3403. Yeribay
Lexical Summary
Yeribay: Jeribai

Original Word: יְרִיבַי
Part of Speech: Proper Name Masculine
Transliteration: Yriybay
Pronunciation: yeh-ree-bah'-ee
Phonetic Spelling: (yer-eeb-ah'ee)
KJV: Jeribai
NASB: Jeribai
Word Origin: [from H3401 (יָרִיבּ - contend)]

1. contentious
2. Jeribai, an Israelite

Strong's Exhaustive Concordance
Jeribai

From yariyb; contentious; Jeribai, an Israelite -- Jeribai.

see HEBREW yariyb

NAS Exhaustive Concordance
Word Origin
from rib
Definition
one of David's heroes
NASB Translation
Jeribai (1).

Brown-Driver-Briggs
[יְרִיבַי] proper name, masculine a hero of David (Old Aramaic יריבי CISii. 70 (biling.) "" Assyrian Iribai); — with ו, וִירִיבַי 1 Chronicles 11:40, Ιαριβει, ᵐ5L Ιαρειβ.

Topical Lexicon
Biblical Context

Jeribai is named once in Scripture, within the roster of David’s valiant warriors: “Eliel the Mahavite, and Jeribai and Joshaviah, the sons of Elnaam, and Ithmah the Moabite” (1 Chronicles 11:46). This list of “mighty men” (Hebrew gibborim) highlights select soldiers whose courage, loyalty, and skill were instrumental in securing David’s kingdom. Although Jeribai receives no narrative of exploits, his inclusion places him among an elite cadre whose deeds were considered foundational to Israel’s united monarchy.

Historical Setting

The Chronicler situates Jeribai in the early period of David’s rise, an era marked by military conflicts with Philistines, consolidating tribes under one throne, and establishing Jerusalem as the political and worship center. The presence of diverse figures—including non-Israelites like Ithmah the Moabite—underscores how David’s leadership attracted faithful allies beyond strict tribal lines. Jeribai’s service reflects the broad coalition that recognized the Lord’s anointing upon David and worked toward the covenantal promises attached to his kingship (2 Samuel 7:8-16).

Family Connections

Jeribai and his brother Joshaviah are identified as “sons of Elnaam.” While Elnaam’s background is not expanded, the Chronicler’s interest in family ties suggests that Jeribai came from a household notable for bravery and devotion. This family linkage teaches that godly valor can mark an entire lineage, reminding readers that commitment to the Lord’s purposes often runs through generations.

Theological Significance

1. Covenant Loyalty: Jeribai’s appearance in the Chronicles underscores loyalty to God’s chosen king. By standing with David, he aligned himself with the unfolding messianic line that would culminate in the greater Son of David, Jesus Christ (Luke 1:31-33).
2. Celebrated Obscurity: Scripture honors not only renowned heroes like Benaiah or Abishai but also lesser-known servants. Jeribai’s name testifies that faithful service, even when unnoticed by history, is remembered by God.
3. Unity in Diversity: The list combines Israelites from various clans and even foreigners, foreshadowing the later inclusion of all nations in the people of God (Ephesians 2:11-22). Jeribai’s silent presence supports this larger biblical theme of a unified covenant community.

Lessons for Faith and Ministry

• Serve Where God Places You: Jeribai proves that significance is measured by faithfulness, not publicity. Whether on a battlefield or in everyday vocation, steadfast obedience advances the divine plan.
• Encourage Family Courage: His shared listing with a brother highlights how mutual encouragement within families can foster spiritual strength.
• Honor the Unsung: Churches and ministries should recognize those whose quiet labor undergirds visible victories, echoing the Chronicler’s example of recording “all the men of valor.”

Key Reference

1 Chronicles 11:46 — Sole biblical occurrence, locating Jeribai among David’s mighty men and affirming his enduring legacy of valor and loyalty.

Forms and Transliterations
וִירִיבַ֥י ויריבי viriVai wî·rî·ḇay wîrîḇay
Links
Interlinear GreekInterlinear HebrewStrong's NumbersEnglishman's Greek ConcordanceEnglishman's Hebrew ConcordanceParallel Texts
Englishman's Concordance
1 Chronicles 11:46
HEB: אֱלִיאֵל֙ הַֽמַּחֲוִ֔ים וִירִיבַ֥י וְיוֹשַׁוְיָ֖ה בְּנֵ֣י
NAS: the Mahavite and Jeribai and Joshaviah,
KJV: the Mahavite, and Jeribai, and Joshaviah,
INT: Eliel the Mahavite and Jeribai and Joshaviah the sons

1 Occurrence

Strong's Hebrew 3403
1 Occurrence


wî·rî·ḇay — 1 Occ.

3402
Top of Page
Top of Page