Lexical Summary Yaare Oregim: Forest of Weavers Original Word: יַעֲרֵי אֹרְגִים Strong's Exhaustive Concordance Jaare-oregim From the plural of ya'ar and the masculine plural active participle of 'arag; woods of weavers; Jaare-Oregim, an Israelite -- Jaare-oregim. see HEBREW ya'ar see HEBREW 'arag NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom yaar and arag Definition father of Elhanan NASB Translation Jaare-oregim (1). Brown-Driver-Briggs יַעֲרֵי אֹרְגִים proper name, masculine father of Elhanan 2 Samuel 21:19 (= יָעִו֯ר 1 Chronicles 20:5); ׳א probably scribal error anticipating ׳א in following line (We Dr), and יַעֲרֵי error for יָעִיר (We) q. v. below עור. Topical Lexicon Name and Meaning The compound “Jaare-oregim” appears to blend the Hebrew idea of “wooded place” or “forest” (yaʿar) with the plural participle “weavers” (ʿōrĕgîm). Taken together, the name may evoke “Forester of Weavers” or “Forest-dweller, weavers,” a designation that hints at either a geographic setting associated with timber and textile work or a family trade known for weaving. Although unusual, the construction fits other Old Testament names that combine topographical and occupational elements (for example, “Agrippa,” “Beth-shemesh”). Biblical Occurrence 2 Samuel 21:19 records the only appearance of Jaare-oregim: “Elhanan son of Jaare-oregim the Bethlehemite struck down Goliath the Gittite, whose spear shaft was like a weaver’s beam.” (Berean Standard Bible) Historical Context The verse belongs to a catalog of heroic exploits during the later years of David’s reign when Israel was consolidating control over Philistine strongholds. The battles described (2 Samuel 21:15–22) form an appendix of giant-slayings that testify to God’s continued deliverance through David’s men. Jaare-oregim, though not given a personal biography, is commemorated through his son Elhanan’s valor—a reminder that covenant faithfulness often extends generational honor (Exodus 20:6). Relationship to David’s Elite Warriors Elhanan is numbered among “the Thirty” in 2 Samuel 23:24, an elite corps that secured David’s kingdom. Since family lineage influenced tribal enlistment, Jaare-oregim likely hailed from the Bethlehem region (the text calls Elhanan “the Bethlehemite”). This ties the family to Judah, David’s own tribe, underscoring the communal participation of Bethlehemite households in defeating Israel’s enemies—an echo of David’s earlier victory over Goliath in 1 Samuel 17. Harmonization with 1 Chronicles 20:5 The Chronicler writes, “Elhanan son of Jair struck down Lahmi the brother of Goliath the Gittite” (Berean Standard Bible). The consonantal similarity between “Jair” and “Jaare,” and the proximity of “weaver’s beam” in both contexts, accounts for the differing forms. Rather than signaling contradiction, the parallel texts complement each other: • Chronicles clarifies that Elhanan killed Goliath’s brother, not the champion himself (David had already done that). Thus Scripture presents two converging streams: the essential fact of Elhanan’s victory and the paternal connection, both preserved under divine supervision despite minor scribal variations. Theological Significance 1. God’s faithfulness in successive generations. The same Bethlehem that produced David also produced Elhanan, demonstrating that God raises new champions to answer recurring threats (Psalm 78:70–72). Lessons for Ministry Today • Invest in the next generation; Jaare-oregim’s significance lies in the spiritual and martial formation of Elhanan. In sum, Jaare-oregim stands as a testament to the hidden yet essential strands God employs to weave His redemptive purposes through Israel’s history and through the Church today. Forms and Transliterations אֹרְגִ֜ים ארגים ’ō·rə·ḡîm ’ōrəḡîm oreGimLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance 2 Samuel 21:19 HEB: בֶּן־ יַעְרֵ֨י אֹרְגִ֜ים בֵּ֣ית הַלַּחְמִ֗י NAS: the son of Jaare-oregim the Bethlehemite KJV: the son of Jaareoregim, a Bethlehemite, INT: and Elhanan the son of Jaare-oregim the Bethlehemite Goliath 1 Occurrence |
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