אַרְפַּכְשַׁד (ar.pakh.shad)
ar.pakh.shad
Arpachshad
N:N-M-PQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 9 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- N:N-M-P
Word Overview
The name Arpachshad identifies a significant figure in the biblical genealogies, appearing nine times across Genesis and 1 Chronicles. He is recorded as the son of Shem and the father of Cainan, placing him directly in the line connecting Noah to Abraham.
His name appears in the New Testament as well, listed among Jesus’ ancestors in Luke 3:36. The sources note that his name is rendered Arphaxad in Greek translations, preserving his place in the lineage of Christ without adding further biographical detail beyond his familial connections.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
Names in Scripture often feel like distant footnotes, yet they anchor our faith in real history. Arpachshad appears in the genealogies of Genesis and Chronicles as a son of Shem and father of Shelah. These records are not merely lists of ancestors; they show God’s faithful preservation of humanity through generations after the flood.
His inclusion in Luke’s Gospel, tracing Jesus’ lineage back to Shem, highlights how every name in the Bible contributes to the story of redemption. We may never know his daily struggles or joys, but we see that God works through ordinary families to bring forth the Messiah. This continuity reminds us that our own lives are part of a larger, divine narrative.
When we read these ancient names, we are invited to trust in God’s long-term faithfulness. Just as He preserved the line through Arpachshad and his descendants, He sustains us today. We can find comfort in knowing that our place in God’s family is secure, rooted in His enduring promise.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 9 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- and/ Arphaxad5×
- Arphaxad4×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- וְ/אַרְפַּכְשַׁ֖ד4×
- וְ/אַרְפַּכְשַׁ֣ד1×
- אַרְפַּכְשָׁ֔ד1×
- אַרְפַּכְשָׁ֑ד1×
- אַרְפַּכְשַׁ֗ד1×
- אַרְפַּכְשַׁ֖ד1×
Key Verses
-
Genesis 10:22
The sons of Shem were: Elam, Asshur, Arpachshad, Lud, and Aram.
This verse establishes Arpachshad as one of Shem's primary sons, placing him centrally in the post-flood family structure.
-
Genesis 11:10
This is the history of the generations of Shem: Shem was one hundred years old when he became the father of Arpachshad two years after the flood.
The text notes he was born two years after the flood, marking him as a key figure in the new beginning for humanity.
-
I Chronicles 1:24
Shem, Arpachshad, Shelah,
This concise genealogical entry confirms his position in the line leading to Shelah and eventually Abraham.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who was Arpachshad in the Bible?
What does the name Arpachshad mean?
Why is Arpachshad mentioned nine times?
Every Occurrence (9 verses across 2 books)
Genesis 6 verses
The sons of Shem were: Elam, Asshur, Arpachshad, Lud, and Aram.
Genesis 10:24Arpachshad became the father of Shelah. Shelah became the father of Eber.
Genesis 11:10This is the history of the generations of Shem: Shem was one hundred years old when he became the father of Arpachshad…
Genesis 11:11Shem lived five hundred years after he became the father of Arpachshad, and became the father of more sons and…
Genesis 11:12Arpachshad lived thirty-five years and became the father of Shelah.
Genesis 11:13Arpachshad lived four hundred three years after he became the father of Shelah, and became the father of more sons and…