watchfulness (root origin of the personal name Eri, uncertain)

Strong's Lemma SIBI-P1
H6146 עָר to your watchful adversary

Word Forms

1 distinct form

SIDANCE Surface Transliteration Morphology Common SIBI-P1 Occurrences
H6180-01 הָ/עֵרִֽי haeri HTd/Ngmsa of the Erites the Erite 1

Occurrences in Scripture

1 total occurrence

SIDANCE Reference Word Transliteration Morphology Common SIBI-P1
H6180-01 Numbers 26:16 הָ/עֵרִֽי haeri HTd/Ngmsa of the Erites the Erite
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