זֶ֫רַח (ze.rach)
ze.rach
Zerah
N:N-M-PQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 18 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- N:N-M-P
Word Overview
The name Zerah, meaning "rising" or "shining," appears in the Hebrew Bible as a personal name for several distinct individuals across different tribes and eras. It is most famously associated with the twin brother of Pharez, born to Judah and Tamar. In this narrative, the name reflects the dramatic circumstances of his birth, when he first put out his hand before being pulled back by his brother.
Beyond this prominent lineage, the name occurs in genealogical lists for Edomite leaders, a Simeonite family head, and a Levite. It also identifies Zerah the Cushite, an Ethiopian commander who invaded Judah during the reign of King Asa. This military figure is often linked by historians to Egyptian rulers of the twenty-second dynasty, adding a layer of geopolitical context to the biblical account.
Translators consistently render the name as Zerah or Zarah. The repetition of this specific name across various tribal lines suggests it was a recognizable term in ancient Israel, likely chosen for its positive connotation of dawn or light. Its usage spans from the patriarchal period through the time of the divided monarchy.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The name Zerah carries the imagery of dawn or a bright light breaking through darkness. In the Bible, this word appears as a personal name for several distinct individuals, most notably as the twin brother of Pharez in the lineage of Judah. His birth story is unique, marking him as the one who first reached out, symbolizing a moment of emerging presence even before his turn fully arrived.
Throughout Scripture, this name connects various branches of Israel’s history, from Edomite royalty to Levite families and leaders during the time of Kings Asa and Nehemiah. It reminds us that God’s plan weaves together many different lives and tribes. Whether appearing in genealogies or historical accounts, Zerah shows how individual stories contribute to a larger narrative of faithfulness and divine purpose.
For your own life, this word invites reflection on the idea of light and new beginnings. Just as dawn follows night, our moments of struggle can lead to clarity and hope. The recurring presence of this name across generations suggests that every person has a place in God’s unfolding story, offering comfort that we are known and remembered.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 18 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- Zerah14×
- of/ Zerah2×
- and/ Zerah2×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- זֶ֖רַח5×
- לְ/זֶ֕רַח2×
- זֶ֗רַח2×
- זָֽרַח\׃\ \ס1×
- זָ֑רַח1×
- זֶ֥רַח1×
- זֶ֤רַח1×
- זֶ֡רַח1×
- זֶ֜רַח1×
- זֶ֔רַח1×
- וָ/זָ֑רַח1×
- וָ/זֶ֖רַח1×
Key Verses
-
Genesis 38:30
Afterward his brother came out, who had the scarlet thread on his hand, and his name was called Zerah.
This verse captures the dramatic birth moment where Zerah first put out his hand, giving him his name and highlighting the unique circumstances of his arrival into the world.
-
Joshua 7:1
But the children of Israel committed a trespass in the devoted things; for Achan, the son of Carmi, the son of Zabdi, the son of Zerah, of the tribe of Judah, took some of the devoted things. Therefore Yahweh’s anger burned against the children of Israel.
Here Zerah is mentioned in Achan’s lineage, showing how family heritage connects individuals to significant events like the sin at Ai and its consequences for the whole community.
-
I Chronicles 2:4
Tamar his daughter-in-law bore him Perez and Zerah. All the sons of Judah were five.
This passage reaffirms Zerah as a son of Judah born to Tamar, anchoring his identity within the royal lineage that leads to King David and Jesus Christ.
-
Nehemiah 11:24
Pethahiah the son of Meshezabel, of the children of Zerah the son of Judah, was at the king’s hand in all matters concerning the people.
Zerah appears here in the context of post-exilic restoration, indicating that descendants of this line remained active and trusted servants in rebuilding Jerusalem’s community.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the name Zerah mean?
Who is Zerah in the Bible?
Why is Zerah mentioned in Joshua 7?
Is Zerah related to Jesus’ lineage?
Every Occurrence (18 verses across 5 books)
Genesis 5 verses
These are the sons of Reuel: Nahath, Zerah, Shammah, and Mizzah. These were the descendants of Basemath, Esau’s wife.
Genesis 36:17These are the sons of Reuel, Esau’s son: chief Nahath, chief Zerah, chief Shammah, chief Mizzah. These are the chiefs…
Genesis 36:33Bela died, and Jobab, the son of Zerah of Bozrah, reigned in his place.
Genesis 38:30Afterward his brother came out, who had the scarlet thread on his hand, and his name was called Zerah.
Genesis 46:12The sons of Judah: Er, Onan, Shelah, Perez, and Zerah; but Er and Onan died in the land of Canaan. The sons of Perez…