Bible Dictionary
Jairite
Jairite was the designation of Ira, one of David’s officials. It probably means a descendant of Jair, though some ancient versions suggest that it may mean a man from Jattir.
Definition
Jairite was the designation of Ira, David’s chief minister or priestly official. It normally means a descendant of Jair, whose territory was in Gilead, though ancient versions suggest that the term might instead mean a man from Jattir.
Biblical Usage
Ira the Jairite served David as chief minister. The designation identifies him by family or place of origin, though the precise explanation is uncertain.
Historical Background
The traditional interpretation connects Ira with Jair the Manassite and Gilead. Alternative ancient readings connect the title with Jattir, a town friendly to David during his time at Ziklag.
Scripture References
Related Figures
Historical Bible Dictionaries
Smith's Bible Dictionary
(descendant of Jair). The Ira THE JAIRITE was a priest (Authorized Version “chief ruler”) to David (2 Samuel 20:26)
International Standard Bible Encyclopedia (ISBE)
<p>ja'-er-it (ya'iri, "of Jair"): In 2Sa 20:26, Ira the Jairite is "chief minister unto David." He was a descendant of Jair who was a Manassite (Nu 32:41, etc.) and whose territory was in Gilead. Septuagint, Lucian, and Syriac suggest yattiri, "Jattirite," i.e. a native of Jattir mentioned in 1Sa 30:27 as one of the towns friendly to David when he was in Ziklag. It is not improbable that a native of Jattir would be given such a post by David.</p><p>See IRA, and compare 2Sa 23:38.</p>