perhaps denominative from יָרֵחַ; (born at the) new moon; Jaroach, an Israelite; Jaroah.
Transliteration:Yârôwach
Pronunciation:yaw-ro'-akh
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew lemma `{{H3386}}` (Yârôwach) is a proper noun, transliterated as Jaroach. Its base definition suggests it is likely a denominative formation from the word `{{H3394}}` (yareach), meaning "moon" or "new moon." Therefore, the name Yârôwach carries the semantic implication of "born at the new moon" or "moon-born." As a proper personal name, its semantic range is confined to identifying a specific individual within a genealogical record. However, the etymological connection to the lunar cycle points to a practice of naming children based on significant temporal markers or natural phenomena at the time of their birth, reflecting an appreciation for God's created order and the passage of time.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The name Jaroach (`{{H3386}}`) appears only once in the Hebrew Bible.
* [[1 Chronicles 5:14]]: "These were the sons of Abihail son of Huri, son of Jaroah, son of Gilead, son of Michael, son of Jeshishai, son of Jahdo, son of Buz."
In this sole occurrence, Jaroach is listed as an ancestor in the genealogy of the tribe of Gad. Specifically, he is identified as the father of Gilead and the great-grandfather of Abihail, a prominent leader among the Gadites. The context is purely genealogical, providing no narrative details about Jaroach's life, actions, or character. His inclusion in this lineage underscores the meticulous record-keeping of the chronicler, preserving the tribal heritage and demonstrating the divine preservation of the Israelite families.
### Related Words & Concepts
The most directly related word to `{{H3386}}` is `{{H3394}}` (yareach), meaning "moon." This connection highlights several broader biblical concepts:
* **The Moon in Israelite Culture:** The moon played a crucial role in ancient Israelite life, primarily as a celestial body marking time, particularly for the lunar calendar and the observance of festivals (e.g., New Moons, Passover, Sukkot). Its phases were integral to agricultural cycles and religious observances.
* **Naming Practices:** The name Jaroach exemplifies the ancient Israelite practice of bestowing names with descriptive or commemorative meanings. Names often reflected circumstances of birth, hopes for the child, or characteristics of the parents. In this case, "born at the new moon" suggests a connection to the timing of the child's arrival, possibly indicating a propitious or memorable occasion.
* **Divine Sovereignty over Creation:** While the name is linked to a natural phenomenon, it is crucial to distinguish this from pagan worship of celestial bodies. For the Israelites, the moon, like all creation, was a created entity under the sovereign rule of Yahweh. Names like Jaroach implicitly acknowledge God as the orchestrator of time and the giver of life, even when referencing aspects of His creation.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of Jaroach, a minor figure in a genealogy, lies primarily in the implications of his name and his inclusion in the divine record.
* **God's Meticulous Providence:** The very existence of such a name, even for an individual about whom nothing else is recorded, speaks to God's meticulous attention to detail and His providential oversight of human history. Every person, no matter how seemingly insignificant to human narrative, is known and accounted for by God.
* **The Sanctity of Life and Birth:** A name indicating "born at the new moon" subtly affirms the significance of birth and the timing of life events as part of God's design. It suggests that even the moment of a child's arrival can be seen as divinely ordained and worthy of commemoration.
* **Distinction from Paganism:** While the name references the moon, it stands in stark contrast to the widespread moon worship of surrounding cultures. For Israel, the moon was a created object, a "lesser light" ([[Genesis 1:16]]) appointed by God to govern the night. The name Jaroach is descriptive, not deific, underscoring Israel's monotheistic understanding where God alone is to be worshipped, not His creation. The inclusion of such a name within the sacred text implicitly testifies to God's ultimate control over all aspects of time and creation.
### Summary
The Hebrew proper noun `{{H3386}}` (Yârôwach), or Jaroach, is understood to mean "born at the new moon," deriving from `{{H3394}}` (yareach), "moon." This name appears only once in the biblical text, within the genealogy of the tribe of Gad in [[1 Chronicles 5:14]]. While no narrative details are provided about Jaroach himself, his name reflects ancient Israelite naming conventions that often commemorated the circumstances or timing of birth. Theologically, Jaroach's inclusion in the biblical record, along with the meaning of his name, subtly points to God's meticulous providence over all of creation and time, His sovereignty over life's events, and the distinct Israelite worldview that honored God as the Creator rather than worshipping His created works.
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