The Hebrew word Tîyrâç, represented by H8494, is the proper name Tiras. The base definition identifies him as a son of Japheth. It appears only 2 times across 2 unique verses, with both instances occurring within genealogical lists.
In the biblical narrative, H8494 serves a specific function: to name one of the sons of Japheth in the post-flood "Table of Nations." This record of Noah's descendants is presented in Genesis and repeated in 1 Chronicles to establish the origins of the peoples who repopulated the earth. In both accounts, Tiras is listed as the last of Japheth's seven sons, solidifying his place in this foundational lineage (Genesis 10:2; 1 Chronicles 1:5).
The context of Tiras is defined entirely by his family, establishing his identity through his relationships with other key figures:
- H3315 Yepheth (expansion; Jepheth, a son of Noah; also his posterity; Japheth): Tiras is identified as a son of Japheth, who was one of the three sons of Noah to survive the flood Genesis 10:2.
- H1121 bên (a son (as a builder of the family name)): This word is used in both passages to establish the direct father-son relationship between Japheth and Tiras (Genesis 10:2; 1 Chronicles 1:5).
- H1586 Gômer (completion; Gomer, the name of a son of Japheth): Tiras's brother, consistently listed as the firstborn son of Japheth in the same genealogies Genesis 10:2.
- H3120 Yâvân (effervescing (i.e. hot and active); Javan, the name of a son of Joktan, and of the race (Ionians, i.e. Greeks) descended from him): Another of Tiras's brothers mentioned in the same list, often associated with the Greek peoples Genesis 10:2.
The significance of H8494 is purely genealogical, but it contributes to a larger biblical framework.
- Post-Flood Lineage: Tiras is a key figure in the lineage descending from Noah and Japheth, marking him as one of the original patriarchs of the nations that formed after the flood Genesis 10:1-2.
- Table of Nations: His inclusion in both the Genesis and 1 Chronicles accounts emphasizes the importance of preserving this historical record. These lists provide a framework for understanding the origins and relationships of the ancient peoples from a biblical perspective.
- Fraternal Connection: The name is always presented within a list of brothers, including Gomer, Magog, Javan, Tubal, and Meshech. This grouping establishes a shared ancestry for the peoples descending from them 1 Chronicles 1:5.
In summary, H8494 is a specific proper noun that identifies the person of Tiras. While it has very limited usage, its role is crucial within the biblical genealogies. It serves as a marker in the Table of Nations, establishing Tiras as a son of Japheth and an ancestor of one of the branches of humanity that spread across the earth after the flood.
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