יַרְחָע (yar.ach)
yar.ach
Jarha
N:N-M-PQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 2 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- N:N-M-P
Word Overview
Yarach is a proper name appearing in only two verses of the Hebrew Bible, both located in the genealogies of 1 Chronicles (2:34 and 2:45). It identifies an Egyptian man who became part of the lineage of Judah. The text describes him as a slave belonging to Sheshan, a descendant of Caleb. In a notable social arrangement, Sheshan gave his daughter in marriage to Yarach, likely to ensure he had an heir to inherit his household.
The name itself carries a striking literal meaning: "the month of sweeping away." This etymology is unusual for a personal name and may reflect the circumstances of his enslavement or a specific cultural practice. As an Egyptian in the tribe of Judah, Yarach’s presence highlights the complex social dynamics of ancient Israel, where foreign servants could be integrated into family lines through marriage and adoption.
His inclusion in the royal genealogy is significant because it leads directly to Attai, the grandfather of King David. This detail underscores a recurring biblical theme: God’s plan often works through unexpected figures and mixed backgrounds. Yarach’s story serves as a reminder that the lineage of Israel’s greatest king included foreign elements, challenging narrow views of ethnic purity.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The name Jarha appears in the genealogies of 1 Chronicles, marking an Egyptian servant who became part of Judah’s family line. Sheshan, a descendant of Caleb, gave his daughter to Jarha in marriage so he might have an heir. This act broke typical social barriers, showing that God’s people were not defined by strict ethnic boundaries but by faithfulness and inclusion.
Through this union, Jarha became the grandfather of Attai, who was the grandfather of King David. His story reminds us that God’s plans often work through unexpected people and mixed backgrounds. It challenges any narrow view of purity, showing instead that God welcomes those from all nations into His family. This inclusion points to a broader truth: God’s grace extends beyond traditional lines.
For your faith, this means you are never outside the reach of God’s love. No matter your background or past, there is a place for you in His story. Like Jarha, you can be part of something much larger than yourself, contributing to a lineage that honors God. This hope is available to all who seek Him.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 2 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- to/ Jarha1×
- [was] Jarha1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- לְ/יַרְחָ֥ע1×
- יַרְחָֽע\׃1×
Key Verses
-
I Chronicles 2:34
Now Sheshan had no sons, but only daughters. Sheshan had a servant, an Egyptian, whose name was Jarha.
This verse identifies Jarha as an Egyptian servant of Sheshan, highlighting the social and ethnic context of his inclusion in Judah's lineage.
-
I Chronicles 2:35
Sheshan gave his daughter to Jarha his servant as wife; and she bore him Attai.
Here, Sheshan gives his daughter to Jarha, ensuring he has an heir who will eventually lead to King David, showing God’s use of unexpected means.