The Hebrew word Yered, represented by H3382, is a proper name that comes from a root meaning "a descent." It appears 7 times in 7 unique verses in the Bible. The name is used to identify two distinct individuals: a prominent antediluvian patriarch in the lineage of Adam and an Israelite from the tribe of Judah.
In the biblical narrative, H3382 is primarily featured in the genealogical records of Genesis. Jared is presented as the son of Mahalaleel Genesis 5:15. The account details that Jared lived H2421 162 years and then begat H3205 his son, Enoch H2585 Genesis 5:18. He lived for another 800 years, having other sons and daughters, and his total lifespan is recorded as 962 years Genesis 5:19-20. A second individual named Jered is mentioned in the genealogies of Judah as the father H1 of Gedor H1446 1 Chronicles 4:18.
Several related words help establish the genealogical context of H3382:
- H3205 yâlad (to bear, beget): This verb is central to the account of Jared's life, used to mark his birth from Mahalaleel Genesis 5:15 and his fathering of Enoch Genesis 5:18. It establishes his place within the generational succession.
- H2585 Chănôwk (Enoch): This is the name of Jared's son. Jared's primary role in the Genesis narrative is as the father of Enoch, a significant patriarch whose story is uniquely highlighted in the genealogy Genesis 5:18.
- H1121 bên (son): As a term for lineage, son is crucial. Jared is presented as the son of Mahalaleel, and his legacy is carried on through his son Enoch and the other sons and daughters he had Genesis 5:19. The Israelite Jered is also listed among the sons of Bithiah 1 Chronicles 4:18.
The significance of H3382 lies in its role within biblical lineage and history.
- Genealogical Marker: The primary function of the name Jared is to serve as a vital link in the patriarchal chain from Adam to Noah. His inclusion establishes a specific generation and maintains the continuity of the recorded lineage (Genesis 5:15, 1 Chronicles 1:2).
- Antediluvian Longevity: Jared's lifespan of 962 years is a prominent feature of his narrative, illustrating the extraordinary length of life described for the generations before the flood. His life concludes with the recurring phrase, "and he died" H4191 Genesis 5:20.
- Father of a Key Figure: Jared's identity is closely tied to his son, Enoch H2585. He is remembered as the father of one of the most notable antediluvian figures Genesis 5:18.
- Tribal Identity: The later mention of Jered as the "father of Gedor" H1446 within the genealogies of Judah demonstrates the name's use in establishing specific family lines within the Israelite tribes 1 Chronicles 4:18.
In summary, Yered H3382 is a proper name used to mark specific individuals in biblical genealogies. Its meaning, "a descent," aligns with its function of tracking the line of descent from early patriarchs. The name identifies both the long-lived antediluvian who fathered Enoch Genesis 5:18 and a descendant of Judah who was the father of Gedor 1 Chronicles 4:18. Ultimately, H3382 serves as a vital anchor point in the scriptural record, preserving the historical and genealogical succession that forms a foundational part of the biblical narrative.
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