from the same as חֲזִיר; perhaps protection; Jachzerah, an Israelite; Jahzerah.
Transliteration:Yachzêrâh
Pronunciation:yakh-zay-raw'
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew lemma `{{H3170}}`, *Yachzêrâh* (יַחְזֵרָה), is a proper noun, specifically a personal name. Its base definition, as provided, links it to the same root as `{{H2386}}` (*chazir*), which primarily means "swine" or "pig." However, this connection is immediately qualified by the more plausible semantic suggestion for a personal name: "perhaps protection." This presents an intriguing etymological ambiguity.
While a direct derivation from "swine" for a personal name is highly improbable in a biblical context, the proposed meaning "protection" aligns well with common Hebrew naming conventions, which often convey a divine attribute or a hope/prayer. If related to the root *chazar* (חזר) in its broader sense of "to return" or "to surround/enclose," a meaning like "he causes to return" or "he surrounds/protects" becomes more intelligible. The "protection" interpretation is widely favored by scholars for its theological coherence as a personal name. Thus, while the link to `{{H2386}}` remains an etymological curiosity, the practical and theological meaning of *Yachzêrâh* is understood to convey the concept of divine safeguarding or security.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The name *Yachzêrâh* (`{{H3170}}`) appears only once in the Hebrew Bible, in a genealogical record within the book of 1 Chronicles:
* [[1 Chronicles 9:12]]: "And Adaiah the son of Jeroham, the son of Pashhur, the son of Malchijah, and Maasai the son of Adaiah, the son of Jachzerah, the son of Meshullam, the son of Meshillemith, the son of Immer;"
In this solitary occurrence, *Yachzêrâh* is listed as an ancestor of Maasai, a priest who dwelt in Jerusalem after the Babylonian exile. The broader context of [[1 Chronicles 9]] details the inhabitants of Jerusalem following the return from captivity, with a particular focus on the lineages of priests, Levites, and gatekeepers who served in the house of God. The inclusion of *Yachzêrâh* within this priestly genealogy underscores his place within a significant lineage dedicated to the Lord's service. As a name signifying "protection," it could reflect a family's hope or testimony concerning God's faithfulness in preserving their line, especially after the trauma of exile, or perhaps a characteristic attributed to the individual himself.
### Related Words & Concepts
Given that *Yachzêrâh* (`{{H3170}}`) is a proper noun with a specific proposed meaning, related words and concepts primarily revolve around its semantic content:
* **Divine Protection:** The core concept of "protection" is a pervasive theme throughout the Old Testament. God is frequently depicted as a shield, a fortress, and a protector of His people (e.g., [[Psalm 18:2]], [[Psalm 91:4]]).
* **Names of Divine Deliverance/Security:** Many Hebrew names embody similar concepts, such as *Yeshua* (`{{H3442}}`, "salvation"), *Hezekiah* (`{{H2396}}`, "YHWH strengthens"), or *Nethaniah* (`{{H5418}}`, "YHWH has given"). These names reflect a theological understanding of God's active involvement in the lives of individuals and the nation.
* **The Root *Chazar* (חזר):** If the "protection" meaning is derived from a broader understanding of *chazar* (not `{{H2386}}` "swine"), it could relate to concepts of "returning" (e.g., God returning to His people, or people returning to God for refuge) or "surrounding" (as in a protective wall).
* **Genealogical Significance:** The placement of *Yachzêrâh* in a priestly lineage connects it to the broader biblical emphasis on lineage and the preservation of covenant lines, especially for those serving in the temple.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of *Yachzêrâh* (`{{H3170}}`) primarily stems from its proposed meaning of "protection" within a priestly context.
1. **Divine Providence and Security:** The name serves as a quiet testament to the biblical truth that God is the ultimate protector of His people. For a priestly line, this might signify a deep-seated faith in God's ability to safeguard those who serve Him, even amidst the challenges of post-exilic life. It implicitly acknowledges God's power to preserve His covenant and His people.
2. **The Significance of Names:** In ancient Israel, names were not merely labels but often conveyed character, destiny, or a theological statement. *Yachzêrâh* would have served as a constant reminder, within his family and community, of God's protective hand. This resonates with the broader biblical principle that God's character is revealed in His actions of deliverance and preservation.
3. **Continuity of Priesthood:** The appearance of *Yachzêrâh* in a list of priests re-establishing their roles in Jerusalem after the exile highlights God's faithfulness in maintaining the priestly line and ensuring the continuity of worship. The very existence of these genealogies underscores the belief that God had "protected" and preserved His people through severe trials.
### Summary
*Yachzêrâh* (`{{H3170}}`) is a unique personal name appearing only once in the Hebrew Bible, found within a priestly genealogy in [[1 Chronicles 9:12]]. While its etymological link to `{{H2386}}` ("swine") is noted in its base definition, the more plausible and widely accepted meaning for this name is "protection." This interpretation aligns with common Hebrew naming practices that often reflect theological truths or aspirations. The name's singular occurrence in the context of priests returning to Jerusalem after the exile underscores the theme of divine safeguarding and the enduring nature of God's covenant with His people. It serves as a subtle reminder of God's role as the ultimate protector and the significance of names in conveying spiritual realities within biblical narratives.
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