The Hebrew word Yerach, represented by H3392, is the proper name Jerah. It appears 2 times across 2 unique verses in the Bible. The term is defined as an Arabian patriarch, identifying a specific individual in the early biblical genealogies.
In the biblical narrative, H3392 is used exclusively to name one of the sons of Joktan. Its appearance is limited to genealogical lists that trace the lineage of early patriarchs. Both occurrences, in Genesis and 1 Chronicles, place Jerah within the same list of brothers, establishing his identity as part of the family line of Joktan (Genesis 10:26, 1 Chronicles 1:20).
Several related words establish the genealogical context for Jerah:
- H3355 Yoqṭân (he will be made little; Joktan, an Arabian patriarch; Joktan): This is the name of Jerah's father, who is the progenitor of several Arabian peoples Genesis 10:26.
- H486 ʼAlmôwdâd (Almodad, a son of Joktan): Listed as Jerah's brother, establishing the immediate family line Genesis 10:26.
- H8026 sheleph (extract; Sheleph, a son of Jokthan): Another one of Jerah's brothers mentioned in the same genealogical record 1 Chronicles 1:20.
- H2700 Chătsarmâveth (village of death; Chatsarmaveth, a place in Arabia): The name of another brother of Jerah, explicitly listed alongside him Genesis 10:26.
- H3205 yâlad (to bear young... to show lineage): This verb is used in both verses to state that Joktan "begat" his sons, including Jerah, cementing the patriarchal lineage (Genesis 10:26, 1 Chronicles 1:20).
The significance of H3392 is primarily genealogical and historical. Its importance is derived from its placement within the biblical record.
- Patriarchal Lineage: The name Jerah is preserved as part of the lineage of Joktan, contributing to the comprehensive record of early human history found in Genesis.
- Founding of Peoples: As an "Arabian patriarch," Jerah is identified as a foundational figure for one of the peoples of Arabia. His inclusion in the lists of Joktan's sons serves to trace the origins of these groups (Genesis 10:26, 1 Chronicles 1:20).
In summary, H3392 is not a common noun but the proper name Jerah. Its role in scripture is precise: to identify an individual son of Joktan. While appearing only twice, the name is a vital component of the biblical genealogies that outline the descendants of Noah's sons, specifically marking a patriarch within the Arabian family lines.
TRV