The name Jair, derived from the Hebrew word אוֹר (ʾor) meaning 'to shine', signifies 'he shines'. In the Old Testament, Jair is noted as a significant figure, being both a son of Manasseh and one of the ruling judges of the Israelites. His role as a judge for 22 years, following Tola, highlights his importance in the biblical narrative, particularly in the context of the Tribe of Manasseh and his inheritance in Gilead.