patronymically from זֶרַח; a Zarchite or descendant of Zerach; Zarchite.
Transliteration:Zarchîy
Pronunciation:zar-khee'
Detailed Word Study
AI-Generated
Loading Study...
### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew term `{{H2227}}` (Zarchîy) is a patronymic designation, meaning "of Zerach" or "descendant of Zerach." It is derived directly from the proper noun `{{H2226}}` (Zerach), who was a son of Judah by Tamar, as recorded in [[Genesis 38:30]] and [[1 Chronicles 2:4]]. The name Zerach itself is related to the verb `{{H2224}}` (zārach), meaning "to shine," "to rise (as the sun)," or "to dawn." Therefore, while `{{H2227}}` primarily denotes genealogical origin, its root carries connotations of light, brightness, or emergence, subtly linking the clan to the concept of a "shining forth" or "rising." The semantic range of `{{H2227}}` is thus confined to identifying individuals or groups belonging to this specific tribal subdivision within the tribe of Judah.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term `{{H2227}}` appears in several key biblical passages, primarily within genealogical lists and historical narratives, serving to delineate tribal and clan affiliations.
1. **Numbers 26:20**: In the second census taken in the wilderness, the Zarchites are listed as one of the five clans descended from Judah, specifically through Zerach. This highlights their recognized status as a distinct family unit within the larger tribal structure.
2. **Joshua 7:1**: This is a pivotal occurrence, identifying Achan, the individual whose sin brought defeat upon Israel at Ai, as "Achan, son of Carmi, son of Zabdi, son of Zerach, of the tribe of Judah." The meticulous genealogical detail underscores the corporate identity and responsibility within the Israelite tribal system; Achan's actions, though individual, had ramifications for his entire clan and the nation.
3. **1 Chronicles 9:6**: In the post-exilic enumeration of those who returned to settle in Jerusalem, "Jeuel and their kinsmen, 690" are listed as descendants of Zerach. This demonstrates the continuity of the Zarchite lineage through generations, even after the Babylonian exile, and their participation in the rebuilding of the community.
4. **Nehemiah 11:24**: Pethahiah, a descendant of Zerach, is noted as being "at the king's side in every matter concerning the people." This indicates that members of the Zarchite clan held positions of responsibility and influence within the restored community.
In each instance, `{{H2227}}` functions as a marker of identity, establishing lineage, highlighting participation in key historical events, and underscoring the enduring significance of tribal affiliation in ancient Israel.
### Related Words & Concepts
The study of `{{H2227}}` naturally connects to several broader biblical concepts:
* **`{{H2226}}` (Zerach):** The progenitor of the Zarchite clan. Understanding his place in the lineage of Judah (twin brother of Perez) is crucial.
* **Patronymics:** The practice of naming clans or individuals after an ancestral father (e.g., "Israelite" from Israel, "Levite" from Levi). This system was fundamental to Israelite social and legal structures, particularly concerning land inheritance and tribal roles.
* **Tribal Identity:** The concept of belonging to one of the twelve tribes of Israel. This identity dictated one's place in the land, military service, and religious duties. The Zarchites were an integral part of the powerful tribe of Judah.
* **Corporate Responsibility:** Exemplified vividly in the narrative of Achan (a Zarchite). The sin of one member could have consequences for the entire family, clan, or even the nation, illustrating the deep interconnectedness within the covenant community.
* **Genealogy:** The meticulous recording of lineages, which served to confirm land rights, establish priestly claims, and, most significantly, trace the messianic line through Judah.
### Theological Significance
While `{{H2227}}` itself is primarily a genealogical descriptor, its presence in the biblical record carries theological weight through the concepts it represents:
1. **Divine Preservation of Lineage:** The consistent mention of the Zarchites, even after centuries and exile, testifies to God's faithfulness in preserving the tribal structures and specific lineages, particularly within Judah, from whom the Messiah was prophesied to come ([[Genesis 49:10]]).
2. **Covenantal Identity and Responsibility:** The story of Achan powerfully illustrates the corporate nature of the covenant. God's covenant was not merely with individuals but with families and tribes. The sin of a Zarchite brought God's judgment upon the whole community, emphasizing the solemnity of covenant obligations and the interconnectedness of God's people.
3. **Order and Structure in God's People:** The detailed genealogies, including the Zarchites, reflect God's design for order and structure within His chosen people. Each family and clan had a place and a role, contributing to the overall fabric of Israelite society and its worship.
4. **Theological Foreshadowing (through the root name):** The root of "Zerach" (shining/rising) subtly anticipates the "rising" of the "Sun of Righteousness" ([[Malachi 4:2]]) from the tribe of Judah, the very tribe to which the Zarchites belonged, ultimately culminating in the advent of Jesus Christ.
### Summary
The term `{{H2227}}` (Zarchîy) designates a descendant of Zerach, a son of Judah and Tamar. As a patronymic, it serves primarily to identify a specific clan within the tribe of Judah, whose name carries the subtle connotation of "shining" or "rising." Its biblical occurrences, notably in genealogical lists and the narrative of Achan, underscore the vital importance of lineage and tribal identity in ancient Israel. The study of the Zarchites illuminates broader theological themes such as God's meticulous preservation of covenantal lines, the concept of corporate responsibility within the community of faith, and the divine ordering of His people. The persistent presence of the Zarchite clan in the biblical record, from the wilderness to the post-exilic period, testifies to the enduring nature of God's promises and the continuity of His people's history.
TRV