### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew term `{{H8647}}`, *Tirchănâh* (תִּרְחֲנָה), is a proper noun, specifically a personal name. Its base definition indicates an "uncertain derivation," meaning its etymological roots and a precise lexical meaning are not definitively known. As a proper noun, its semantic range is inherently limited to identifying a specific individual. Therefore, the core meaning of *Tirchănâh* is simply "the person named Tirchanah." Unlike common nouns or verbs, personal names in biblical genealogies primarily serve to establish identity and lineage rather than convey a broader conceptual meaning.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The name *Tirchănâh* appears only once in the Hebrew Bible, in the book of 1 Chronicles:
* **[[1 Chronicles 2:48]]**: "Maacah, Caleb’s concubine, bore Sheber and Tirhanah."
In this sole occurrence, Tirchanah is identified as a daughter of Caleb, the son of Hezron, through his concubine Maacah. This verse is situated within the extensive genealogical records of the tribe of Judah, tracing the descendants of Caleb. The Chronicler's emphasis on genealogies serves to establish the continuity of God's covenant people, to affirm tribal identities, and to demonstrate the fulfillment of divine promises through specific lineages. While Tirchanah herself is not associated with any specific actions or narratives, her inclusion in this detailed lineage underscores the meticulous preservation of family records within ancient Israel. Her position as a daughter, particularly from a concubine, highlights the complex social structures and family dynamics that were part of Israelite society, yet still deemed worthy of record in the sacred text.
### Related Words & Concepts
Given that *Tirchănâh* is a proper noun with an uncertain derivation and a single occurrence, there are no direct lexical "related words" in the sense of a shared root or semantic field. However, her inclusion in the biblical text connects her to several significant biblical concepts:
* **Genealogy (יוּחַס, *yuchas* - related to `{{H3187}}`)**: The primary context for Tirchanah's mention is a genealogical list. These lists are crucial in the Bible for establishing identity, inheritance rights, tribal affiliation, and demonstrating the historical continuity of God's people.
* **Caleb (כָּלֵב, *Kalev* - `{{H3612}}`)**: As Caleb's daughter, Tirchanah is connected to one of the most prominent and faithful figures from the Exodus generation, known for his unwavering trust in God and his inheritance in the Promised Land.
* **Women in Genealogies**: While biblical genealogies often prioritize male lines, the inclusion of women, even briefly, is significant. It acknowledges their role in the perpetuation of the family line and the broader covenant community.
* **The Book of Chronicles**: The Chronicler's particular interest in comprehensive genealogies (e.g., [[1 Chronicles 1-9]]) emphasizes the unity of Israel, the importance of the Davidic line, and the continuity of the covenant through generations, even after the exile.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of *Tirchănâh* does not lie in any specific action or teaching attributed to her, as none are recorded. Instead, her importance derives from her mere inclusion in the inspired biblical text.
1. **Divine Meticulousness**: Her presence, however brief, testifies to God's meticulous attention to detail in His divine narrative. Every individual, even those seemingly minor or without a prominent role, is known to God and has a place within His overarching plan for history and salvation.
2. **The Value of Every Individual**: The recording of Tirchanah's name, alongside many others in the genealogies, subtly affirms the inherent value of every person within God's covenant community. No one is truly forgotten or insignificant in God's sight.
3. **Continuity of God's Promises**: Genealogies serve as a testament to God's faithfulness in preserving a chosen people through whom His promises, culminating in the Messiah, would be fulfilled. Tirchanah, as part of Caleb's lineage within the tribe of Judah, contributes to the vast tapestry of Israel's history, which ultimately points towards the coming of Christ.
4. **Inclusion of Women**: Her mention, even as a daughter of a concubine, underscores that women, though often less prominent in patriarchal records, were integral to the perpetuation of families and the covenant line.
### Summary
*Tirchănâh* (תִּרְחֲנָה, `{{H8647}}`) is a proper noun, a personal name of uncertain derivation, appearing only once in the Hebrew Bible. She is identified in [[1 Chronicles 2:48]] as a daughter of Caleb, born to his concubine Maacah. Her inclusion in this genealogical record, though brief, is profoundly significant. It highlights God's meticulous attention to detail in the biblical narrative, affirming the value of every individual within His divine plan. Furthermore, her presence contributes to the overarching biblical theme of the continuity of God's covenant promises through the generations of Israel, ultimately leading to the fulfillment of salvation history.
TRV