Lexical Summary Beeri: Beeri Original Word: בְּאֵרִי Strong's Exhaustive Concordance Beeri From 'er; fountained; Beeri, the name of a Hittite and of an Israelite -- Beeri. see HEBREW 'er NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom beer Definition "my well," the name of a Hittite, also of Hosea's father NASB Translation Beeri (2). Brown-Driver-Briggs בְאֵרִי proper name, masculine (my well). **< the man from Beer? Nesl.c. 1 a Hittite, Esau's father-in-law Genesis 26:34. 2 Hosea's father Hosea 1:1. Topical Lexicon Overview Beeri designates two distinct men in Old Testament history. Though separated by centuries, both stand at crucial intersections of covenant life: one at the troubled boundary between the chosen family and Canaanite peoples, the other at the dawn of one of Israel’s most searching prophetic ministries. Occurrences in Scripture 1. Genesis 26:34 Beeri the Hittite: Family Dynamics in Genesis Esau’s marriage to Judith daughter of Beeri aligns Isaac’s firstborn with Hittite culture (Genesis 26:34-35). The text immediately records that the union “brought grief to Isaac and Rebekah” (Genesis 26:35). This sorrow is not mere parental preference but reflects spiritual concern: the promised line was to be preserved from assimilating the idolatry of Canaan (Genesis 24:3-4). Beeri therefore represents one of the earliest named Hittite links to the patriarchal narratives, illustrating the pressures on Abraham’s descendants to remain distinct. His mention underscores why later covenant legislation prohibits intermarriage with Canaanite nations (Deuteronomy 7:3-4). Beeri, Father of Hosea the Prophet Hosea’s opening superscription anchors the prophet historically—“Hosea son of Beeri” (Hosea 1:1)—and spiritually, reminding readers that prophetic vocation arises within households committed to Yahweh. Although the Old Testament supplies no additional biographical detail, Jewish tradition counts Beeri among the minor prophets whose words were incorporated into the book of Isaiah (cf. Babylonian Talmud, Pesachim 87b). Whether or not such fragments survive, Hosea’s familial identity affirms the continuity of faith across generations. By naming the father, Scripture honors the lineage behind Hosea’s poignant portrayal of God’s covenant love and Israel’s unfaithfulness. Symbolic Resonance of the Name The root of Beeri evokes the imagery of a “well” or “spring.” In Genesis the Hittite Beeri stands as an alien fountain whose waters threaten to mingle with the covenant stream; in Hosea his name prefigures the prophetic call to return to the true source: “Come, let us return to the LORD” (Hosea 6:1). Thus, the same name functions both as warning and as invitation—an illustration of how Scripture reclaims language for redemptive purposes. Historical and Cultural Observations • Hittite Presence: The Hittites in Canaan were sufficiently established for intermarriage with Esau to appear advantageous, highlighting the region’s ethnic pluralism during the patriarchal period. Spiritual and Ministerial Lessons 1. Covenant Integrity: Beeri the Hittite exposes the cost of disregarding divine boundaries in marriage and worship. Summary Though mentioned only twice, Beeri embodies a contrast: one lineage diverts a patriarchal heir toward grief; another nurtures a prophet who calls Israel back to covenant fidelity. Together these brief notices reinforce the biblical themes of separation unto holiness, the significance of godly heritage, and the sovereign weaving of every life—however obscure—into the tapestry of redemption. Forms and Transliterations בְּאֵרִ֔י בְּאֵרִ֖י בארי bə’êrî bə·’ê·rî beeRiLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance Genesis 26:34 HEB: יְהוּדִ֔ית בַּת־ בְּאֵרִ֖י הַֽחִתִּ֑י וְאֶת־ NAS: the daughter of Beeri the Hittite, KJV: the daughter of Beeri the Hittite, INT: Judith the daughter of Beeri the Hittite and Basemath Hosea 1:1 2 Occurrences |
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