a patrial from (probably) a collateral form of חָרִיף; a Charuphite or inhabitant of Charuph (or Chariph); Haruphite.
Transliteration:Chărûwphîy
Pronunciation:khar-oo-fee'
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew term Chărûwphîy (`{{H2741}}`) is a gentilic noun, signifying "a Haruphite" or "an inhabitant of Charuph (or Chariph)." As a patrial designation, its primary function is to identify an individual or group by their familial or geographical origin. The base definition suggests a derivation from a collateral form of the proper noun Chariph (`{{H2742}}`), which itself may be rooted in the concept of "sharpness" or "keenness" (related to the adjective chariph, `{{H2776}}`). However, for the gentilic Chărûwphîy, the semantic range is strictly confined to identification of lineage or place, rather than inheriting the semantic nuances of the root adjective. It denotes membership in a specific clan or community, "the sons of Hariph" or "the men of Hariph."
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
Chărûwphîy (`{{H2741}}`) appears in the post-exilic biblical texts, specifically within the books of Ezra and Nehemiah, which document the return of the Jewish exiles from Babylon and the subsequent rebuilding of Jerusalem and its community.
1. **[[Ezra 2:18]] and [[Nehemiah 7:24]]**: In these parallel passages, "the children of Hariph" (or "the men of Hariph") are listed among the families who returned from Babylonian captivity with Zerubbabel. Both verses record their number as "a hundred and twelve." This inclusion in the meticulous genealogical and census lists underscores the importance of maintaining tribal and familial identity during the restoration period. It highlights the continuity of the Israelite community, even after generations in exile, as families like the Haruphites faithfully returned to their ancestral land.
2. **[[Nehemiah 10:19]]**: Here, "Hariph" is listed among the heads of the people who sealed the solemn covenant in the days of Nehemiah. This covenant, made by the returning exiles, pledged commitment to the Law of Moses, rejection of foreign marriages, and support for the Temple. The presence of a representative from the Haruphite family among the signatories indicates their active participation and commitment to the spiritual and social renewal of the nation. This demonstrates their integration into the leadership and the collective resolve to live according to God's statutes.
In both contexts, the Haruphites are presented as an integral part of the returning community, contributing to the demographic and spiritual re-establishment of Judah.
### Related Words & Concepts
The gentilic Chărûwphîy (`{{H2741}}`) is directly linked to the proper noun Hariph (`{{H2742}}`), which designates the ancestral head or place from which the family derived its name. While the precise etymology of Hariph (`{{H2742}}`) is debated, it is often associated with the Hebrew root meaning "sharp" or "keen" (chariph, `{{H2776}}`). This underlying root, however, does not directly inform the meaning of the gentilic itself, which functions purely as an identifier.
Related concepts include:
* **Gentilic Nouns**: Like other gentilics in the Bible (e.g., Benjaminite, Judahite), Chărûwphîy serves to establish lineage and tribal affiliation, crucial for land allocation, religious duties, and social order in ancient Israel.
* **Genealogies and Censuses**: The lists in Ezra and Nehemiah are not mere rosters but theological statements affirming God's faithfulness in preserving a remnant and the importance of heritage in His redemptive plan.
* **Return from Exile (Shuvah)**: The Haruphites embody the broader theme of the return from Babylonian captivity, a pivotal moment in Israelite history signifying divine restoration and the re-gathering of God's people.
* **Covenant Renewal**: Their participation in sealing the covenant in Nehemiah 10 connects them to the renewed commitment to God's Law and the rebuilding of the community on a foundation of obedience.
### Theological Significance
The seemingly minor mention of the Haruphites carries significant theological weight within the post-exilic narrative. Their inclusion in the lists of returnees highlights God's meticulous care for His people and His faithfulness in fulfilling His promises of restoration. Even small family units, identified by their ancestral names, were part of God's grand plan to re-establish the covenant community in the land.
Their participation in sealing the covenant in [[Nehemiah 10:19]] underscores the corporate responsibility and individual commitment required for national spiritual renewal. It demonstrates that the rebuilding of Jerusalem was not merely a physical endeavor but, more profoundly, a spiritual one, requiring the active participation and dedication of all families, including the Haruphites, to uphold God's Law. This act of covenant renewal signifies a conscious turning back to Yahweh and a collective desire to live in obedience, thereby securing the future of the remnant. The Haruphites, as part of this collective, represent the vital role of every family and individual in the unfolding of God's redemptive history.
### Summary
Chărûwphîy (`{{H2741}}`) is a Hebrew gentilic noun meaning "a Haruphite," identifying a member of the family or clan of Hariph. Primarily found in the post-exilic books of Ezra and Nehemiah ([[Ezra 2:18]], [[Nehemiah 7:24]], [[Nehemiah 10:19]]), its occurrences are significant for their context within the lists of returnees from Babylonian exile and those who sealed the covenant. The Haruphites represent a specific lineage that participated in the re-establishment of the Jewish community in Judah, embodying themes of divine faithfulness, the continuity of Israelite identity, and the collective commitment to covenant renewal. Their presence in these vital records affirms the importance of every family in God's redemptive plan and the corporate dedication required for the spiritual and physical rebuilding of the nation.
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