Areli is a figure whose identity is defined by his lineage, recorded as one of the sons of Gad, the seventh son born to Jacob (Israel) by Zilpah, Leah’s handmaid. His name is foundational to the Tribe of Gad, establishing him as the ancestor of one of its principal family divisions.
The Lineage of Gad
Areli is named in the census of the seventy souls who came into Egypt with Jacob, a list that forms the basis of the twelve tribes of Israel. He is listed as the last of Gad’s seven sons:
“And the sons of Gad; Ziphion, and Haggi, Shuni, and Ezbon, Eri, and Arodi, and Areli.” — Genesis 46:16 (KJV)
This list, which is consistent in the primary genealogical records, confirms Areli as one of the original grandsons of Israel. His brothers’ names—Ziphion, Haggi, Shuni, Ezbon, Eri, and Arodi—account for the other main family divisions of the tribe.
The Clan of the Arelites
As the people grew and formed into a nation, the need to track their tribal and family identity led to the creation of the census in the Book of Numbers. This census, taken on the plains of Moab before entering Canaan, records the heads of the great families.
Areli is formally designated as the head of a family clan:
“Of Areli, the family of the Arelites.” — Numbers 26:17 (KJV)
The descendants of Areli, known as the Arelites (Hebrew: ’Ārē’lî), formed a recognized division within the Tribe of Gad. This tribe would later settle on the east side of the Jordan River, contributing to the military strength and pastoral wealth of Israel.
The name Areli itself is thought to be derived from the Hebrew word for “hero,” “lion of God,” or “altar of God,” suggesting a powerful or consecrated identity, though no personal story is recorded to confirm this meaning.
Alternate Name
It is worth noting that while Genesis 46:16 uses the name Areli, the parallel list in 1 Chronicles 7:7 (KJV) uses a slightly different form, Ariel, for one of the sons of Gad: “And the sons of Gad; Zephon, and Haggi, Shuni, and Ezbon, Eri, and Rodi, and Ariel.” Scholars view this as a minor scribal variation of the same name and figure.