1076. Bakri

Lexical Summary

Bakri: Bakri

Original Word: בַּכְרִי
Part of Speech: Adjective
Transliteration: Bakriy
Pronunciation: bahk-REE
Phonetic Spelling: (bak-ree')
KJV: Bachrites
NASB: Becherites
Word Origin: [patronymically from H1071 (בֶּכֶר - Becher)]

1. a Bakrite (collectively) or descendants of Beker

Strong's Exhaustive Concordance

Bachrites

Patronymically from Beker; a Bakrite (collectively) or descendants of Beker -- Bachrites.

see HEBREW Beker

NAS Exhaustive Concordance

Word Origin
from Beker
Definition
desc. of Becher
NASB Translation
Becherites (1).

Brown-Driver-Briggs

בַּכְּרִי adjective, of a people with article as collective noun Numbers 26:35.

Topical Lexicon

Scriptural Setting

Bakri appears once in the Old Testament, in the record of the second wilderness census: “These were the descendants of Ephraim by their clans: the Shuthalhite clan from Shuthelah, the Bekerite clan from Beker, and the Tahanite clan from Tahan” (Numbers 26:35). The term designates the clan-name derived from the forefather Beker within the tribe of Ephraim.

Genealogical Context within Ephraim

1. Descent from Joseph. Ephraim, younger son of Joseph, inherited a dominant position among the northern tribes (Genesis 48:19). The Bakri clan therefore shares in Joseph’s unique double portion, granted when Jacob adopted Ephraim and Manasseh.
2. Census Inclusion. The second census recorded 32,500 fighting men for Ephraim (Numbers 26:37). The Bakrites formed part of this total, underscoring their role in Israel’s military readiness on the eve of entering Canaan.
3. Comparative Lineage. Beker is elsewhere listed among Benjamin’s sons (Genesis 46:21), showing that the name may have arisen independently in more than one tribal line. Such duplication is common in ancient Semitic naming and does not imply confusion but rather the widespread appreciation of the underlying root idea.

Covenantal and Tribal Role

• Land Inheritance. By clan, the Bakrites would later receive allotments within Ephraim’s territory (Joshua 16; 17). Though Scripture does not single out their specific towns, clan boundaries determined individual homesteads, agricultural prospects, and responsibilities to local Levitical cities.
• Sanctuary Service. The Lord placed the tabernacle at Shiloh in Ephraimite land (Joshua 18:1). As residents of the host territory, Bakri families shared in guarding and supporting Israel’s central worship site until its removal in the days of Samuel.
• Northern Leadership. Ephraim often acted as spokesman for the northern confederation (Judges 8:1; 12:1; 2 Samuel 19:41). Clan allegiance—including that of the Bakrites—contributed to Ephraim’s collective identity and influence.

Theological and Christological Reflections

The root בכר carries the thought of “firstborn.” Jacob’s blessing declared Ephraim “the fullness of the nations” (Genesis 48:19), foreshadowing the Messiah who is “the firstborn among many brothers” (Romans 8:29). The Bakri clan thus stands within a trajectory that highlights:
• Primogeniture Grace: God sometimes elevates the younger (Ephraim over Manasseh; David over his brothers) to display sovereign choice rather than human convention.
• Mission to the Nations: Ephraim’s promised “multitude” prefigures the gospel’s expansion beyond ethnic Israel, fulfilled in Jesus Christ.
• Corporate Identity in Christ: Just as every clan counted in the census possessed a share in the coming inheritance, so every believer is “qualified…to share in the inheritance of the saints in the light” (Colossians 1:12).

Ministry Applications

1. Valuing Hidden Faithfulness. Though mentioned only once, the Bakri clan contributed men, tithes, and service. Congregations today may draw comfort that the Lord records and rewards even the most obscure acts of faithfulness.
2. Inter-Generational Responsibility. The census highlights each household’s duty to prepare the next generation for spiritual battle. Parents and leaders are called to disciple their “clan” so that it stands ready when the Lord summons.
3. Unity amid Diversity. Multiple clans formed a single tribe; multiple tribes formed one nation. In Christ, diverse local fellowships form one body, pursuing common mission while honoring distinct callings.

Historical Trajectory

After settlement, Ephraim’s fortunes rose and fell with the northern kingdom. Although the Bakri name disappears from later narratives, the clan’s legacy endured through land holdings and familial lines integrated into Israel’s broader story. The eventual exile of the north (2 Kings 17) scattered its clans, yet prophetic hope anticipated restoration (Jeremiah 31:20; Hosea 11:8). The Bakrites, along with all Ephraim, are embraced in that promise of return and renewal.

Summary

Bakri designates the Bekerite clan in Ephraim—counted, allotted, and woven into the covenant people at a pivotal moment in Israel’s journey. Its brief biblical appearance invites reflection on the significance of every family unit within God’s redemptive plan, the faithfulness of the Lord to record names, and the ultimate fulfillment of firstborn blessing in Jesus Christ.

Forms and Transliterations

הַבַּכְרִ֑י הבכרי hab·baḵ·rî habbachRi habbaḵrî

Englishman's Concordance

Numbers 26:35
HEB: לְבֶ֕כֶר מִשְׁפַּ֖חַת הַבַּכְרִ֑י לְתַ֕חַן מִשְׁפַּ֖חַת
NAS: the family of the Becherites; of Tahan,
KJV: the family of the Bachrites: of Tahan,
INT: of Becher the family of the Becherites of Tahan the family

1 Occurrence

Strong's Hebrew 1076
1 Occurrence

hab·baḵ·rî — 1 Occ.