כְּרָ֑ן (ke.ran)
ke.ran
Cheran
N:N-M-PQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 2 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- N:N-M-P
Word Overview
Cheran is a proper name appearing only twice in the Hebrew Bible, both times within genealogical records in Genesis 36 and I Chronicles 1. He is identified as an Edomite, specifically one of the sons of Dishon, who was a Horite duke. His siblings are listed as Eshban, Ithran, and Hemdan.
The name itself translates to "lyre," a musical instrument. While this etymology suggests a connection to music or perhaps a family known for it, the text uses Cheran strictly as a personal identifier within a list of descendants. There is no narrative associated with him; he exists solely to establish lineage and tribal structure.
These brief mentions serve a structural purpose in Scripture, mapping the political landscape of Edom during the patriarchal era. By recording names like Cheran alongside his brothers, the biblical authors document the established clans of the region, providing historical context for the relationship between Israel and its neighbor Edom.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
Cheran appears only twice in Scripture, listed among the descendants of Dishon in Genesis and Chronicles. The name means "lyre," a musical instrument. While he has no personal story, his inclusion reminds us that God records every lineage with care.
These genealogies map the nations surrounding Israel, including Edom. They show that history is not random but part of a larger divine plan. Even names lost to time are preserved in the Word.
Your own life, too, is known and recorded by God. You are never forgotten. In Christ, we find our true identity and belonging, far beyond any earthly lineage.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 2 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- and/ Keran2×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- וּ/כְרָֽן\׃\ \ס1×
- וּ/כְרָֽן\׃1×
Key Verses
-
Genesis 36:26
These are the children of Dishon: Hemdan, Eshban, Ithran, and Cheran.
This verse places Cheran in the foundational genealogy of Edom's Horite dukes, establishing his family's tribal identity.
-
I Chronicles 1:41
The son of Anah: Dishon. The sons of Dishon: Hamran, Eshban, Ithran, and Cheran.
The Chronicler repeats this list to affirm historical continuity and God's faithfulness to Israel's neighbors in the post-exilic context.