יֶ֫רֶד (ye.red)
ye.red
Jared
N:N-M-PQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 7 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- N:N-M-P
Word Overview
The name yered means "descent" or "coming down." It appears seven times in Scripture, primarily as a proper noun for two distinct men in the biblical genealogies. The most prominent is Jared, son of Mahalalel and father of Enoch, who lived before the Flood (Genesis 5:15–20). A second, less detailed figure shares this name in the lineage of Judah (1 Chronicles 4:17).
The meaning of the name reflects a movement downward. In Jared’s case, some readers see a symbolic weight to his position in the antediluvian line, standing between the early patriarchs and the generation that would face judgment. The Hebrew root suggests a physical or generational lowering, yet the text records him as a direct ancestor of Enoch, who famously "walked with God."
Translators consistently render this name as Jared in English Bibles. The brief mentions serve to anchor the family tree rather than describe personal deeds. The name’s simplicity highlights the continuity of lineage during a period when human lifespans were exceptionally long and divine interaction remained close.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The name Jared carries the sense of descent or coming down. In the ancient genealogies, this word anchors the lineage between Mahalalel and Enoch. It marks a specific point in history where God’s people continued through generations before the flood.
For your faith, this reminds you that God works through ordinary family lines. He does not skip steps. The continuity of these names shows His patience and commitment to preserving a people for Himself. Even in long stretches of time without dramatic events, God is present.
When you read about Jared living nine hundred sixty-two years, it highlights the weight of history before judgment came. Yet his son Enoch walked with God. This shows that faithfulness can rise from any generation. You are part of this same story. God knows your place in His plan.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 7 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- Jared7×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- יָֽרֶד\׃2×
- יֶ֔רֶד2×
- יֶ֨רֶד1×
- יֶ֗רֶד1×
- יֶ֕רֶד1×
Key Verses
-
Genesis 5:18
Jared lived one hundred sixty-two years, then became the father of Enoch.
This verse marks the pivotal moment where Jared becomes the father of Enoch, linking the name to a man who famously walked with God.
-
Genesis 5:20
All of the days of Jared were nine hundred sixty-two years, then he died.
The record of Jared’s death concludes his earthly life, showing the temporary nature of even the longest lifespans in that era.
-
I Chronicles 4:18
His wife the Jewess bore Jered the father of Gedor, Heber the father of Soco, and Jekuthiel the father of Zanoah. These are the sons of Bithiah the daughter of Pharaoh, whom Mered took.
This occurrence places a different Jared in Judah’s lineage, demonstrating how the name persisted across centuries and tribes.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the name Jared mean?
How is this name different from other patriarch names?
Where does Jared appear in Scripture?
Every Occurrence (7 verses across 2 books)
Genesis 5 verses
Mahalalel lived sixty-five years, then became the father of Jared.
Genesis 5:16Mahalalel lived after he became the father of Jared eight hundred thirty years, and became the father of other sons and…
Genesis 5:18Jared lived one hundred sixty-two years, then became the father of Enoch.
Genesis 5:19Jared lived after he became the father of Enoch eight hundred years, and became the father of other sons and daughters.
Genesis 5:20All of the days of Jared were nine hundred sixty-two years, then he died.