The Hebrew word Chădar, represented by H2316, refers to Hadar, an Ishmaelite. It appears 1 time across 1 unique verse in the Bible. Its sole appearance is within a genealogical list, where it functions exclusively as a proper name to identify an individual within the lineage of Ishmael.
The single biblical use of H2316 is found in a list of Ishmael's sons. In Genesis, the verse reads, "Hadar, and Tema, Jetur, Naphish, and Kedemah" Genesis 25:15. This placement firmly establishes Hadar's identity and familial context. The verse serves as a historical record, documenting the twelve progenitors of the Ishmaelite tribes.
Several related words appear alongside H2316, clarifying its genealogical context:
- H8485 Têymâʼ (Tema, a son of Ishmael, and the region settled by him; Tema): Listed directly with Hadar, Tema is identified as both a son of Ishmael Genesis 25:15 and the namesake of a region and its people, such as "The inhabitants of the land of Tema" Isaiah 21:14.
- H3195 Yᵉṭûwr (Jetur, a son of Ishmael; Jetur): Jetur is another son of Ishmael named in the same list Genesis 25:15. This connection is confirmed in a parallel genealogical record that explicitly states, "These are the sons of Ishmael" 1 Chronicles 1:31.
- H5305 Nâphîysh (Naphish, a son of Ishmael, and his posterity; Naphish): Also named with Hadar and Jetur, Naphish is noted as an ancestor whose descendants are mentioned in later conflicts 1 Chronicles 5:19.
The significance of H2316 is rooted entirely in its function within biblical genealogy.
- Documenting Lineage: The primary role of Hadar's inclusion in scripture is to contribute to the meticulous record-keeping of family lines. The list in Genesis 25:15 helps establish the origins and identities of peoples descended from Ishmael.
- Progenitors of Nations: The names listed alongside Hadar are not just individuals but often represent the founders of clans or nations. This is evident with H8485 Têymâʼ, whose name became associated with a people and a region Job 6:19. Hadar's inclusion is part of this pattern of mapping the formation of ancient peoples.
In summary, H2316 Chădar is a proper noun, Hadar, whose sole biblical reference serves a specific genealogical purpose. It appears once in a list of the sons of Ishmael Genesis 25:15, establishing his identity within that lineage. While a minor name, its inclusion is significant for biblical record-keeping, helping to map the descendants who would form the nations and peoples of the ancient world. It illustrates how even a single, rare word plays a precise role in constructing the larger narrative of biblical history and kinship.
TRV