Lexical Summary Iru: Iru Original Word: עִירוּ Strong's Exhaustive Concordance Iru From iyr; a citizen; Iru, an Israelite -- Iru. see HEBREW iyr NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom ir Definition "citizen," a man of Judah NASB Translation Iru (1). Brown-Driver-Briggs עִירוּ proper name, masculine in Judah 1 Chronicles 4:15, Ηρ(α). Topical Lexicon Genealogical Placement in Judah’s Line Iru appears once in Scripture, in 1 Chronicles 4:15. He is named first among the three sons of Caleb son of Jephunneh, the renowned spy who followed the Lord “fully” (Numbers 14:24). His brothers are Elah and Naam, and Elah’s son is Kenaz. Thus the inspired Chronicler anchors Iru within the tribe of Judah, linking him to a lineage noted for courage, fidelity, and leadership. Historical Background and Family Legacy Caleb son of Jephunneh belongs to the generation that left Egypt and entered Canaan. By including Caleb’s children—beginning with Iru—the Chronicler highlights how God preserved Caleb’s house after the wilderness years. This preservation fulfills the promise that Caleb and his descendants would inherit the land (Joshua 14:9). Iru, therefore, stands as a witness to the Lord’s covenant faithfulness toward families that walk in wholehearted obedience. Noteworthy Connections The brief notice about Iru forms part of a larger Judahite genealogy that later introduces Othniel, Israel’s first judge (1 Chronicles 4:13; Judges 3:9-11). Because Kenaz is Iru’s nephew, Othniel emerges from the same extended household. In this way, Iru is indirectly linked to Israel’s earliest deliverance in the era of the Judges, reinforcing the pattern of God raising leaders from faithful lines within Judah. Lessons from Biblical Genealogies 1. Continuity of Promise. Iru’s inclusion assures readers that divine promises span generations; what God pledged to Caleb reaches his sons. Ministry Applications • Value Hidden Faithfulness. Churches should honor believers whose quiet obedience, like Iru’s unnamed deeds, upholds households and communities. Key Reference 1 Chronicles 4:15: “The sons of Caleb son of Jephunneh: Iru, Elah, and Naam; and the son of Elah was Kenaz.” Forms and Transliterations עִ֥ירוּ עירו ‘î·rū ‘îrū IruLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance 1 Chronicles 4:15 HEB: בֶּן־ יְפֻנֶּ֔ה עִ֥ירוּ אֵלָ֖ה וָנָ֑עַם NAS: of Jephunneh [were] Iru, Elah KJV: of Jephunneh; Iru, Elah, INT: the son of Jephunneh Iru Elah and Naam |
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