probably a contraction from דַּרְדַּע; Dara, an Israelite; Dara.
Transliteration:Dâraʻ
Pronunciation:daw-rah'
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
Dâraʻ (`{{H1873}}`) is a proper noun, identifying an individual Israelite named Dara. The lexical definition posits it as "probably a contraction from `{{H1874}}` (Dardaʻ)." As a personal name, its semantic range is primarily tied to the individual's identity rather than a broad spectrum of meanings. If the connection to `{{H1874}}` is indeed accurate, then the underlying meaning associated with Darda—often linked to "pearl of knowledge" or "pearl of wisdom"—might subtly inform the understanding of this name, though the primary focus remains on the person.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The name Dâraʻ (Dara) appears once in the Hebrew Bible, specifically in the genealogical records of the tribe of Judah:
* [[1 Chronicles 2:6]]: "The sons of Zerah: Zimri, Ethan, Heman, Calcol, and Dara—five in all."
In this context, Dara is listed as one of the five sons of Zerah, who was a son of Judah. This places him firmly within the lineage of Judah, a tribe of immense theological significance as the royal and ultimately messianic line. The Chronicler's emphasis on genealogies serves to establish identity, lineage, and the continuity of God's covenantal promises. The inclusion of Dara in this specific list, alongside his brothers, highlights his place within the foundational families of Israel.
### Related Words & Concepts
The most significant related word is Dardaʻ (`{{H1874}}`), from which Dâraʻ is thought to be a contraction. This connection is crucial because Darda is mentioned in [[1 Kings 4:31]] as one of the exceedingly wise men, surpassed only by Solomon: "For he was wiser than all men; than Ethan the Ezrahite, and Heman, and Calcol, and Darda, the sons of Mahol." The striking similarity in the list of names (Ethan, Heman, Calcol, and Darda/Dara) between [[1 Kings 4:31]] and [[1 Chronicles 2:6]] strongly suggests that Dara of Chronicles is the same individual as Darda of Kings. This connection links Dara directly to the theme of wisdom. Other related concepts include:
* **Genealogy:** The meticulous recording of lineages, particularly in Chronicles, emphasizing identity, inheritance, and the divine plan.
* **Wisdom:** As potentially identified with Darda, Dara becomes associated with the sapiential tradition in Israel, reflecting a divine gift.
* **Tribe of Judah:** His lineage connects him to the central covenantal promises and the future Davidic monarchy.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of Dara (`{{H1873}}`) primarily stems from his potential identification with Darda (`{{H1874}}`), one of the renowned wise men of ancient Israel. If they are indeed the same person, Dara's inclusion in the Judahite genealogy in Chronicles underscores the Chronicler's interest in highlighting the distinguished attributes, including wisdom, within the foundational families of Israel. This suggests that wisdom, a divine attribute and gift, was present and valued within the lineage from which the Messiah would eventually come. Dara's presence in the lineage of Judah also reinforces the divine faithfulness in preserving the tribal lines and ensuring the continuity of the covenant. He is not merely a name but a link in the chain of God's redemptive history, perhaps even a representative of the intellectual and spiritual endowments found among God's people.
### Summary
Dâraʻ (`{{H1873}}`) is a proper noun referring to an Israelite named Dara, listed in [[1 Chronicles 2:6]] as one of the five sons of Zerah, son of Judah. Lexically, it is considered a probable contraction of Dardaʻ (`{{H1874}}`). This connection is highly significant, as Darda is celebrated in [[1 Kings 4:31]] as one of the wisest men of his time, surpassed only by Solomon. Therefore, Dara is likely the same individual as the wise Darda. His inclusion in the Judahite genealogy highlights the presence of wisdom within this crucial messianic lineage. The study of Dara underscores the biblical emphasis on detailed genealogies as markers of identity and continuity, and potentially points to the divine endowment of wisdom within the early families of Israel.
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