The Hebrew name ʻEzrâh, represented by H5834, identifies a specific individual in the Old Testament. The name simply means Ezrah, an Israelite. It is a rare name in scripture, appearing only 1 time in 1 unique verse, placing it within a specific genealogical context.
The single appearance of H5834 is found in the genealogies of the book of 1 Chronicles. The verse lists him as a patriarch, stating, "And the sons of Ezra were, Jether, and Mered, and Epher, and Jalon" 1 Chronicles 4:17. The same verse continues the lineage by listing others who were born into his family line: Miriam, Shammai, and Ishbah. This places ʻEzrâh firmly within the recorded ancestry of the people of Israel.
The context of H5834 is defined by its relationship to other genealogical terms and names within its only verse:
- H1121 bên (son): This word establishes the primary relationship in the verse, defining Jether, Mered, Epher, and Jalon as the direct descendants of Ezra. The term literally means "a son (as a builder of the family name)" 1 Chronicles 4:17.
- H1 ʼâb (father): This term appears in the same verse to describe Ezra's descendant, Ishbah, who is identified as "the father of Eshtemoa," showing the continuation of the family line 1 Chronicles 4:17.
- H2029 hârâh (to conceive): This verb describes the bearing of children within Ezra's family line, as the verse notes "and she bare Miriam, and Shammai, and Ishbah" 1 Chronicles 4:17. It means to be or become pregnant.
- H851 ʼEshtᵉmôaʻ (Eshtemoa): This name is identified as the descendant of Ezra's son Ishbah, demonstrating the progression of the genealogy to the next generation 1 Chronicles 4:17.
The significance of H5834 is entirely tied to its role within the biblical genealogies. It does not carry broader theological weight but serves a crucial structural function.
- Genealogical Record: The mention of ʻEzrâh in 1 Chronicles serves to anchor his family line within the official historical and tribal records of Israel.
- Patriarchal Identity: He is presented solely as a progenitor, a father whose identity is established by the listing of his sons H1121.
- Continuity of Lineage: The verse demonstrates the importance of generational continuity by not only naming his sons but also noting his descendant Ishbah as the father H1 of Eshtemoa, preserving the family tree for future generations.
In summary, H5834 refers to the individual ʻEzrâh, an Israelite whose contribution to the biblical narrative is his place in the genealogy of 1 Chronicles. His singular appearance is not for a doctrinal lesson but to document his existence and identify him as a father whose descendants were part of the recorded lineage of Israel. The name functions as a key link in the ancestral chain.
TRV