Jaareoregim
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Topical Encyclopedia
Jaareoregim is a biblical figure mentioned in the Old Testament, specifically in the context of the genealogies and narratives surrounding King David's mighty men. The name appears in 2 Samuel 21:19, which is part of a passage describing the exploits of David's warriors. The verse in the Berean Standard Bible reads: "Once again there was a battle with the Philistines at Gob, and Elhanan son of Jaare-oregim the Bethlehemite struck down Goliath the Gittite, the shaft of whose spear was like a weaver’s beam."

Textual Considerations

The mention of Jaareoregim in 2 Samuel 21:19 has been the subject of textual scrutiny and discussion among biblical scholars. The parallel account in 1 Chronicles 20:5 provides a slightly different reading: "And there was another battle with the Philistines, and Elhanan son of Jair struck down Lahmi the brother of Goliath the Gittite, the shaft of whose spear was like a weaver’s beam." This discrepancy has led to various interpretations and theories regarding the identity of Jaareoregim and the events described.

Interpretations and Theories

1. Textual Corruption: Some scholars suggest that the name "Jaareoregim" may be the result of a scribal error or textual corruption. The Chronicles account simplifies the name to "Jair," which could indicate an original reading that was later altered in the Samuel text.

2. Dual Naming: Another theory posits that "Jaareoregim" and "Jair" could refer to the same individual, with "Jaareoregim" being a more elaborate or formal version of the name. This is not uncommon in ancient texts, where individuals might be known by multiple names or titles.

3. Genealogical Significance: From a genealogical perspective, the mention of Jaareoregim highlights the importance of lineage and heritage in the biblical narrative. The identification of Elhanan as "son of Jaareoregim" or "son of Jair" serves to situate him within the broader context of Israelite society and the Davidic narrative.

Theological Implications

The account of Elhanan and his victory over the Philistine warrior, whether identified as Goliath or his brother Lahmi, underscores the theme of divine empowerment and the triumph of God's chosen people over their enemies. The mention of Jaareoregim, though brief, contributes to the tapestry of individuals who played roles in the unfolding of Israel's history and God's redemptive plan.

Cultural and Historical Context

In the ancient Near Eastern context, names often carried significant meaning and were sometimes linked to familial or tribal affiliations. The name "Jaareoregim" itself is somewhat enigmatic, and its precise meaning is not definitively known. However, the inclusion of such names in the biblical text reflects the historical and cultural emphasis on lineage and identity.

In summary, while Jaareoregim is a relatively obscure figure in the biblical narrative, the mention of his name in connection with Elhanan's exploits invites readers to consider the complexities of textual transmission, the significance of genealogical records, and the overarching themes of divine providence and victory in the biblical account.
Smith's Bible Dictionary
Jaareoregim

(forests of the weavers), (2 Samuel 21:19) a Bethlehemite, and the father of Elhanan who slew Goliath. In the parallel passage, (1 Chronicles 20:5) Jair is found instead of Jaare, and Oregim is omitted. (B.C. 1063.)

Easton's Bible Dictionary
Forests of the weavers, a Bethlehemite (2 Samuel 21:19), and the father of Elhanan, who slew Goliath. In 1 Chronicles 20:5 called JAIR.
International Standard Bible Encyclopedia
JAARE-OREGIM

ja'-a-re-or'-e-jim, -or'e-gim (ya`are'oreghim): In 2 Samuel 21:19, given as the name of a Bethlehemite, father of Elhanan, who is said to have slain Goliath the Gittite (compare 1 Samuel 17). The name is not likely to be a man's name; the second part means "weavers" and occurs also as the last word of the verse in the Massoretic Text, so it is probably a scribal error here due to repetition. The first part is taken to be

(1) an error for ya`ir (see JAIR), which is to be read in the parallel section in 1 Chronicles 20:5;

(2) in 2 Samuel 23:24 Elhanan is the son of Dodo, also a Bethlehemite, and Klostermann would read here Dodai as the name of Elhanan's father.

David Francis Roberts

Thesaurus
Jaareoregim (1 Occurrence)
... of Elhanan's father. David Francis Roberts. Multi-Version Concordance
Jaareoregim (1 Occurrence). 2 Samuel 21:19 There was again war ...
/j/jaareoregim.htm - 8k

Ja'areor'egim (1 Occurrence)
Ja'areor'egim. Jaareoregim, Ja'areor'egim. Jaare-oregim . Multi-Version
Concordance ... (See RSV). Jaareoregim, Ja'areor'egim. Jaare-oregim . Reference
/j/ja'areor'egim.htm - 6k

Jaarah (1 Occurrence)

/j/jaarah.htm - 6k

Gittite (10 Occurrences)
... 2 Samuel 21:19 There was again war with the Philistines at Gob; and Elhanan the
son of Jaareoregim the Bethlehemite killed Goliath the Gittite's brother, the ...
/g/gittite.htm - 10k

Gittite's (1 Occurrence)
... 2 Samuel 21:19 There was again war with the Philistines at Gob; and Elhanan the
son of Jaareoregim the Bethlehemite killed Goliath the Gittite's brother, the ...
/g/gittite's.htm - 6k

Gob (3 Occurrences)
... 2 Samuel 21:19 There was again war with the Philistines at Gob; and Elhanan the
son of Jaareoregim the Bethlehemite killed Goliath the Gittite's brother, the ...
/g/gob.htm - 8k

Weaver's (5 Occurrences)
... 2 Samuel 21:19 There was again war with the Philistines at Gob; and Elhanan the
son of Jaareoregim the Bethlehemite killed Goliath the Gittite's brother, the ...
/w/weaver's.htm - 8k

Elhanan (4 Occurrences)
... 2 Samuel 21:19 There was again war with the Philistines at Gob; and Elhanan the
son of Jaareoregim the Bethlehemite killed Goliath the Gittite's brother, the ...
/e/elhanan.htm - 10k

Bethlehemite (4 Occurrences)
... 2 Samuel 21:19 There was again war with the Philistines at Gob; and Elhanan the
son of Jaareoregim the Bethlehemite killed Goliath the Gittite's brother, the ...
/b/bethlehemite.htm - 8k

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Concordance
Jaareoregim (1 Occurrence)

2 Samuel 21:19
There was again war with the Philistines at Gob; and Elhanan the son of Jaareoregim the Bethlehemite killed Goliath the Gittite's brother, the staff of whose spear was like a weaver's beam.
(WEB KJV ASV WBS)

Subtopics

Jaareoregim

Related Terms

Jaareoregim (1 Occurrence)

Jaare-oregim (1 Occurrence)

Jaarah
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