the same as נַעֲרָה; Naarah, the name of an Israelitess, and of a place in Palestine; Naarah, Naarath.
Transliteration:Naʻărâh
Pronunciation:nah-ar-aw'
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word `{{H5292}}` (Naʻărâh) functions exclusively as a proper noun within the biblical text. Its base definition indicates it is "the same as `{{H5291}}`," which is the common noun נַעֲרָה meaning "young woman," "girl," or "maiden." Thus, the proper name Naarah likely carries the semantic resonance of "young woman" or "maidenly," reflecting a common practice in ancient Hebrew naming where personal names often conveyed descriptive qualities or aspirations. `{{H5292}}` refers to both an individual person and a geographical location in the land of Israel.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
`{{H5292}}` appears in two distinct contexts in the Hebrew Bible:
1. **As a Personal Name:**
* In [[1 Chronicles 4:5]], Naarah is identified as one of the two wives of Ashhur, the father of Tekoa, within the genealogies of the tribe of Judah. The text states, "Ashhur, the father of Tekoa, had two wives, Helah and Naarah." Naarah bore him three sons: Ahuzzam, Hepher, and Temeni. This occurrence places Naarah within the lineage of a significant Judean family, contributing to the detailed genealogical records that underscore the continuity and identity of God's covenant people. Her inclusion, though brief, signifies her role in the unfolding of the tribal history.
2. **As a Geographical Location:**
* In [[Joshua 16:7]], "Naarath" (a variant transliteration of the same Hebrew word `{{H5292}}`) is mentioned as a boundary marker for the territory of the tribe of Ephraim. The verse describes the border's path: "And it went down from Janohah to Ataroth, and to Naarath, and touched Jericho, and went out at the Jordan." This reference is crucial for understanding the precise demarcation of the Promised Land among the Israelite tribes, highlighting the fulfillment of God's promise to Abraham regarding the land inheritance. The location, often associated with modern Khirbet el-Aujeh, served as a tangible landmark in the divinely ordained division of the land.
### Related Words & Concepts
The most direct and significant related word is `{{H5291}}` (naʻarah), the common noun for "young woman" or "maiden," from which the proper noun `{{H5292}}` is derived or with which it is identical in form. This connection illustrates the descriptive nature of many ancient Hebrew names. Other related terms include:
* `{{H5288}}` (naʻar): "young man," "lad," or "servant," representing the masculine counterpart to `{{H5291}}`.
* `{{H5271}}` (naʻal): "youth" or "childhood," referring to the period of life.
* Words related to "family" (`{{H4940}}`, mishpachah), "lineage" (`{{H3187}}`, yachas), and "inheritance" (`{{H5159}}`, nachalah) are conceptually linked due to the contexts in which `{{H5292}}` appears.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of `{{H5292}}` lies primarily in its contribution to the overarching narrative of God's faithfulness and order.
* **In Genealogies:** As a personal name, Naarah's inclusion in the Chronicles' genealogies ([[1 Chronicles 4:5]]) underscores the meticulous preservation of Israel's lineage. These records are not mere historical lists but divine archives that trace the unfolding of God's covenant promises, ultimately pointing towards the lineage of the Messiah. Every name, even briefly mentioned, signifies a link in the chain of God's redemptive plan, demonstrating His sovereignty over human history and family lines.
* **In Land Distribution:** As a place name (Naarath), its appearance in the tribal boundaries ([[Joshua 16:7]]) is profoundly significant. It testifies to the precise and divinely orchestrated fulfillment of God's promise to give the land to His people Israel. The detailed demarcation of territories reflects God's faithfulness in providing for His people and establishing their inheritance. It also signifies the tangible reality of God's presence and His ordered design for the community He has chosen.
### Summary
`{{H5292}}` (Naʻărâh) is a proper noun in Hebrew, identical in form to the common noun `{{H5291}}` meaning "young woman" or "maiden." It appears in the biblical text in two distinct capacities: as the name of a person and as the name of a place. The personal name Naarah is found in [[1 Chronicles 4:5]] as one of the wives of Ashhur, contributing to the meticulous genealogies of Judah that trace the lineage of God's covenant people. The place name Naarath (or Naarah) is cited in [[Joshua 16:7]] as a significant boundary marker for the tribe of Ephraim, illustrating the precise and divinely ordained distribution of the Promised Land. In both contexts, `{{H5292}}` serves to highlight God's faithfulness in fulfilling His promises, whether through the continuity of human generations or the tangible inheritance of the land.
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