5893. Ir

Lexical Summary

Ir: Ir

Original Word: עִיר
Part of Speech: Proper Name Masculine
Transliteration: `Iyr
Pronunciation: eer
Phonetic Spelling: (eer)
KJV: Ir
NASB: Ir
Word Origin: [the same as H5892 (עִיר עָר עָיַר - City)]

1. Ir, an Israelite

Strong's Exhaustive Concordance

Ir

The same as iyr; Ir, an Israelite -- Ir.

see HEBREW iyr

NAS Exhaustive Concordance

Word Origin
from ir
Definition
an Isr.
NASB Translation
Ir (1).

Brown-Driver-Briggs

III. עִיר proper name, masculine in ׳בְּנֵי ע 1 Chronicles 7:12, text dubious, see Be Kau.

עיר (√ of following; compare Arabic , go away, go hither and thither, escape through sprightiliness, whence ass, especially wild ass De^{Jb (2), 149} Hom^{NS 121-123}).

Topical Lexicon

Biblical Occurrence

Ir (Strong’s Hebrew 5893) is named once in Scripture—“Shuppim and Huppim were sons of Ir, and the Hushites were descendants of Aher” (1 Chronicles 7:12). The Chronicler inserts him within the tribe of Benjamin’s genealogy, between early patriarchal listings and post-Exodus clan formations.

Genealogical Role within Benjamin

1. The Pentateuch records Shuppim and Huppim (spelled Shupham and Hupham) directly as sons of Benjamin (Genesis 46:21; Numbers 26:39).
2. 1 Chronicles 7 situates Ir between Benjamin and these two grandsons, indicating an intervening generation or clan chief.
3. Other Benjamite registers (1 Chronicles 8:5; 1 Chronicles 9:7) group Shuppim and Huppim under variant spellings, again without Ir, showing that genealogies may telescope generations for thematic or mnemonic purposes.
4. The insertion of Ir preserves an otherwise forgotten link, reminding readers that every generation is known to God and recorded according to His purposes.

Historical Context

Chronicles was compiled after the Babylonian exile to affirm Israel’s identity and covenant continuity. By documenting even minor figures like Ir, the Chronicler:
• Validates land rights and clan boundaries for Benjamin, whose territory bordered Judah and contained Jerusalem’s environs (Joshua 18:11-28).
• Highlights Benjamin’s ongoing contribution of “mighty men of valor” (1 Chronicles 7:7, 9, 11), suggesting that Ir’s descendants were part of this fighting force that protected the restored community.
• Reinforces unity among the tribes: Benjamin, though small, furnished key leaders—Saul the first king (1 Samuel 9:1-2) and later the apostle Paul (Philippians 3:5). Ir’s placement in the record underscores Benjamin’s full integration into redemptive history.

Theological Themes

1. Providence in the Ordinary: Though Scripture offers no exploits of Ir, his name is preserved, demonstrating that divine oversight extends to seemingly obscure individuals (Psalm 139:16).
2. Covenant Fidelity: The preservation of genealogies—down to single-mention names—shows God’s faithfulness to Abraham’s seed (Genesis 17:7).
3. Corporate Identity: Ir’s linkage of generations illustrates that God works through families and tribes, not only isolated heroes. The body of Christ likewise depends on every member (1 Corinthians 12:14-27).

Ministry Insights

• Value of Hidden Service: Many believers labor without public acclaim; Ir’s enduring mention encourages faithfulness where God places us (Colossians 3:23-24).
• Intergenerational Discipleship: By bridging Benjamin with later descendants, Ir reminds ministries to nurture spiritual heritage that outlives them (2 Timothy 2:2).
• Record-Keeping and Remembrance: Churches that document testimonies and lineages reflect biblical precedent, reinforcing communal memory and accountability.

Connections to Redemptive History

Benjamin’s line, which includes Ir, ultimately yields the apostle Paul—“a Hebrew of Hebrews; regarding the law, a Pharisee” (Philippians 3:5). Paul’s missionary legacy magnifies how God may trace His saving purposes through unheralded ancestors. Thus, Ir’s lone appearance contributes to the unbroken chain leading to the global proclamation of the Gospel.

Summary

Ir’s single Scriptural mention exemplifies the meticulous care with which God records and values every member of His covenant people. Nestled within Benjamin’s genealogy, he symbolizes the hidden yet indispensable links that uphold redemptive history, encouraging believers to embrace their place in God’s unfolding story.

Forms and Transliterations

עִ֔יר עיר ‘îr Ir

Englishman's Concordance

1 Chronicles 7:12
HEB: וְחֻפִּם֙ בְּנֵ֣י עִ֔יר חֻשִׁ֖ם בְּנֵ֥י
NAS: [were] the sons of Ir; Hushim
KJV: the children of Ir, [and] Hushim,
INT: and Huppim the sons of Ir Hushim the son

1 Occurrence

Strong's Hebrew 5893
1 Occurrence

‘îr — 1 Occ.