The Hebrew word ʼArpakshad, represented by H775, refers to a post-flood patriarch named Arphaxad. The name is noted as being probably of foreign origin. It appears 9 times across 9 unique verses in scripture, primarily within genealogies that establish the lineage descending from Noah's son, Shem.
In the biblical narrative, H775 is consistently placed as a critical link in the generations following the great flood. He is identified as one of the sons of Shem (Genesis 10:22, 1 Chronicles 1:17). Scripture specifies that he was born two years after the flood Genesis 11:10. The genealogies further record that Arphaxad begat Salah Genesis 10:24 and lived for many years afterward, begetting other sons and daughters Genesis 11:13.
Several related words are essential for understanding Arphaxad's place in the biblical lineage:
- H8035 Shêm (Shem, a son of Noah): This identifies Arphaxad's father, placing him directly in the lineage of the son of Noah who received a blessing Genesis 9:26. Arphaxad is listed among the children of Shem Genesis 10:22.
- H1121 bên (a son): This term defines the generational relationship. Arphaxad is a son of Shem 1 Chronicles 1:17, and this word is used to structure the entire genealogical account.
- H7974 Shelach (Shelach, a postdiluvian patriarch; Salah, Shelah): This is the name of Arphaxad's son and heir in the recorded lineage, linking Arphaxad to subsequent generations Genesis 10:24.
- H3205 yâlad (to bear young; causatively, to beget): This verb is the primary action word in the genealogies, establishing the direct line of descent. The text states that Arphaxad begat Salah Genesis 11:12.
The genealogical weight of H775 is significant for the biblical timeline and the establishment of the Israelite people.
- Post-Flood Continuity: Arphaxad's birth is explicitly timed as taking place "two years after the flood," making him a foundational figure in the world's repopulation and the continuation of the godly line through Shem Genesis 11:10.
- Link to Eber: He is the father of Shelah and the grandfather of Eber (Genesis 10:24, 1 Chronicles 1:18). Eber is a key patriarch from whom the term "Hebrew" is derived, making Arphaxad a direct ancestor.
- Chronological Marker: The accounts in Genesis meticulously record that Arphaxad was thirty-five years old when he begat Salah and that he lived hundreds of years more, demonstrating the importance of his life in the scriptural timeline Genesis 11:12-13.
In summary, H775 is far more than just a name in a list. As Arphaxad, he is a vital patriarchal figure in the biblical record. His position as a son of Shem and an ancestor of Eber secures a crucial link in the lineage from Noah's family to the patriarchs of Israel. The detailed accounting of his life underscores his importance in establishing the historical and theological continuity of God's people after the flood.
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