יִזְרָ֑ח (yiz.rach)
yiz.rach
Izrahite
N:N--PGQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 1 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- N:N--PG
Word Overview
The term yiz.rach functions as a gentilic adjective, identifying an individual or group as a descendant of Zerah, one of the sons of Judah. It appears only once in the Hebrew Bible, specifically in 1 Chronicles 27:8, where it describes a military leader serving under Joab.
This single occurrence links the word to the broader genealogical records found in Genesis and Chronicles. Zerah himself is introduced in Genesis 38 as the twin brother of Perez, born to Judah and Tamar. While the personal name Zerah means "dawn" or "shining," the derivative form yiz.rach simply marks tribal lineage, distinguishing this branch of Judah from others like the Perezites.
Its rarity highlights how biblical authors used such terms to organize military and administrative units by family heritage. In 1 Chronicles 27:8, it identifies a commander responsible for the army division serving in the eighth month, illustrating how ancestral identity remained relevant for civic duty centuries after the wilderness wanderings.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The name Yizrah connects us to the intricate family trees that weave through Scripture, reminding us that God knows each lineage by name. In this single instance, it identifies Shamhuth as a leader from the branch of Judah descending from Zerah. This detail shows how ancestral heritage was not just history, but a living reality that organized community and service.
For your faith, this highlights the value of belonging. Just as Shamhuth served his people through his specific tribal identity, you are part of God’s larger family with a unique place in His plan. Your background and history are held by Him, shaping your role in serving others today.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 1 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- the/ Izrahite1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- הַ/יִּזְרָ֑ח1×
Key Verses
-
I Chronicles 27:8
The fifth captain for the fifth month was Shamhuth the Izrahite. In his division were twenty-four thousand.
This verse uses the term to specify Shamhuth’s tribal origin as a descendant of Zerah, linking his military command to Judah’s family structure.