גַּ֫חַר (ga.char)
ga.char
Gahar
N:N-M-PQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 2 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- N:N-M-P
Word Overview
The name gahar refers to a specific individual, the head of a family listed among those who returned from Babylonian exile with Zerubbabel. This person appears in two biblical passages, Ezra 2:47 and Nehemiah 7:49, where he is identified as the leader of a group of temple servants.
Etymologically, the name means "hiding place." While this meaning might seem unusual for a patriarchal name, it likely reflects a personal characteristic or family history. The sources do not elaborate on why this specific title was chosen, but they confirm its use as a proper noun for this returning exile.
His mention in these genealogical lists serves to document the lineage of those who rebuilt Jerusalem’s community. By recording his name alongside other families, the text preserves the identity of ordinary individuals who played a role in restoring Israel after the exile. This brief reference highlights the importance of family heritage in post-exilic society.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The name Gahar means "hiding place," yet this individual is remembered not for obscurity but for his faithful presence in the community of returnees. Listed alongside other families in Ezra and Nehemiah, he represents the ordinary believers who helped rebuild Jerusalem after the exile. His inclusion reminds us that God values every person who contributes to the restoration of His people, regardless of their fame or status.
In a world that often celebrates only the prominent, Scripture honors the quiet dedication of those who show up and do their part. Gahar’s name serves as a testament to the importance of family heritage and communal identity in post-exilic society. It encourages us to value our own roots and the role we play in God’s ongoing work.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 2 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- Gahar2×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- גָֽחַר\׃1×
- גַ֖חַר1×
Key Verses
-
Ezra 2:47
the children of Giddel, the children of Gahar, the children of Reaiah,
This verse lists Gahar among the temple servants returning with Zerubbabel, highlighting his family's active role in restoring worship.
-
Nehemiah 7:49
the children of Hanan, the children of Giddel, the children of Gahar,
The parallel record confirms the continuity of this family line and their recognized place in the rebuilt community.