זַרְחִי (zar.chi)
zar.chi
Zerahite
N:N--PGQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 5 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- N:N--PG
Word Overview
The term zarchi identifies a member of the Zerahite clan, a specific lineage within the tribe of Simeon. It functions as a gentilic adjective derived from the name Zerah, who was one of the seven sons of Jacob and Leah recorded in Genesis 46:10. In the biblical text, this word serves to distinguish this particular family group from other clans within the same tribe.
These descendants appear primarily in census records and lists of tribal inheritance. The sources highlight their presence in Numbers 26:13 and Joshua 15:20-21, where they are counted among the Simeonite families and associated with specific towns in the southern territory. Chronicles also references them when tracing the genealogies of the tribe.
Although the Zerahites do not produce major narrative figures in the historical books, their consistent mention underscores the importance of tribal identity in ancient Israel. The word marks a clear boundary of kinship, ensuring that this specific branch of Simeon is recognized in the distribution of land and the recording of population.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The term Zerahite identifies a specific family line within the tribe of Simeon, tracing back to Zerah, one of Jacob’s sons. In ancient Israel, such clan names were not merely labels but vital markers of identity, inheritance, and community belonging. When you encounter this word in Scripture, it reminds us that God pays attention to individual families and their distinct roles within the larger body of His people.
Although the Zerahites do not appear as central figures in major narrative arcs, their consistent mention in census records and military lists highlights the value of every lineage in God’s plan. This word encourages us to recognize that our own backgrounds, whether known or obscure, are part of a larger story where every person has a place and purpose.
For your faith life, this detail invites you to appreciate the richness of biblical history and the care with which God records even the smallest groups. It is a gentle reminder that you are known by name and included in His grand design, just as each clan was counted and acknowledged in ancient Israel.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 5 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- the/ Zerahite[s]4×
- of the/ Zerahite[s]2×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- לַ/זַּרְחִ֑י2×
- הַ/זַּרְחִ֑י2×
- הַ/זַּרְחִי֙1×
- הַ/זַּרְחִֽי\׃1×
Key Verses
-
Numbers 26:13
of Zerah, the family of the Zerahites; of Shaul, the family of the Shaulites.
This verse establishes the Zerahites as a distinct family unit within Simeon during the second census, highlighting their recognized status in the tribal structure.
-
Joshua 7:17
He brought near the family of Judah, and he selected the family of the Zerahites. He brought near the family of the Zerahites man by man, and Zabdi was selected.
Here, the Zerahite clan is singled out during Achan’s sin investigation, showing how specific family lines were involved in critical moments of national accountability.
-
I Chronicles 27:11
The eighth captain for the eighth month was Sibbecai the Hushathite, of the Zerahites. In his division were twenty-four thousand.
This reference places a Zerahite captain in David’s military organization, illustrating the clan’s continued relevance and service in Israel’s later history.