from רָגַם; stoneheap; Regem, an Israelite; Regem.
Transliteration:Regem
Pronunciation:reh'-gem
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew term `{{H7276}}` רֶגֶם (Regem) derives from the root `{{H7275}}` רָגַם (ragam), which fundamentally means "to stone" or "to heap stones." Therefore, the primary semantic range of `{{H7276}}` encompasses "stoneheap" or "heap of stones." This base meaning suggests a physical aggregation of rocks, often formed for specific purposes in the ancient Near East, such as memorials, boundary markers, or even as a result of punishment (stoning). However, in its sole biblical occurrence, `{{H7276}}` functions exclusively as a proper noun, the name of an individual. The transition from a common noun denoting a physical object to a personal name is not uncommon in biblical Hebrew, where names often carry descriptive or etymological significance, potentially reflecting circumstances of birth, physical characteristics, or hopes for the individual.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term `{{H7276}}` רֶגֶם appears only once in the Hebrew Bible, specifically in the genealogical records of 1 Chronicles:
* [[1 Chronicles 2:47]]: "The sons of Jahdai: Regem, Jotham, Geshan, Pelet, Ephah, and Shaaph."
In this context, Regem is listed as one of the six sons of Jahdai, a descendant of Judah through Caleb. The passage is part of an extensive genealogical compilation that meticulously traces the lineages of Israel, particularly the royal tribe of Judah. The purpose of these lists is multifaceted: to establish tribal identity, demonstrate the fulfillment of divine promises regarding progeny, and provide a historical framework for the nation of Israel. As a proper noun within a genealogy, `{{H7276}}` Regem does not carry its literal meaning of "stoneheap" but rather identifies a specific individual within a family line. The text provides no further narrative details about Regem, leaving his personal history or any potential connection to the etymological meaning of his name unelaborated. His inclusion, however, underscores the meticulous preservation of lineage within Israelite society and the divine providence over the generations.
### Related Words & Concepts
The most direct linguistic relation to `{{H7276}}` רֶגֶם is its verbal root `{{H7275}}` רָגַם, "to stone." This root is frequently used in the context of capital punishment by stoning, a prescribed method of execution for various offenses in the Mosaic Law (e.g., [[Leviticus 20:2]], [[Deuteronomy 13:10]]). The act of stoning inherently involves the heaping or throwing of stones, thus linking the verb to the noun's literal meaning.
Other related concepts include:
* `{{H68}}` אֶבֶן ('eben): The general Hebrew word for "stone," foundational to many biblical metaphors and structures.
* `{{H1530}}` גַּל (gal): Meaning "heap" or "mound," often specifically a "heap of stones," used for memorials (e.g., [[Genesis 31:46]], "Galeed") or as a sign of desolation.
* `{{H4676}}` מַצֵּבָה (matstsebah): A "standing stone" or "pillar," often erected as a memorial, boundary marker, or cultic object.
While `{{H7276}}` Regem itself is only a personal name in Scripture, its etymological connection to "stones" and "heaping" places it within a broader semantic field that carries significant cultural and religious weight in ancient Israel. Stones were integral to covenants, altars, memorials, and judicial processes, symbolizing permanence, witness, and judgment.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of `{{H7276}}` Regem is primarily derived from its inclusion in the sacred genealogical record rather than any specific narrative action attributed to the individual.
1. **Divine Providence in Lineage:** The meticulous preservation of genealogies in books like Chronicles underscores God's providential oversight of human history and the unfolding of His redemptive plan. Every individual, even those briefly mentioned, plays a part in the larger tapestry of God's work, leading ultimately to the lineage of the Messiah.
2. **The Significance of Names:** While the text provides no specific explanation for Regem's name, biblical names often carried meaning, sometimes reflecting circumstances, character, or destiny. If "Regem" was indeed linked to "stoneheap," it might have signified a birth near a stone landmark, an event involving stones, or perhaps a symbolic hope for the individual to be a "foundation" or "pillar" in his family. However, without narrative context, such interpretations remain speculative.
3. **Inclusivity of God's People:** The inclusion of Regem, alongside numerous other individuals without extensive narratives, highlights the biblical emphasis on the collective identity of God's people. Each member, regardless of their prominence in historical accounts, contributes to the continuity and identity of the covenant community. This reinforces the idea that all lives are known and valued by God.
### Summary
`{{H7276}}` רֶגֶם (Regem) is a Hebrew term whose root meaning is "stoneheap," derived from `{{H7275}}` רָגַם, "to stone." Despite its etymological connection to physical stones, its sole biblical occurrence is as a proper noun, the name of an Israelite man listed in the genealogy of Judah in [[1 Chronicles 2:47]]. As a personal name within a genealogical record, `{{H7276}}` primarily serves to identify an individual within the lineage of Israel, contributing to the meticulous historical and tribal documentation of God's people. While no narrative details are provided about Regem, his inclusion underscores the divine preservation of lineage and the theological significance of every individual within God's unfolding plan. The word's connection to "stones" also subtly links it to broader biblical themes of permanence, witness, and the foundational elements of Israelite life and law.
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