from an unused root of uncertain signification and יָהּ; Jaareshjah, an Israelite; Jaresiah.
Transliteration:Yaʻăreshyâh
Pronunciation:yah-ar-esh-yaw'
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew term H3298, יַעֲרֶשְׁיָה (Yaʻăreshyâh), is a proper name, specifically an Israelite personal name. Its etymology, as provided, indicates a compound structure: it is derived "from an unused root of uncertain signification and יָהּ." The latter element, "יָהּ" (Yah), is a well-attested theophoric element, a shortened form of the divine name YHWH (Yahweh). This signifies "the Lord" or "Yahweh." The challenge in discerning the full semantic range of Yaʻăreshyâh lies in the "unused root of uncertain signification." This means the precise meaning of the first part of the name is lost to us. Consequently, while the divine connection is clear, the specific nuance or hope conveyed by the parents through the name's full meaning remains a mystery. Despite this uncertainty, the presence of "Yah" firmly anchors the name within the worship and acknowledgment of the God of Israel.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The name Yaʻăreshyâh (H3298) appears only once in the Hebrew Bible, in the book of 1 Chronicles:
* [[1 Chronicles 8:27]]: "Jaareshiah, Elijah, and Zichri were the sons of Jeroham."
This solitary occurrence places Yaʻăreshyâh within a detailed genealogical record of the tribe of Benjamin. Specifically, he is listed as one of the sons of Jeroham, a prominent family within the lineage of Benjamin. The context is purely genealogical, providing no further narrative details about Jaareshiah himself, his deeds, or his character. His inclusion in this extensive list underscores the meticulous record-keeping of Israelite tribal affiliations and the importance of maintaining ancestral lines, particularly in the post-exilic period when these genealogies were compiled or reaffirmed. The purpose here is to establish lineage and tribal identity, rather than to recount personal history.
### Related Words & Concepts
The primary related concept to H3298 is the broader category of theophoric names in the Hebrew Bible. These are names that incorporate the name or a title of God, reflecting the pervasive influence of faith and divine acknowledgment in Israelite culture. The element "יָהּ" (Yah), as seen in Yaʻăreshyâh, is a common suffix in such names (e.g., Isaiah (Yesha'yahu), Jeremiah (Yirmeyahu), Zechariah (Zekharyah)). Similarly, the prefix "Yeho-" or "Yo-" also derives from YHWH. Other names incorporate "El" (God), such as Daniel or Samuel. The practice of bestowing such names often conveyed the parents' devotion, a prayer for divine protection, or a prophetic declaration about the child's life or character. While the specific meaning of the "unused root" in Yaʻăreshyâh is unknown, its connection to "Yah" places it firmly within this rich tradition of names that bear witness to the living God. The genealogical context also relates to the concept of tribal identity and the preservation of covenant lines.
### Theological Significance
Despite the obscurity of its first element, the theological significance of Yaʻăreshyâh rests primarily on the clear presence of "יָהּ" (Yah), the divine name. This signifies that even within the intricacies of Israelite lineage, the name of God was invoked and honored. The very act of naming a child with a divine element speaks to the parents' faith and their desire to place their offspring under the blessing and sovereignty of Yahweh. In a broader sense, the inclusion of such names in the biblical genealogies, even for individuals about whom nothing else is recorded, serves as a quiet but profound testimony to God's continuous involvement in the lives of His people. It underscores the covenant relationship, indicating that God's presence permeated the very fabric of Israelite identity, from the grand narratives of salvation history down to the naming of individual family members. The name, though perhaps not fully understood by us, stands as a small monument to the pervasive worship of Yahweh within the Benjamite tribe.
### Summary
Yaʻăreshyâh (H3298) is an Israelite proper name found only once in [[1 Chronicles 8:27]], appearing in a genealogical list of the tribe of Benjamin. While its precise meaning is obscured by an "unused root of uncertain signification," the name clearly incorporates the theophoric element "יָהּ" (Yah), a shortened form of the divine name YHWH. This divine component places Yaʻăreshyâh within the rich tradition of Israelite names that acknowledge and honor God. Its sole occurrence in a genealogy highlights the meticulous record-keeping of Israelite lineages and underscores the pervasive presence of God's name and covenant relationship within the lives and identities of His people, even for individuals about whom no other details are preserved.
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