### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word **ʼartsâʼ**, represented by `{{H777}}`, is the proper name **Arza**, an Israelite. Based on the root word for "earth," it has a literal meaning of "earthiness." This name appears only **1 time** in **1 unique verse** in the entire biblical record, tying it to a single, specific historical event.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The sole appearance of `{{H777}}` is in the narrative of King Elah of Israel's assassination. Arza is identified as the "steward of his house in Tirzah." It was in the **house** of **Arza** that Zimri, a captain of chariots, conspired against King Elah and killed him while the king was drinking himself drunk [[1 Kings 16:9]]. Arza's home, therefore, serves as the setting for a pivotal moment of political treason and the transfer of royal power.
### Related Words & Concepts
The context of Arza's story connects his name to several other key Hebrew words:
* `{{H1004}}` **bayith** (a house): Arza is the steward of the king's **house**, and the conspiracy takes place within his own **house**. This word is frequently used to denote a physical dwelling but also a family or household, as in Joshua's declaration, "as for me and my **house**, we will serve the LORD" [[Joshua 24:15]].
* `{{H5650}}` **ʻebed** (a servant): The conspirator, Zimri, is described as the king's **servant**. This term denotes a subordinate role, but it is also used in an honored sense, such as when God refers to Israel as "O Jacob, my **servant**" [[Isaiah 44:2]].
### Theological Significance
The narrative significance of `{{H777}}` is tied directly to its singular context.
* **A Specific Location for a Historic Event:** Arza is not remembered for his own actions but because his property was the location of a royal assassination. His name permanently marks the scene of the crime where King Elah's reign ended [[1 Kings 16:9]].
* **A Position of Trust:** As "steward of his house," Arza held a position of significant responsibility within the royal court, managing the king's domestic affairs. The events taking place in his home suggest the deep infiltration of conspiracy within the king's inner circle.
* **Human Detail in a Royal Narrative:** The mention of Arza provides a specific, non-royal name that grounds the larger political drama in a real-world setting, adding a layer of historical detail to the account.
### Summary
In summary, `{{H777}}` is a proper name, **Arza**, whose identity is preserved in scripture for one reason: his house was the stage for a successful coup d'état. While the term appears only once, it is locked into a dramatic narrative of betrayal and the violent turnover of power in the Northern Kingdom of Israel. His mention underscores how even minor figures can be recorded in history when their lives intersect with events of national importance.
TRV