of Hebrew origin (זֶרַח); Zara, (i.e. Zerach), an Israelite:--Zara.
Transliteration:Zará
Pronunciation:dzar-ah'
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek proper noun Zará (`{{G2196}}`) is a direct transliteration of the Hebrew name Zerach (`{{H2226}}`). The Hebrew root from which Zerach derives is זָרַח (*zarach*), meaning "to rise," "to shine forth," or "to dawn," often used in reference to the rising sun (e.g., [[Genesis 32:31]], [[Judges 9:33]]). Thus, the name Zerach carries the connotation of "a rising," "shining," or "dawn." As a proper noun, its semantic range is limited to the individual it identifies. However, the etymological root provides a rich backdrop, hinting at a new beginning or prominence, even if the narrative ultimately shifts focus.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
Zará (`{{G2196}}`) appears in the New Testament within the genealogies of Jesus Christ. Specifically, it is found in [[Matthew 1:3]] and [[Luke 3:33]], where it refers to Zerach, the son of Judah and Tamar.
The primary narrative concerning Zerach is found in [[Genesis 38]]. This chapter details a complex and ethically challenging period in Judah's life. Zerach is born as a twin to Perez, from Judah's union with his daughter-in-law Tamar, who had disguised herself as a prostitute. During their birth, Zerach's hand first emerged from the womb, prompting the midwife to tie a scarlet thread around it, signifying him as the firstborn. However, his hand was withdrawn, and his twin brother Perez "broke through" first, leading to his name (meaning "breakthrough"). Zerach then emerged, and his name was given. This dramatic birth narrative highlights themes of divine intervention and the unexpected nature of God's chosen lineage.
Zerach is also mentioned in various Old Testament genealogies, such as [[Numbers 26:20]] (as the head of the Zerahites, one of the clans of Judah) and [[1 Chronicles 2:4]] (listing him as a son of Judah). His inclusion in the New Testament genealogies underscores his place within the historical lineage leading to the Messiah, even though his twin brother Perez ultimately carried the direct line to King David and subsequently to Jesus.
### Related Words & Concepts
The most directly related word is the Hebrew original, Zerach (`{{H2226}}`). The root verb *zarach* (זָרַח) is foundational to understanding the name's meaning.
Other related concepts and individuals include:
* **Perez (`{{H6556}}`):** Zerach's twin brother, whose name signifies "breakthrough," and who, contrary to initial expectations, became the ancestor of David and Jesus. This highlights a recurring biblical theme of God's choice subverting human expectations regarding the firstborn.
* **Judah (`{{H3063}}`):** Their father, from whose tribal line the Messiah was prophesied to come.
* **Tamar (`{{H8559}}`):** Their mother, whose actions, though unconventional, ensured the continuation of Judah's line.
* **The Scarlet Thread:** A distinctive mark placed on Zerach's hand, which serves as a unique identifier in the birth narrative.
* **Divine Sovereignty in Lineage:** The entire narrative of Zerach and Perez exemplifies God's sovereign hand in directing the lineage of promise, often choosing the less obvious or even the "second" son (e.g., Jacob over Esau, Ephraim over Manasseh).
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of Zará/Zerach lies primarily in his role within the messianic lineage and the narrative of divine sovereignty.
1. **Divine Election and Subversion of Expectation:** The story of Zerach and Perez powerfully illustrates God's freedom to choose whom He wills to carry His promises. Despite Zerach initially appearing as the firstborn, Perez "broke through" and became the progenitor of the royal and messianic line. This serves as a microcosm of God's pattern throughout biblical history, where the younger, the unexpected, or the seemingly less prominent often become the vessel of divine purpose (e.g., Abel over Cain, Isaac over Ishmael, Jacob over Esau, David over his older brothers).
2. **Continuity of God's Plan:** Zerach's inclusion in the genealogies of Jesus in Matthew and Luke confirms his integral, albeit indirect, role in God's unfolding plan of redemption. He is part of the broader tapestry of Judah's descendants, demonstrating the faithfulness of God in preserving the lineage through which the Messiah would come, despite the complex and sometimes morally ambiguous circumstances of human history.
3. **The "Scarlet Thread" as a Narrative Mark:** While not explicitly given theological meaning in the text, the scarlet thread tied to Zerach's hand serves as a vivid narrative detail. It highlights the dramatic tension of the birth and underscores the divine hand in distinguishing between the twins, even if the ultimate outcome was different from initial human anticipation.
### Summary
Zará (`{{G2196}}`) is the Greek transliteration of Zerach (`{{H2226}}`), the son of Judah and Tamar, and twin brother of Perez. His name, meaning "rising" or "shining," hints at prominence. While he initially appeared to be the firstborn, the narrative in [[Genesis 38]] describes his twin, Perez, emerging first, thus carrying the direct lineage to King David and ultimately to Jesus Christ. Zerach's inclusion in the New Testament genealogies ([[Matthew 1:3]], [[Luke 3:33]]) underscores his place within the broader framework of God's redemptive plan. His story serves as a powerful illustration of divine sovereignty, where God often subverts human expectations to achieve His purposes, ensuring the continuation of the messianic line through unexpected means.
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