from חָרַף; autumnal; Chariph, the name of two Israelites; Hariph.
Transliteration:Chârîyph
Pronunciation:khaw-reef'
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word `{{H2756}}` (Chârîyph), transliterated as Chariph or Hariph, derives from the root `{{H2778}}` (châraph). While the root `{{H2778}}` primarily denotes "to reproach, taunt, defy," it also carries a secondary semantic range related to the season of autumn or the late harvest, suggesting a connection to "sharpness" or "cutting" (as in the sharpness of winter or the cutting of harvest). Thus, `{{H2756}}` itself is defined as "autumnal." However, in its biblical occurrences, `{{H2756}}` functions exclusively as a proper noun, a personal or family name. Therefore, while its etymology points to a seasonal connection, its primary meaning within the biblical text is simply to identify specific individuals or a lineage. The name may have been given to signify a birth during the autumn season, or perhaps to evoke qualities associated with that time, such as maturity or the gathering of fruit.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The name Chariph appears three times in the Old Testament, always in the post-exilic books of Ezra and Nehemiah, identifying a family or an individual participating in the restoration of Judah:
* In [[Ezra 2:18]], "the children of Hariph" are listed among those who returned from Babylonian exile with Zerubbabel. Their number is given as "a hundred and twelve." This verse is part of a comprehensive roster detailing the various families and their numbers, underscoring the collective effort in rebuilding the nation.
* A parallel account is found in [[Nehemiah 7:24]], where "the children of Hariph" are again enumerated as having returned from exile, with the identical count of "a hundred and twelve." This repetition emphasizes the consistency of the records and the established identity of this family within the returning community.
* Finally, in [[Nehemiah 10:19]], "Hariph" is listed among the heads of the people who sealed the solemn covenant to walk in God's law and observe His commandments. This occurrence indicates that a representative of the family, or an individual named Hariph, was a prominent member of the community, actively participating in the spiritual renewal and commitment to Yahweh.
In all instances, `{{H2756}}` serves as a marker of identity for individuals or a family committed to the restoration of Jerusalem and the re-establishment of the Mosaic covenant. Their inclusion in these vital lists signifies their participation in a pivotal moment of Israelite history.
### Related Words & Concepts
The root `{{H2778}}` (châraph), from which `{{H2756}}` is derived, is crucial for understanding its etymological depth. While its primary usage is related to "reproach" or "defiance" (e.g., [[1 Samuel 17:10]], [[Psalm 44:16]]), it also has a less common but significant connection to the autumn season, particularly in relation to the "early rain" or "late harvest" (e.g., `{{H2779}}` - chôreph, meaning "autumn" or "winter"). This dual semantic range highlights the richness of Hebrew wordplay and the potential for a name to carry multiple layers of meaning, even if only one is overtly expressed in its usage.
Concepts related to Chariph thus include:
* **Names and Identity:** In ancient Israel, names often carried significance, reflecting circumstances of birth, hopes, or characteristics. "Autumnal" could suggest a connection to the season of harvest, completion, or perhaps a time of transition.
* **Return from Exile:** The context of Ezra and Nehemiah places Chariph among those who demonstrated faithfulness by returning to the land and participating in its rebuilding.
* **Covenant Renewal:** The sealing of the covenant in Nehemiah 10 signifies a deep commitment to God's law and the spiritual restoration of the community.
### Theological Significance
As a proper noun, `{{H2756}}` does not carry an inherent theological doctrine. However, the individuals and family bearing this name contribute to the broader theological narrative of God's faithfulness to His covenant people and their response to His call.
* **Divine Restoration:** The presence of "the children of Hariph" among the returnees from exile underscores God's providential hand in bringing His people back to their land, fulfilling His promises despite their disobedience. Their inclusion in the lists is a testament to the meticulous care with which God orchestrated the return.
* **Human Responsibility and Commitment:** The participation of Hariph in sealing the covenant in [[Nehemiah 10:19]] highlights the human element of faith and obedience. It signifies a conscious, deliberate choice to reaffirm allegiance to God's law, crucial for the spiritual health of the post-exilic community. This act of covenant renewal was not merely a formality but a profound commitment to live righteously.
* **Significance of Lineage:** The naming of families, such as "the children of Hariph," reinforces the importance of lineage and corporate identity within Israel. It speaks to the continuity of God's people across generations and the preservation of distinct family units even through periods of immense disruption like the exile.
While the "autumnal" meaning of the name is not explicitly expounded upon in the biblical narrative, one might infer a subtle connection to the season of harvest and maturity. Just as autumn brings forth the fruit of the earth, the returnees and covenant-signers represented the mature fruit of God's redemptive plan, ready to rebuild and commit anew.
### Summary
`{{H2756}}` (Chârîyph) is a Hebrew proper noun, meaning "autumnal," derived from the root `{{H2778}}`. In the biblical text, it functions exclusively as the name of a family or an individual. The "children of Hariph" are recorded in [[Ezra 2:18]] and [[Nehemiah 7:24]] as numbering 112 among those who returned from Babylonian exile. Furthermore, an individual named Hariph is listed among the leaders who sealed the solemn covenant in [[Nehemiah 10:19]]. The significance of `{{H2756}}` lies not in its etymological meaning itself, but in its identification of individuals and a lineage actively participating in the crucial post-exilic restoration of Judah, demonstrating their commitment to God's covenant and the rebuilding of their nation and faith.
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