### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew name **ʼUzzên Sheʼĕrâh**, represented by `{{H242}}`, is the proper name of a place in Palestine. It is defined as the "plot of Sheerah (i.e. settled by him); Uzzen-Sheerah." This name appears only **1 time** in **1 unique verse** in the entire biblical text, making it a very specific and localized reference.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The single biblical occurrence of `{{H242}}` is found in a genealogical list within the book of Chronicles. The text states, "And his daughter was Sherah, who built Bethhoron the nether, and the upper, and Uzzensherah" [[1 Chronicles 7:24]]. This passage is significant because it directly attributes the founding and construction of this town, along with two others, to a woman named Sherah. The town is explicitly named for its builder.
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words are key to understanding the context of Uzzensherah's founding:
* `{{H7609}}` **Sheʼĕrâh** (Sherah): The Israelitess for whom the town is named. She is identified as a "daughter" `{{H1323}}` who is credited with being a builder [[1 Chronicles 7:24]].
* `{{H1129}}` **bânâh** (to build): This root verb describes Sherah's action. It is used both literally for constructing cities and figuratively for establishing a family or legacy [[Proverbs 14:1]].
* `{{H1032}}` **Bêyth Chôwrôwn** (Beth-horon): Meaning "house of hollowness," this is the other location Sherah built. It is mentioned as both an "upper" `{{H5945}}` and "nether" `{{H8481}}` city, highlighting its strategic importance [[2 Chronicles 8:5]].
* `{{H1323}}` **bath** (daughter): This word identifies Sherah's relationship within her family. Beyond its literal use, the term is often used figuratively to personify cities, such as the "daughter of Zion" [[Zechariah 9:9]].
### Theological Significance
The historical significance of `{{H242}}` is tied directly to its founding narrative.
* **Named for a Founder:** The name itself, meaning "plot of Sheerah," serves as a permanent monument to its founder, preserving her legacy within the land.
* **A Woman as Builder:** It is noteworthy that the Bible credits a woman, Sherah, with the construction of three towns. This act of building `{{H1129}}` was a significant undertaking, and attributing it to a "daughter" `{{H1323}}` is a remarkable detail in the scriptural record.
* **Strategic Construction:** Sherah is also the builder of Beth-horon, a location of clear strategic importance mentioned in accounts of military campaigns and boundary descriptions [[Joshua 10:10-11]]. The construction of Uzzensherah alongside Beth-horon suggests it was part of a significant and planned development.
### Summary
In summary, `{{H242}}` **ʼUzzên Sheʼĕrâh** is more than just a rare place name. Its sole mention in scripture provides a unique historical account of a town founded by and named after a woman named Sherah. The name's direct connection to its builder, as recorded in [[1 Chronicles 7:24]], offers a concise but powerful testament to the legacy of a female builder in ancient Israel.
TRV