The Hebrew word Taʼărêaʻ, represented by H8390, is the proper name for an Israelite, Tarea. It is an exceedingly rare term, appearing only 1 time in 1 unique verse in the entire Bible. Its sole function is to identify a specific individual within a genealogical record.
In the biblical narrative, H8390 is used exclusively in the book of Chronicles to establish a family line. The single mention occurs in 1 Chronicles 8:35, which lists the descendants of a man named Micah. The verse states, "And the sons of Micah were, Pithon, and Melech, and Tarea, and Ahaz." This places Tarea firmly within a specific lineage, identifying him as one of four brothers.
Several related words provide the context for Taarea's identity by defining his family relationships:
- H4318 Mîykâh (Micah): This is the name of Taarea's father, defined as "Micah, the name of seven Israelites" 1 Chronicles 8:35.
- H1121 bên (son): This word, meaning "a son (as a builder of the family name)," is used to establish the direct relationship between Micah and his children, including Taarea 1 Chronicles 8:35.
- H6377 Pîythôwn (Pithon): Listed as one of Taarea's brothers, the name means "Pithon, an Israelite" 1 Chronicles 8:35.
- H4429 Melek (Melech): Another of Taarea's brothers, this name is defined as "Melek, the name of two Israelites" 1 Chronicles 8:35.
- H271 ʼÂchâz (Ahaz): The fourth brother mentioned, identified as "Achaz, the name of a Jewish king and of an Israelite" 1 Chronicles 8:35.
While the name H8390 itself does not carry explicit theological weight, its inclusion in scripture serves a specific purpose within the biblical record.
- Genealogical Integrity: The mention of Tarea highlights the meticulous detail of the genealogies in Chronicles, which serve to preserve the historical lineage of the Israelite people.
- Familial Identity: The significance of Tarea is defined entirely by his relationships. He is known only as one of the sons H1121 of Micah H4318, demonstrating the importance of family structure in biblical identity.
- Historical Record: By being named, Tarea plays a small but necessary role in completing the ancestral record, contributing to the larger narrative of Israel's history as documented in the scriptures.
In summary, H8390 Taʼărêaʻ is a proper name whose importance is not found in complex definition or frequent use, but in its singular appearance in the biblical record. Its presence in 1 Chronicles 8:35 serves a purely historical and genealogical function, identifying an individual and contributing to the completeness of Israel's ancestral lines. The name stands as a testament to the Bible's detailed preservation of family history.
TRV