; from חָרָה and יָהּ; fearing Jah; Charhajah, an Israelite; Harhaiah.
Transliteration:Charhăyâh
Pronunciation:khar-hah-yaw'
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew lemma `{{H2736}}`, *Charhăyâh* (חַרְהֲיָה), is a proper noun, a personal name. Its base definition is given as "fearing Jah," derived from the root *charah* (חָרָה) and the divine element *Yah* (יָהּ). The element *Yah* (יָהּ, `{{H3050}}`) is a shortened form of Yahweh, the personal name of God, indicating a direct theological connection.
The primary challenge in understanding this name lies in the root *charah* (חָרָה, `{{H2734}}`). While *charah* most commonly signifies "to be hot," "to burn," or metaphorically "to be kindled with anger" or "wrath," its interpretation as "fearing" in this personal name suggests a nuanced or extended semantic range. This could imply an intense, fervent awe or reverence, a "burning" with respect or even trembling before the divine presence. The "fear" here is not a terror that drives one away, but a reverential awe that draws one into proper relationship, characteristic of the biblical concept of "fear of the Lord." Thus, while the direct etymological link to "fearing" from *charah* is not immediately obvious from its most common usage, the name's given meaning points to an intense, perhaps all-consuming, devotion and awe towards God.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The name *Charhăyâh* (Harhaiah in English translations) appears only once in the Hebrew Bible:
* [[Nehemiah 3:8]]: "Next to him Uzziel the son of Harhaiah, goldsmiths, repaired the next section. Next to him Hananiah, one of the perfumers, repaired, and they restored Jerusalem as far as the Broad Wall."
In this sole occurrence, Harhaiah is identified as the father of Uzziel, who was a goldsmith and participated in the crucial work of rebuilding the wall of Jerusalem under Nehemiah's leadership. The book of Nehemiah details the post-exilic restoration of Jerusalem, both physically and spiritually. The list in Nehemiah 3 meticulously records the various individuals and families who contributed to the immense task of repairing the city's defenses. The inclusion of Harhaiah's son, Uzziel, among these dedicated workers suggests that Harhaiah himself was part of a family committed to the welfare and restoration of the community and its sacred city. The name, "fearing Jah," would have served as a testament to the family's piety and their commitment to the covenant with God, a fitting characteristic for those involved in such a vital national and spiritual endeavor.
### Related Words & Concepts
The name *Charhăyâh* connects to several significant biblical concepts and linguistic elements:
* **Divine Element *Yah* (יָהּ, `{{H3050}}`):** This element, a shortened form of Yahweh, is prevalent in many Hebrew personal names (e.g., Isaiah, Jeremiah, Hezekiah). Its presence signifies a direct relationship with God and often expresses a theological statement about God's character or the parents' faith.
* **Fear of the Lord (יראת יהוה):** The concept of "fearing Jah" immediately brings to mind the foundational biblical principle of "fear of the Lord" (from the root *yare'* יָרֵא, `{{H3372}}`). This is not a servile dread, but a profound reverence, awe, and submission to God's authority and holiness. It is consistently presented as the beginning of wisdom ([[Proverbs 9:10]]), knowledge ([[Proverbs 1:7]]), and the path to life and blessing ([[Psalm 34:11]], [[Deuteronomy 6:24]]). While the root *charah* is distinct from *yare'*, the interpretive meaning of *Charhăyâh* aligns with the theological depth of "fear of the Lord."
* **Names as Confessions of Faith:** Many biblical names function as miniature theological statements, reflecting the parents' faith, their hopes for their child, or their understanding of God's work. *Charhăyâh* is a clear example of such a name, proclaiming a deep reverence for the divine.
* **Community and Restoration:** The context in Nehemiah links this name to the collective effort of the post-exilic community in rebuilding. The spiritual attitude embodied in the name "fearing Jah" would have been essential for the success of such a daunting task, requiring faith, obedience, and dedication.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of *Charhăyâh* lies primarily in its meaning: "fearing Jah." This name embodies a core tenet of Old Testament theology—the "fear of the Lord." This fear is not born of terror but of a profound recognition of God's absolute sovereignty, holiness, and justice, coupled with His covenant faithfulness and mercy. It is the proper human response to the divine.
For a family to name their child "Fearing Jah" was a powerful declaration of their own piety and their aspiration for their offspring. It suggested a household dedicated to living in accordance with God's will, acknowledging His supreme authority in all aspects of life. In the post-exilic period, as the people of Israel sought to re-establish their identity and covenant relationship with God after the trauma of exile, names like *Charhăyâh* would have served as constant reminders of the spiritual foundations upon which their renewed community was to be built. It points to a people striving for integrity, obedience, and a deep, reverential relationship with their God, Yahweh. The presence of such names in the genealogies and lists of contributors underscores the spiritual revival that accompanied the physical rebuilding of Jerusalem.
### Summary
*Charhăyâh* (`{{H2736}}`) is a unique Hebrew personal name, appearing once in [[Nehemiah 3:8]], meaning "fearing Jah." While its etymological root *charah* typically signifies "to be hot" or "angry," its interpretation in this name points to an intense, reverential awe and devotion towards God. As the name of Uzziel's father, who participated in the rebuilding of Jerusalem's wall, *Charhăyâh* represents a family deeply rooted in the post-exilic community's spiritual and physical restoration efforts. The name serves as a profound theological statement, embodying the crucial biblical concept of "fear of the Lord"—a fear characterized not by terror, but by profound reverence, obedience, and a recognition of God's holiness. It reflects the piety and covenant commitment vital for the re-establishment of the Israelite nation.
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