שַׁחֲרַ֫יִם (sha.cha.ra.yim)
sha.cha.ra.yim
Shaharaim
N:N-M-PQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 1 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- N:N-M-P
Word Overview
Shaharaim is a personal name found only in one verse of the Bible, 1 Chronicles 8:8. The text identifies him as a member of the tribe of Benjamin during the era of the Divided Monarchy. His name translates to "double dawn," likely reflecting the dual meanings of the root word for morning or early light.
Chronicles lists him as a father and husband, noting his marriages to Hushim, Baara, and Hodesh. He is recorded as the father of nine sons, including Jobab, Zibia, and Mesha. This genealogical entry serves to place him within the broader lineage of Benjamin, preserving his family’s identity in the historical record.
Although the name itself carries poetic imagery, the text offers no narrative about Shaharaim’s life or character. He appears solely as a link in a chain of ancestors. The mention highlights the Chronicler’s interest in tracing tribal heritage and maintaining the memory of Israel’s families through generations.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
Names like Shaharaim might seem obscure at first glance, appearing only once in the biblical record. Yet their presence reminds us that God cares about individual lives and family histories. The name means "double dawn," suggesting a light that breaks twice or shines with particular clarity. In a world where many feel forgotten, this entry assures us that every person is known and recorded by God.
Shaharaim is listed as a father of nine sons in the tribe of Benjamin. His story, though brief, highlights the importance of lineage and heritage. For Christians today, this connection to ancient ancestors points to our own spiritual family. We are part of a larger story that stretches back through generations, united by faith rather than just blood.
While we may not know Shaharaim’s personal struggles or joys, his inclusion in Scripture shows that ordinary lives matter to the Divine. It invites us to trust that our own names and stories are held securely in God’s memory. This hope anchors us in the knowledge that we are never alone, but part of a vast, loving community of believers across time.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 1 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- and/ Shaharaim1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- וְ/שַׁחֲרַ֗יִם1×
Key Verses
-
I Chronicles 8:8
Shaharaim became the father of children in the field of Moab, after he had sent them away. Hushim and Baara were his wives.
This verse uniquely identifies Shaharaim as a father who sent his children to Moab, highlighting a specific historical action within the tribe of Benjamin.