Jerijah is a name found in the King James Bible, appearing 1 time in the text.
Who This Was
Jerijah was a Levite of the family of Hebron, a clan within the larger Kohathite branch of the tribe of Levi. The Hebronites traced their line through Hebron, one of the sons of Kohath, and they were set apart among the Levites for service connected with the tabernacle and, later, the temple. Jerijah appears in the genealogical records of 1 Chronicles, where the chronicler lists the divisions and officers of the Levites as David organized them for the work of worship and administration in Israel.
The single verse that names Jerijah, 1 Chronicles 26:31, identifies him as “the chief” among the Hebronites, “according to the generations of his fathers.” His prominence was not self-appointed but recognized according to his family line and the record of the generations. In the fortieth year of King David’s reign, a search was made among the Hebronites, and there were found among them “mighty men of valour at Jazer of Gilead.” Jerijah is named as the head of this group, men who were both capable and courageous, stationed in the region of Gilead east of the Jordan.
Scripture says nothing further about Jerijah’s personal deeds, his birth, or his death. What is recorded is his position and the quality of the men associated with him. He was a leader among the Hebronites at a late point in David’s reign, when the king was ordering the service of the Levites and when men of strength and valor were sought out for the work. His mention is brief but specific: a chief, a Hebronite, and one connected with mighty men found at Jazer of Gilead.
The Name
The name Jerijah (also rendered Jerijah or Jeriah in various translations) appears to be a Hebrew name built from a root related to seeing, providing, or establishing, with the divine name as its subject—most likely meaning something like “Yahweh sees” or “Yahweh provides.” The precise vocalization and etymology are not entirely certain, and scholars differ on the exact sense. What can be said plainly is that the name is a theophoric Hebrew name, that is, one that includes a reference to God, which was common among the Levites. Beyond this general observation, the meaning is not so firmly established that it should be stated as fact.
A Closing Thought
Jerijah’s story is one line long, and yet it is enough. He was a chief among his father’s house, and the men found under his charge were mighty men of valor. Most of us will never be remembered in a chronicle, but every one of us leads someone, influences someone, or stands in a place where faithfulness matters. Jerijah’s brief mention reminds us that God keeps the records we cannot see. A life spent quietly in the work assigned to us, among the people given to us, is not forgotten by the One who searches the generations and knows His own.
At a Glance
- Gender: Male
- Testament: Old
- Mentions in the KJV: 1
Where It Appears in Scripture
- 1 Chronicles 26:31 — Among the Hebronites was Jerijah the chief, even among the Hebronites, according to the generations of his fathers. In the fortieth year of the reign of David they were sought for, and there were found among them mighty men of valour at Jazer of Gilead.