from עִיר and נָחָשׁ; city of a serpent; Ir-Nachash, a place in Palestine; Irnahash.
Transliteration:ʻÎyr Nâchâsh
Pronunciation:eer naw-khawsh'
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew term ʻÎyr Nâchâsh (`{{H5904}}`) is a compound proper noun, functioning as a place name. Its etymology derives from two distinct Hebrew words: עִיר (ʻîr, `{{H5892}}`), meaning "city" or "town," and נָחָשׁ (nâchâsh, `{{H5175}}`), meaning "serpent" or "snake." Thus, the literal and primary meaning of ʻÎyr Nâchâsh is "City of the Serpent" or "Serpent City." As a proper geographical designation, its semantic range is highly restricted, referring solely to this specific locality in ancient Palestine. The name likely originated from a notable presence of serpents in the area, a local legend, or perhaps even a form of serpent worship practiced there prior to Israelite settlement, though the biblical text does not elaborate on its naming.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
ʻÎyr Nâchâsh (`{{H5904}}`) appears only once in the Hebrew Bible, in the genealogical records of the tribe of Judah:
* [[1 Chronicles 4:12]]: "The sons of Eshton were Rechah, Beth-rapha, and Paseah, and Tehinnah the father of Ir-nahash. These were the men of Recah."
This solitary occurrence places ʻÎyr Nâchâsh within the extensive genealogies found in 1 Chronicles, which serve to establish tribal lineages, land inheritances, and historical continuity, particularly for the post-exilic community. In this context, Tehinnah is identified as "the father of Ir-nahash," which is best understood as "the founder or inhabitant of Ir-nahash." This indicates that Tehinnah's lineage or influence was strongly associated with this particular town. The exact geographical location of ʻÎyr Nâchâsh remains uncertain, though it is generally presumed to have been situated within the territory allotted to the tribe of Judah. The inclusion of such a specific, seemingly minor place name underscores the meticulous nature of biblical genealogies, which often intertwine personal lineage with territorial markers, reflecting the deep connection between identity, family, and land in ancient Israel.
### Related Words & Concepts
The components of ʻÎyr Nâchâsh provide insight into broader biblical themes:
* **עִיר (`{{H5892}}`, "city/town"):** Cities in the biblical narrative often represent centers of human civilization, commerce, and power. They can be places of refuge and divine protection (e.g., Jerusalem, the "City of God"), but also sites of idolatry, sin, and judgment (e.g., Sodom, Babylon). The concept of a city is foundational to understanding community, governance, and human interaction within God's covenant.
* **נָחָשׁ (`{{H5175}}`, "serpent/snake"):** The serpent holds a complex and often potent symbolism in the Bible. Most notably, it is associated with temptation and deception in the Garden of Eden, where the serpent acts as an agent of evil, leading humanity into sin ([[Genesis 3:1-15]]). It also appears as an instrument of divine judgment (e.g., the fiery serpents in the wilderness, [[Numbers 21:6-9]]) and, paradoxically, as a symbol of healing when Moses lifted up the bronze serpent ([[Numbers 21:9]]). In other ancient Near Eastern cultures, serpents were sometimes revered or associated with fertility and wisdom. The naming of a city "Serpent City" could reflect a historical encounter with literal snakes, a local cultic practice involving serpents, or perhaps a more symbolic reference to a cunning or dangerous characteristic of the place or its inhabitants.
The combination of "city" and "serpent" for a place name is unique and suggests a distinctive local feature, possibly natural or historical, that left its mark on the collective memory of the community.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of ʻÎyr Nâchâsh (`{{H5904}}`), a singular occurrence of a place name in a genealogy, is indirect but nonetheless present within the broader biblical narrative.
1. **Divine Providence in Detail:** The inclusion of such an obscure place name in the inspired text highlights God's meticulous attention to detail in the historical record of His people. Even seemingly minor localities and lineages are part of His overarching plan, culminating in the lineage of the Messiah.
2. **Land and Inheritance:** The mention of ʻÎyr Nâchâsh, like other place names in genealogies, underscores the importance of land inheritance and tribal territories within God's covenant with Israel. It speaks to the fulfillment of promises concerning the land and the establishment of God's people within it.
3. **The Shadow of the Serpent:** While purely speculative, the name "City of the Serpent" might subtly evoke the pervasive influence of evil and sin, even in the land promised to God's people. It stands in stark contrast to the ultimate victory promised in [[Genesis 3:15]], where the seed of the woman would crush the serpent's head. The existence of a "Serpent City" within Judah's territory serves as a reminder that the spiritual battle against the forces of darkness is fought even in the physical landscape of God's people, awaiting the full manifestation of Christ's triumph.
4. **Historical Realism:** The Bible does not sanitize the historical record. It includes names that might seem unusual or even ominous, reflecting the complex realities of ancient life, including natural dangers or past pagan influences, all within the framework of God's sovereign control over history.
### Summary
ʻÎyr Nâchâsh (`{{H5904}}`) is a unique Hebrew place name meaning "City of the Serpent," derived from עִיר (`{{H5892}}`, "city") and נָחָשׁ (`{{H5175}}`, "serpent"). Its sole biblical appearance is in [[1 Chronicles 4:12]], where it identifies a town associated with Tehinnah in the genealogies of Judah. While its exact location remains unknown, its inclusion underscores the biblical emphasis on meticulous historical and geographical records, reflecting the importance of land inheritance and tribal identity within God's covenant. The name itself, "Serpent City," carries potential symbolic weight, alluding to the pervasive presence of natural dangers or the broader spiritual conflict with evil, even as God meticulously preserves the historical threads leading to His ultimate redemptive plan.
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