בֵּרִי
𐤁𐤓𐤉
Beri
H1276 noun
SILEX Entry
Definition
A group or clan known as the Berites; attested only in the plural form with the definite article. Refers to an otherwise unidentified population associated with a specific location or lineage in ancient Israelite territory. The precise nature or boundaries of their land are uncertain.
Semantic Range
the Berites (a people group); inhabitants of Beri (if intended as a place name); possibly a clan within Israelite society
Root / Etymology
Etymology uncertain. The word בֵּרִי (Bêrîy) is not clearly derived from a known Hebrew root, and the original meaning of the term remains unclear.
Historical & Contextual Notes
The term appears in the Hebrew Bible only in 2 Samuel 20:14, where it designates a group referred to as 'the Berites.' The passage situates them geographically in the northern part of the Israelite kingdom in a context associated with tribal and clan-level identification. There is no evidence to connect this group with the later term 'Jew' or with subsequent historical populations. The form is plural and always marked with the definite article, suggesting the designation of a people or clan. English translations often treat 'Berites' as a tribal name, but its exact referent—whether place or people—is uncertain. No additional occurrences or extra-biblical attestations provide further clarity about their identity, location, or significance.
Original Strong's Gloss (1890)
of uncertain derivation; (only in the plural and with the article) the Berites, a place in Palestine; Berites.
Bantu Hebrew
No Bantu Hebrew comparisons have been submitted for this word yet.
+ Add Bantu Hebrew WordRoot Family
בֵּרִי (b-r-y (uncertain)) — uncertain, likely clan or place designation
Word Forms
1 distinct form
| SIDANCE | Surface | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | Occurrences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
H1276-01 |
הַ/בֵּרִ֑ים | haberim | HTd/Ngmpa |
the Berites | the Berites | 1 |
Occurrences in Scripture
1 total occurrence
| SIDANCE | Reference | Word | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
H1276-01 |
2 Samuel 20:14 | הַ/בֵּרִ֑ים | haberim | HTd/Ngmpa |
the Berites | the Berites |