### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew name **Charhăyâh** `{{H2736}}`, rendered as **Harhaiah**, is found just **1 time** in **1 unique verse** in the Bible. The name itself is defined as "fearing Jah," identifying the bearer as an Israelite. Its sole appearance connects it to a pivotal moment in the history of Jerusalem.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In the biblical narrative, Harhaiah `{{H2736}}` is mentioned exclusively as a father figure. His son, Uzziel `{{H5816}}`, is listed as one of the workers who helped to rebuild the walls of Jerusalem under Nehemiah's leadership. The text specifies that Uzziel, a member of the goldsmiths `{{H6884}}`, repaired `{{H2388}}` a section of the wall next to another worker, Hananiah `{{H2608}}`. This act was part of a larger effort where they fortified `{{H5800}}` Jerusalem `{{H3389}}` all the way to the broad wall (`{{H7342}}`, `{{H2346}}`) [[Nehemiah 3:8]]. Harhaiah is known only through his son's participation in this sacred work of restoration.
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words from this account provide deeper context for Harhaiah's legacy:
* `{{H5816}}` **ʻUzzîyʼêl** (Uzziel): The name of Harhaiah's son, meaning "strength of God." Uzziel is listed among those who repaired `{{H2388}}` the wall of Jerusalem [[Nehemiah 3:8]].
* `{{H2388}}` **châzaq** (repaired): This root means "to fasten upon; hence, to seize, be strong... repair, fortify." It describes the physical and spiritual strengthening involved in the reconstruction efforts. Jonathan used this action to strengthen `{{H2388}}` David's hand `{{H3027}}` in God [[1 Samuel 23:16]].
* `{{H6884}}` **tsâraph** (goldsmiths): Uzziel's trade, which means "to fuse (metal), i.e. refine." This suggests a skilled artisan contributing his craft to the rebuilding. The term is also used figuratively for God refining his people [[Zechariah 13:9]].
* `{{H2346}}` **chôwmâh** (wall): The structure being rebuilt is described as a "wall of protection." God promises to be a wall `{{H2346}}` of fire for Jerusalem, emphasizing its divine defense [[Zechariah 2:5]].
* `{{H5800}}` **ʻâzab** (fortified): In this context, this word conveys strengthening or fortifying the city. It more commonly means to "forsake" or "leave," creating a powerful contrast: the same root used for forsaking God is here used to fortify His city [[Nehemiah 3:8]].
### Theological Significance
Though mentioned only once, the name Harhaiah `{{H2736}}` carries theological weight through its context.
* **A Legacy of Faith:** The name "fearing Jah" is directly connected to the work of his son, Uzziel, whose name means "strength of God." This pairing suggests that a father's reverence for God produced a son who acted with God-given strength to serve a divine purpose.
* **Sacred Contribution:** The rebuilding of Jerusalem's wall `{{H2346}}` was not merely a construction project but a spiritual restoration of the nation's security and identity. Harhaiah's lineage contributed directly to this work through his son, a goldsmith `{{H6884}}`, showing that secular skills can be consecrated for holy tasks.
* **Communal Restoration:** The account in [[Nehemiah 3:8]] places Uzziel alongside Hananiah, son of an apothecary `{{H7546}}`, highlighting a collective effort. Harhaiah's family was part of a community of believers from various trades working together to repair `{{H2388}}` and protect `{{H5800}}` God's city.
### Summary
In summary, **Harhaiah** `{{H2736}}` represents the faithful individual whose identity is preserved through their contribution to God's larger plan. His name, "fearing Jah," serves as the spiritual foundation for his son Uzziel's work in fortifying Jerusalem. The single mention of Harhaiah demonstrates how a legacy of faith can empower the next generation to lend their strength and skills to the cause of divine restoration.
TRV