Lexical Summary Zerach: Zerah Original Word: זֶרַח Strong's Exhaustive Concordance Zarah, Zerah The same as zerach; Zerach, the name of three Israelites, also of an Idumaean and an Ethiopian prince -- Zarah, Zerah. see HEBREW zerach NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom zarach Definition three Isr., also an Edomite, also an Ethiopian NASB Translation Zerah (21). Brown-Driver-Briggs II. זֶ֫רַח proper name, masculine (on form compare LgBN 77, and Anm.) — 1 ᵐ5 Ζαρα, son of Judah and Tamar Genesis 38:30; Genesis 46:12 (both J), 1 Chronicles 2:4 (all זָ֑רַח), 1 Chronicles 2:6; as head of a family Numbers 26:20; Joshua 7:1 (both Psalms), Joshua 7:18; Joshua 7:24 (JE), Joshua 22:20 (P) 1 Chronicles 9:6 (ᵐ5L Ζηρα), Nehemiah 11:24 (compare SmListen 7). 2 Edomites: a. ᵐ5 Ζαρε Genesis 36:13,17 (both P) = 1 Chronicles 1:37. b. ᵐ5 Ζαρα Genesis 36:33 (P) = 1 Chronicles 1:44 (b = a ?). 3 ᵐ5L Ζαρα, Levites: a. (variant reading Ιααρα) 1 Chronicles 6:6. b. (variant reading Ζααραι) 1 Chronicles 6:26. 4 head of a Simeonite family, ᵐ5 Ζαρα) Numbers 26:13 (P), 1 Chronicles 4:24 (variant reading Ζαρες) (= צֹחַר ᵐ5 Σααρ Genesis 46:10; Exodus 6:15, compare Di Numbers 26:13). 5 a Cushite, ᵐ5 Ζαρε, foe of king Asa 2 Chron 14:8. Topical Lexicon Overview Zerah (Hebrew זֶרַח, Strong’s 2226) designates several persons and a foreign commander in the Old Testament. The name, which evokes the rising of light at dawn, threads through patriarchal, tribal, royal, and post-exilic narratives, linking Genesis to Nehemiah. His appearance in diverse settings highlights the reliability of biblical history, God’s covenantal dealings with Israel, and timeless lessons in holiness and hope. Zerah among the Edomites Genesis 36 twice names Zerah as a chief in Edom: “These were the sons of Reuel son of Esau: Nahath, Zerah, Shammah, and Mizzah” (Genesis 36:13). His clan helped establish Edom’s early structure (Genesis 36:17), and his son Jobab later became king in Bozrah (Genesis 36:33; 1 Chronicles 1:44). The placement underscores the historical kinship—and later hostility—between Jacob and Esau’s houses. Zerah’s family contributed to Edom’s political rise, yet Israel’s records preserve it to demonstrate God’s faithful tracking of all nations descending from Abraham. Zerah in the Line of Judah Tamar bore Judah twin sons, Perez and Zerah (Genesis 38:30; 46:12; 1 Chronicles 2:4). Although Perez carried the royal and messianic line, Scripture dignifies Zerah with equal genealogical detail, showing that every branch of Judah mattered in covenant history. Numbers 26:20 records the Zerahite clan at the plains of Moab, and 1 Chronicles 9:6 counts them among Jerusalem’s early settlers, highlighting their endurance from Egypt to exile and restoration. The Scarlet Thread and Messianic Implications At birth “his brother came out with the scarlet thread on his hand, and he was named Zerah” (Genesis 38:30). The scarlet thread, marking the first-appearing twin who was nevertheless second in full emergence, foreshadows the paradox that priority in God’s plan is not always tied to natural order (compare Romans 9:12-13). It anticipates later reversals—David over his brothers, and ultimately the Messiah, rejected yet exalted. From Zerah to Achan: Lessons in Covenant Fidelity Generations later Joshua identifies “Achan son of Carmi, son of Zabdi, son of Zerah” (Joshua 7:1). Achan’s theft at Jericho defiled the nation, revealing how one descendant’s unfaithfulness could imperil the whole covenant community. The narrative warns that heritage alone cannot shield from judgment; obedience must accompany lineage. Zerahite Clans and Wisdom Tradition 1 Chronicles 2:6 lists Zerah’s five notable descendants—Zimri, Ethan, Heman, Calcol, and Dara—figures associated with music and wisdom (compare 1 Kings 4:31). Their reputation helps frame Solomon’s greatness and attests to the cultural contributions of the Zerahites beyond mere census numbers. Zerah among Simeon, Levi, and the Post-Exilic Community A namesake appears in the tribe of Simeon (Numbers 26:13; 1 Chronicles 4:24) and twice in the Levitical line (1 Chronicles 6:21, 41), showing the popularity of the name across tribal lines. After the exile “Pethahiah son of Meshezabel, a descendant of Zerah son of Judah, was the king’s agent” (Nehemiah 11:24), illustrating that Zerah’s lineage still carried administrative weight in restored Jerusalem. Zerah the Cushite: A Foreign Adversary Overcome 2 Chronicles 14:9 records “Zerah the Cushite” who invaded Judah with a vast army. King Asa cried to the Lord and witnessed a decisive victory (2 Chronicles 14:11-15). The episode contrasts pagan aggression with divine deliverance, reaffirming that God defends His people regardless of the foe’s size or origin. Ministry and Devotional Application 1. Genealogy and Grace: Zerah’s account confirms that God remembers individuals and families across centuries. Modern believers can trust His detailed care for every generation. Key References Genesis 36:13, 17, 33; 38:30; 46:12 Joshua 7:1, 18, 24; 22:20 1 Chronicles 1:37, 44; 2:4, 6; 4:24; 6:21, 41; 9:6 Forms and Transliterations וָזֶ֖רַח וָזָ֑רַח וזרח זֶ֔רַח זֶ֖רַח זֶ֗רַח זֶ֜רַח זֶ֡רַח זֶ֣רַח זֶ֤רַח זֶ֥רַח זָ֑רַח זָֽרַח׃ זרח זרח׃ לְזֶ֕רַח לזרח lə·ze·raḥ leZerach ləzeraḥ vaZarach vaZerach wā·zā·raḥ wā·ze·raḥ wāzāraḥ wāzeraḥ zā·raḥ Zarach zāraḥ ze·raḥ Zerach zeraḥLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance Genesis 36:13 HEB: רְעוּאֵ֔ל נַ֥חַת וָזֶ֖רַח שַׁמָּ֣ה וּמִזָּ֑ה NAS: Nahath and Zerah, Shammah KJV: Nahath, and Zerah, Shammah, INT: of Reuel Nahath and Zerah Shammah and Mizzah Genesis 36:17 Genesis 36:33 Genesis 38:30 Genesis 46:12 Numbers 26:13 Numbers 26:20 Joshua 7:1 Joshua 7:18 Joshua 7:24 Joshua 22:20 1 Chronicles 1:37 1 Chronicles 1:44 1 Chronicles 2:4 1 Chronicles 2:6 1 Chronicles 4:24 1 Chronicles 6:21 1 Chronicles 6:41 1 Chronicles 9:6 2 Chronicles 14:9 Nehemiah 11:24 21 Occurrences |
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