a primitive root; to sprout; used only as denominative from יַחַשׂ; to enroll by pedigree; (number after, number throughout the) genealogy (to be reckoned), be reckoned by genealogies.
### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew verb יָחַשׂ (yâchas, `{{H3187}}`) is a primitive root with an initial meaning of "to sprout." However, its biblical usage is exclusively as a denominative verb derived from the noun יַחַשׂ (yachas), meaning "genealogy" or "pedigree." Consequently, the primary semantic range of יָחַשׂ in the biblical text revolves around the meticulous act of "enrolling by pedigree," "to be reckoned by genealogies," or "to number throughout" a lineage. This denotes a precise and authoritative process of tracing and recording one's ancestral line, affirming identity and belonging within a specific family, clan, or tribe. It emphasizes the systematic organization and verification of lineage rather than a simple count.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The verb יָחַשׂ (yâchas, `{{H3187}}`) appears predominantly in the post-exilic books of Ezra, Nehemiah, and 1 Chronicles, where the re-establishment of the community and its structures necessitated a rigorous accounting of identity. Its occurrences are consistently found in contexts dealing with genealogical records and their implications:
* **Ezra 2:62 and Nehemiah 7:64:** These parallel passages describe priests who were unable to "reckon their genealogy" (לְהִתְיַחֵשׂ) and thus were excluded from the priesthood as unclean. This highlights the critical importance of verifiable lineage for sacred office. Without a clear pedigree, one could not serve in the Temple.
* **1 Chronicles 5:1, 1 Chronicles 5:7, 1 Chronicles 5:17:** Here, the verb is used to introduce and describe the genealogical accounts of the Reubenites, Gadites, and the half-tribe of Manasseh. For example, [[1 Chronicles 5:1]] states, "Now the sons of Reuben the firstborn of Israel... were not reckoned according to the birthright" (וְהִתְיַחְשׂוּ). This demonstrates the act of compiling and ordering tribal records, often with a specific purpose, such as land allocation or military service.
* **1 Chronicles 7:5, 1 Chronicles 7:7, 1 Chronicles 7:9, 1 Chronicles 7:40:** Further examples within 1 Chronicles continue to detail the enumeration of various tribal families "reckoned by their genealogies" for military strength or administrative purposes.
* **1 Chronicles 9:1:** This verse serves as a summary statement, declaring that "All Israel was reckoned by genealogies" (וְכָל־יִשְׂרָאֵל הִתְיַחְשׂוּ). This underscores the pervasive and fundamental role of genealogical record-keeping in ancient Israelite society, not merely for specific offices but for the entire nation's identity and structure.
The consistent usage reveals that יָחַשׂ was not merely about listing names, but about establishing legal, social, and religious standing based on one's ancestral connections.
### Related Words & Concepts
The most directly related word is the noun יַחַשׂ (yachas), from which the verb יָחַשׂ (yâchas, `{{H3187}}`) is derived. This noun explicitly means "genealogy" or "pedigree," reinforcing the core concept. Other related Hebrew terms that convey aspects of counting, numbering, or registering include:
* סָפַר (sapar, `{{H5608}}`): To count, number, tell. While related to enumeration, it lacks the specific emphasis on ancestral lineage inherent in יָחַשׂ.
* מָנָה (manah, `{{H4487}}`): To count, number, appoint. Similar to סָפַר, it denotes a general act of counting or assigning.
Conceptually, יָחַשׂ is deeply intertwined with notions of:
* **Lineage and Ancestry:** The unbroken chain of descent from a progenitor.
* **Tribal Identity:** One's belonging to a specific tribe of Israel.
* **Inheritance:** The right to land or property passed down through family lines.
* **Purity:** Especially concerning the priesthood, ensuring unblemished descent.
* **Covenant:** The preservation of the covenant people through their distinct family lines.
### Theological Significance
The meticulous attention to genealogy, as expressed by יָחַשׂ (yâchas, `{{H3187}}`), carries profound theological significance.
1. **Divine Order and Providence:** The very act of carefully recording lineages reflects God's own meticulous ordering of creation and His providential care for His people. It demonstrates that history is not chaotic but unfolds according to a divine plan, with individuals placed purposefully within their family lines.
2. **Covenant Faithfulness:** Genealogies are concrete evidence of God's faithfulness to His covenant promises, particularly to Abraham concerning his descendants and to David concerning an enduring kingdom. The preservation of these records ensures the continuity of the covenant community and the eventual arrival of the promised Messiah through a specific lineage (though the New Testament genealogies use different Greek terms, the underlying Old Testament emphasis on lineage is crucial for their understanding).
3. **Identity and Belonging:** For ancient Israel, one's identity was inextricably linked to their family and tribe. To be "reckoned by genealogies" affirmed one's legitimate place within the community of God's people, granting rights, responsibilities, and a sense of belonging within the covenant. This was particularly vital during the post-exilic period when the community was being re-established and needed to distinguish itself.
4. **Purity and Separation:** The use of יָחַשׂ in contexts of priestly qualification (e.g., Ezra and Nehemiah) underscores the importance of purity and separation for those who served God. A verifiable, unblemished lineage was a prerequisite for sacred office, emphasizing the holiness required for approaching a holy God.
### Summary
The verb יָחַשׂ (yâchas, `{{H3187}}`), though rooted in the idea of "sprouting," is biblically employed as a denominative verb meaning "to enroll by pedigree" or "to be reckoned by genealogies." Its primary function in scripture, particularly in Ezra, Nehemiah, and 1 Chronicles, is to describe the meticulous and authoritative process of tracing, recording, and verifying ancestral lines. This practice was crucial for establishing tribal identity, ensuring rights of inheritance, validating claims to the priesthood, and maintaining the distinctiveness and purity of the covenant community. Theologically, יָחַשׂ points to God's providential ordering of history, His faithfulness in preserving the covenant people through their lineages, and the foundational importance of identity and belonging within the divine plan.
TRV