Jair יָאִיר
Gileadite judge who led Israel
Who is Jair in the Bible?
Jair the Gileadite was a judge of Israel who led the nation for twenty-two years, as recorded in Judges 10:3-5. He succeeded Tola as judge and was followed by Jephthah, serving during the period of the Judges when Israel was governed by divinely appointed leaders rather than a king. Jair's family held considerable power in Gilead, as evidenced by his thirty sons who each rode on donkeys and controlled thirty towns in that region, which became known as Havvoth-jair. Though the biblical account provides few details about his specific accomplishments or judicial acts, his lengthy tenure and family's extensive holdings indicate he maintained stability and influence during his judgeship. After his death, Jair was buried in Kamon, a town in Gilead, concluding his service as one of Israel's lesser-documented but significant judges.
Biography
Jair the Gileadite is introduced in Jdg.10.3-5 as a judge who led Israel for twenty-two years. He came after Tola and was succeeded by Jephthah. Jair had thirty sons who rode on thirty donkeys and controlled thirty towns in Gilead, which were called Havvoth-jair. This suggests that Jair and his family held significant influence and power in the region. The text does not provide any further details about Jair's leadership or accomplishments during his time as a judge. After his death, Jair was buried in Kamon, a location likely within Gilead.
In Scripture
1 biblical bookJudges 2 verses
- Judges 10:3
"Tola was followed by Jair the Gileadite, who judged Israel twenty-two years."
- Judges 10:5
"When Jair died, he was buried in Kamon."
Names & Aliases
| Form | Language | Script | Meaning |
|---|---|---|---|
| Named | Hebrew | יָאִיר | Jair , the name of four Israelites |