the same as זֶרַח; Zerach, the name of three Israelites, also of an Idumaean and an Ethiopian prince; Zarah, Zerah.
Transliteration:Zerach
Pronunciation:zeh'-rakh
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew proper noun `{{H2226}}` (זֶרַח, *Zerach*) is directly linked to the verbal root `{{H2225}}` (זרח, *zarach*), which means "to rise," "to shine forth," or "to break forth." As a personal name, `{{H2226}}` therefore carries the inherent meaning of "shining," "rising," or "dawn." It evokes the imagery of the sun breaking over the horizon, signifying new beginnings, light, or prominence. While primarily a personal name, its etymological root imbues it with a semantic range related to illumination, emergence, and the breaking of day.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The name `{{H2226}}` appears in the biblical text referring to several distinct individuals, both Israelite and non-Israelite, often transliterated as Zerah or Zarah:
1. **Zerach, Son of Judah:** This is perhaps the most prominent occurrence. Zerach was the twin brother of Perez, born to Judah by Tamar ([[Genesis 38:30]]). His birth narrative is notable for the "scarlet thread" tied to his hand, indicating he was initially expected to be the firstborn, a "breaking forth" (פֶּרֶץ, *peretz*, from which Perez's name comes, also means "breach"). Though Perez ultimately emerged first, Zerach's name, "shining," suggests a destined prominence. He is listed in the genealogies of Judah ([[Genesis 46:12]], [[Numbers 26:20]], [[1 Chronicles 2:4]]) and appears in the messianic lineage through his brother Perez ([[Matthew 1:3]], as Zarah).
2. **Zerach, Son of Reuel:** An Edomite chieftain, son of Reuel and grandson of Esau ([[Genesis 36:13]], [[1 Chronicles 1:37]]). This highlights the name's use beyond Israelite tribes.
3. **Zerach, a Simeonite:** Listed as a descendant of Simeon ([[1 Chronicles 4:24]]).
4. **Zerach, a Levite:** A descendant of Gershom, a branch of the Levites ([[1 Chronicles 6:21]]).
5. **Zerach the Ethiopian (Cushite):** The commander of a vast army (a "thousand thousands" and three hundred chariots) who invaded Judah during the reign of King Asa ([[2 Chronicles 14:9]]). Despite his overwhelming force, Zerach and his army were decisively defeated by Asa, who trusted in the Lord ([[2 Chronicles 14:10-13]]). This narrative contrasts the "shining" name with a figure who ultimately faced divine judgment and defeat.
### Related Words & Concepts
The most direct linguistic relation to `{{H2226}}` is the verb `{{H2225}}` (זרח, *zarach*), meaning "to rise," "to shine," or "to dawn." This connection is critical, as the proper noun embodies the action of the verb. Concepts intrinsically linked to `{{H2226}}` include:
* **Light and Illumination:** As derived from "shining," the name evokes light, clarity, and visibility.
* **New Beginnings/Dawn:** The idea of "rising" or "breaking forth" suggests the advent of a new day or a significant emergence.
* **Prominence and Appearance:** To "shine forth" implies being conspicuous or notable.
* **Breach/Breakthrough:** In the context of Judah's son, the narrative of his birth alongside Perez (`{{H6556}}`, פֶּרֶץ, meaning "breach") further solidifies the concept of a significant emergence or breakthrough, even if not the anticipated one.
### Theological Significance
While `{{H2226}}` is primarily a proper noun, its etymological root lends subtle theological weight, particularly in the context of the Judahite lineage. The name "Zerach" ("shining") in the line of Judah, though superseded by Perez as the firstborn in the birth narrative, nonetheless points to a divine purpose and a future "shining forth." The scarlet thread tied to Zerach's hand ([[Genesis 38:28-30]]) is a powerful symbol of identification and destiny, even if the immediate outcome was unexpected. This narrative can be seen as a microcosm of God's sovereign plan, where even apparent setbacks or unexpected turns (Perez emerging first) do not negate the ultimate "shining" of His purposes, especially concerning the messianic line.
The defeat of Zerach the Ethiopian by King Asa ([[2 Chronicles 14]]) also carries theological significance. Despite the overwhelming power of Zerach's "shining" army, God's light and power, invoked through Asa's faith, utterly eclipsed it. This demonstrates God's sovereignty over all human might and the triumph of divine light over any earthly darkness or opposition. The name's meaning, "shining," ironically highlights the contrast between human glory and divine omnipotence.
### Summary
`{{H2226}}` (זֶרַח, *Zerach* or *Zerah*) is a Hebrew proper noun derived from the verb `{{H2225}}` meaning "to rise" or "to shine forth." It signifies "shining" or "dawn." Biblically, it names several individuals, most notably Zerach, the twin son of Judah, whose birth narrative with the scarlet thread holds symbolic depth regarding divine purpose and the anticipated "shining forth" within the messianic lineage. Other occurrences include an Edomite chief, a Simeonite, a Levite, and Zerach the Ethiopian, whose massive army was defeated by God through King Asa, underscoring God's absolute power. The name, therefore, subtly points to themes of light, new beginnings, divine sovereignty, and the ultimate triumph of God's will over human power.
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