חִירָה (chi.rah)
chi.rah
Hirah
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 proper name Chirah identifies a specific individual in the early patriarchal narratives, appearing only twice in the Hebrew Bible within Genesis 38. He is described as an Adullamite and a close friend of Judah, the third son of Jacob. This brief mention places him in the social circle of Judah during his time in Canaan, before the family’s descent into Egypt.
The etymology of the name suggests a connection to nobility or honor, with some sources interpreting the root meaning as relating to a noble family. While Chirah himself is not a central figure in the biblical storyline, his identification as Judah’s companion provides historical texture to the account of Judah’s interactions with Tamar and the lineage that would eventually lead to King David.
His limited appearance serves primarily to ground the narrative in a realistic social context. By naming specific associates like Chirah, the text illustrates the personal relationships and tribal connections that defined life during the patriarchal era. The name itself acts as a marker of status or origin within the Adullam region, offering readers a glimpse into the extended network surrounding one of Jacob’s most significant sons.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The name Chirah appears in Genesis only twice, marking him as a close companion of Judah in the town of Adullam. In these brief mentions, he is simply described as a friend who travels with Judah to Timnah for the sheep shearing. This small detail grounds the biblical narrative in real human relationships, showing that even major patriarchal figures relied on trusted friends during their daily lives.
For readers today, Chirah reminds us that faithfulness often happens in the quiet spaces of ordinary life. We are not called to be solitary heroes but to walk alongside others with loyalty and support. Whether sharing in celebration or offering presence during difficult times, these everyday friendships reflect God’s design for community and mutual care.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 2 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- and/ Hirah1×
- [was] Hirah1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- חִירָֽה\׃1×
- וְ/חִירָ֛ה1×
Key Verses
-
Genesis 38:1
At that time, Judah went down from his brothers, and visited a certain Adullamite, whose name was Hirah.
This verse introduces Hirah as an Adullamite friend of Judah, establishing his role in Judah's social circle before the family moves to Egypt.
-
Genesis 38:12
After many days, Shua’s daughter, the wife of Judah, died. Judah was comforted, and went up to his sheep shearers to Timnah, he and his friend Hirah, the Adullamite.
Here Hirah accompanies Judah to Timnah after the death of Judah’s wife, showing his continued presence as a trusted companion during a time of transition.