### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word **yachas**, represented by `{{H3188}}`, refers to a **pedigree or family list**, or a **genealogy**. It is a rare term, appearing only **1 time** in **1 unique verse** in the Bible. This word is derived from the root `{{H3187}}` `yâchas`, which means to enroll by pedigree.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The single use of `{{H3188}}` occurs in Nehemiah's account of restoring the community after the exile. It is written that God `{{H430}}` put it into Nehemiah's heart `{{H3820}}` to gather the nobles `{{H2715}}`, rulers `{{H5461}}`, and the people `{{H5971}}` so they could be "reckoned by genealogy" `{{H3187}}`. In this process, Nehemiah finds "a register of the **genealogy**" of those who returned from exile at the first [[Nehemiah 7:5]]. This context shows the term's connection to a formal, written family list used to establish order and identity.
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words help clarify the meaning and function of `{{H3188}}`:
* `{{H3187}}` **yâchas**: As the root verb, this means **to enroll by pedigree** or **be reckoned by genealogies**. This is the action of creating the family record, as when all of Israel was "reckoned by genealogies" and recorded in a book [[1 Chronicles 9:1]].
* `{{H5612}}` **çêpher**: This word for **register** or **book** is the physical document where a genealogy is stored. The genealogy `{{H3188}}` in Nehemiah's account is found within a `çêpher` [[Nehemiah 7:5]]. The term is also used for God's "book of remembrance" [[Malachi 3:16]].
* `{{H3789}}` **kâthab**: Meaning **to write** or **record**, this is the action that creates the genealogical list. Nehemiah found the records **written** in the register [[Nehemiah 7:5]]. This verb is also used for God's promise to **write** His law on the hearts of His people [[Jeremiah 31:33]].
* `{{H6908}}` **qâbats**: This term means **to gather** or **assemble**. It is the action God inspired Nehemiah to perform, to **gather together** the nobles, rulers, and people for the purpose of creating the genealogy [[Nehemiah 7:5]].
### Theological Significance
The theological weight of `{{H3188}}` is tied to its specific context:
* **Divine Inspiration for Social Order:** The verse states, "my God `{{H430}}` put `{{H5414}}` into mine heart `{{H3820}}`" [[Nehemiah 7:5]]. This shows that organizing the community by genealogy was a divinely prompted work to restore order and identity among God's people `{{H5971}}`.
* **A Foundation for Restoration:** The genealogy was for "them which came up `{{H5927}}` at the first `{{H7223}}`" [[Nehemiah 7:5]], linking the act of recording family lines to the national restoration after exile. This process was essential for reconstituting the community and its leadership.
* **The Authority of the Written Record:** The discovery of a "register `{{H5612}}` of the genealogy `{{H3188}}`" that was "written `{{H3789}}` therein" emphasizes the importance of formal, verifiable records in the life of Israel. This aligns with the biblical theme of God's actions and people being recorded, such as in the "book" that contains the names of those who will be delivered [[Daniel 12:1]].
### Summary
In summary, **yachas** `{{H3188}}` specifically denotes a formal, written **genealogy**. Although it appears only once, its context in [[Nehemiah 7:5]] is highly significant. It illustrates that establishing a clear pedigree was a divinely inspired act crucial for restoring the identity and structure of God's people. The term is inseparable from the concepts of being officially "reckoned" by family line and being preserved in an authoritative "register," underlining the value of heritage and order within the biblical narrative.
TRV