### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word **Naʻărâh**, represented by `{{H5292}}`, is used as a proper name for both a person and a place. It appears **4 times** across **3 unique verses** in the Bible. The word's definition identifies it as "Naarah, the name of an Israelitess, and of a place in Palestine; Naarah, Naarath." This dual usage points to its role in establishing both genealogical and geographical records in the biblical text.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In the biblical narrative, `{{H5292}}` appears in two distinct contexts. Geographically, it is mentioned as **Naarath**, a landmark on the border described in Joshua's account of the allotment of land [[Joshua 16:7]]. Genealogically, the name **Naarah** identifies one of the two wives of Ashur, the father of Tekoa [[1 Chronicles 4:5]]. Her lineage is further detailed when the text states that **Naarah** bare him several sons, establishing her role in the family line [[1 Chronicles 4:6]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words clarify the context surrounding Naarah's identity as an individual:
* `{{H802}}` **ʼishshâh** (woman, wife): Naarah is explicitly identified as one of the wives of Ashur [[1 Chronicles 4:5]]. The term **wife** defines her primary familial and social role within the genealogy. The concept is foundational, as seen in the instruction for a man to cleave unto his **wife** [[Genesis 2:24]].
* `{{H3205}}` **yâlad** (to bear young; causatively, to beget): This word is used to describe Naarah's key action in the genealogy: "Naarah **bare** him" sons [[1 Chronicles 4:6]]. This verb is central to biblical narratives about lineage, such as when a son is prophesied to be **born** [[Isaiah 9:6]].
* `{{H1121}}` **bên** (a son): The outcome of Naarah's childbearing is the birth of sons. The text lists her descendants as "the **sons** of Naarah" [[1 Chronicles 4:6]]. This term is crucial for tracking inheritance and lineage throughout scripture, as seen in commands to teach God's laws to "thy **sons**, and thy **sons**' **sons**" [[Deuteronomy 4:9]].
### Theological Significance
The significance of `{{H5292}}` lies in its contribution to the Bible's detailed records of lineage and land.
* **Genealogical Marker:** The primary role of Naarah is to establish a specific family line within the tribe of Judah. Her inclusion as a **wife** of Ashur and the mother of his sons ensures the continuity and accuracy of the genealogical record [[1 Chronicles 4:5-6]].
* **Geographical Boundary:** As **Naarath**, the name serves a cartographic function, precisely defining the borders of the territory given to the tribes of Israel. This underscores the importance of the land in the biblical account [[Joshua 16:7]].
* **Documenting Matrilineage:** By naming Naarah alongside Helah as one of two **wives** [[1 Chronicles 4:5]], the text acknowledges the role of specific women in the history of Israel's families, even when details are sparse.
### Summary
In summary, `{{H5292}}` is a proper name used to identify both an Israelite woman and a location in Palestine. While its appearances are few, it plays a specific and important role in the biblical text. As **Naarah**, it documents a maternal line in the genealogies of 1 Chronicles, and as **Naarath**, it helps delineate sacred territory in Joshua. The word illustrates how even minor names contribute to the detailed fabric of scripture, preserving historical, genealogical, and geographical information.
TRV