6889. Tsereth

Lexical Summary

Tsereth: Distress, Affliction

Original Word: צֶרֶת
Part of Speech: Proper Name Masculine
Transliteration: Tsereth
Pronunciation: tseh'-reth
Phonetic Spelling: (tseh'-reth)
KJV: Zereth
NASB: Zereth
Word Origin: [perhaps from H6671 (צָּהַר - produce oil)]

1. splendor
2. Tsereth, an Israelite

Strong's Exhaustive Concordance

Zereth

Perhaps from tsahar; splendor; Tsereth, an Israelite -- Zereth.

see HEBREW tsahar

NAS Exhaustive Concordance

Word Origin
of uncertain derivation
Definition
a man of Judah
NASB Translation
Zereth (1).

Brown-Driver-Briggs

צֶ֫רֶת proper name, masculine in Judah 1 Chronicles 4:7, Αρεθ, ᵐ5 of L Σαρηθ.

Topical Lexicon

Canonical Context

Strong’s Hebrew 6889, Tséreth, appears a single time in Scripture within the chronicler’s record of the tribe of Judah: “The sons of Helah were Zereth, Zohar, Ethnan, and Koz” (1 Chronicles 4:7). The verse sits in a wider passage (1 Chronicles 4:1-23) that catalogues Judah’s post-exilic family lines, underscoring continuity between the patriarchal promises and the restored community.

Genealogical Significance

1. Line of Judah: Zereth is one of four sons born to Helah, wife of Ashhur (also called the father of Tekoa). Through Judah, the chronicler traces the royal and messianic lineage (Genesis 49:10; Matthew 1:2-3). Even minor names such as Zereth therefore contribute to the unbroken chain that validates Davidic and ultimately Messianic descent.
2. Post-exilic Identity: Chronicles was compiled for returned exiles who needed assurance of covenant legitimacy. Including lesser-known figures like Zereth affirms that every family had a recorded place in God’s redemptive history.

Historical and Cultural Background

Ashhur is identified as “the father of Tekoa” (1 Chronicles 4:5), a town later known for the prophet Amos and as a military outpost (2 Samuel 14:2). Zereth’s lineage is thus linked to a locale of prophetic and strategic importance. The chronicler’s attention to these details reminds readers that land inheritance and family identity were inseparable in Israel’s covenant life.

Theological Reflection

• Covenant Faithfulness: By recording obscure individuals, the Spirit emphasizes that God “is not unjust; He will not forget your work and the love you have shown” (Hebrews 6:10). Zereth’s brief mention testifies to divine remembrance.
• Corporate Solidarity: The body of Christ is likewise built of many members (1 Corinthians 12:14-26). Zereth’s presence in the genealogy illustrates how seemingly small roles support God’s larger purposes.

Ministry Application

• Valuing the Hidden Servant: Faithful believers who labor without public recognition can take comfort that their names are written before the Lord (Malachi 3:16).
• Teaching on Spiritual Legacy: Parents and church leaders can use Zereth’s inclusion to stress intentional discipleship, ensuring that each generation is anchored in covenant promises.
• Encouraging Community Records: Churches that maintain membership rolls and historical archives mirror the chronicler’s practice, reinforcing continuity and accountability.

Related Biblical Themes

• Genealogies as Proof of Promise – compare Genesis 5; Matthew 1.
• The Tribe of Judah and Messianic Expectation – see Genesis 49:8-10; Isaiah 11:1; Revelation 5:5.
• Remembering the Obscure – examples include Shallum’s daughters repairing Jerusalem’s wall (Nehemiah 3:12) and the unnamed boy with five loaves and two fish (John 6:9).

Key Cross References

Genesis 49:10; 2 Samuel 14:2; Nehemiah 11:26; Matthew 1:3; Revelation 5:5.

Forms and Transliterations

צֶ֥רֶת צרת ṣe·reṯ ṣereṯ Tzeret

Englishman's Concordance

1 Chronicles 4:7
HEB: וּבְנֵ֖י חֶלְאָ֑ה צֶ֥רֶת [יִצְחָר כ]
NAS: of Helah [were] Zereth, Izhar
KJV: of Helah [were], Zereth, and Jezoar,
INT: the sons of Helah Zereth Jitschar and Ethnan

1 Occurrence

Strong's Hebrew 6889
1 Occurrence

ṣe·reṯ — 1 Occ.