צֶרֶת הַשַּׁ֫חַר (tse.ret hash.sha.char)
tse.ret hash.sha.char
Zereth-shahar
N:N--LQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 1 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- N:N--L
Word Overview
The name Zereth-shahar, meaning “splendour of the dawn,” identifies a specific town assigned to the tribe of Reuben in Joshua 13:19. As a proper noun, it serves as a geographical marker within the list of eastern settlements secured by Israel.
Its etymology combines tseret (“rope” or “cord”) and shahar (“morning”), creating an image of light breaking at daybreak. This poetic title likely reflected the town’s location or reputation, offering a vivid contrast to its simple administrative role in the tribal allotment.
Though it appears only once in Scripture, the name preserves a moment of linguistic beauty within the historical record of land distribution. It reminds readers that even mundane place names often carry descriptive weight, pointing to the care taken in defining the boundaries of God’s people.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The name Zereth-shahar appears only once in the Bible, tucked into a list of towns assigned to the tribe of Reuben in Joshua 13:19. Its meaning, “splendour of the dawn,” offers a quiet reminder that God’s care extends to every detail of our lives, even those that seem ordinary or administrative.
When you read through these historical records, it is easy to skip over place names and move on to the next story. Yet this single word invites us to pause. It suggests that the boundaries of God’s people were defined with intention and beauty, reflecting a Creator who values both order and light. In your own life, consider how even the small, routine moments can carry significance when viewed through the lens of faith.
This name reminds us that God is present in the details. Whether you are navigating new seasons or simply going about your daily tasks, there is comfort in knowing that nothing is overlooked. The dawn brings light after darkness, and similarly, God’s presence brings clarity and hope to every part of our journey.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 1 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- and/ Zereth1×
- <the>/ Shahar1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- וְ/צֶ֥רֶת1×
- הַ/שַּׁ֖חַר1×
Key Verses
-
Joshua 13:19
Kiriathaim, Sibmah, Zereth Shahar in the mount of the valley,
This verse places Zereth-shahar within the specific tribal allotment of Reuben, highlighting its role as a defined settlement in the land God gave to Israel.