Lexical Summary Ara: Earth, land Original Word: אֲרָא Strong's Exhaustive Concordance lion; Ara, an IsraeliteProbably for 'ariy; lion; Ara, an Israelite -- Ara. see HEBREW 'ariy NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originof uncertain derivation Definition a desc. of Asher NASB Translation Ara (1). Brown-Driver-Briggs אֲרָא proper name, masculine (meaning unknown, Thes conjectures = אֲרִי lion) a descendant of Asher 1 Chronicles 7:38. אֶרְאֵל, אַרְאֵלִי see אֲרִיאֵל below I. ארה. Topical Lexicon Biblical Occurrence The name אֲרָא (Ara) appears once, in 1 Chronicles 7:38, within a list of descendants from the tribe of Asher: “The sons of Jether: Jephunneh, Pispa, and Ara” (Berean Standard Bible). Historical and Genealogical Context Chronicles gathers Israel’s tribal records to show an unbroken line from the patriarchs to the post-exilic community. Ara belongs to the clan structures of Asher, one of Jacob’s twelve sons (Genesis 35:26). The tribe settled in the fertile coastal region of northern Canaan (Joshua 19:24-31), a territory famed for its rich produce (Genesis 49:20). By inserting Ara’s name, the Chronicler preserves the memory of a branch otherwise unknown to Scripture, demonstrating the care with which Israel tracked lineage for inheritance, military service, and covenant identity. Place within the Record of Chronicles 1 Chronicles 7 presents northern tribes that would have been most depleted by Assyrian exile. Including Ara underscores God’s faithfulness in retaining a remnant from Asher despite centuries of displacement (2 Kings 17:6). The single mention becomes testimony that no tribe—and no individual—was forgotten in God’s redemptive narrative. Theological Themes • Divine Memory: Scripture’s preservation of an obscure name shows the Lord’s intimate knowledge of every person (Isaiah 49:16). Connections to the Tribe of Asher Jacob blessed Asher, saying, “May he dip his foot in oil” (Deuteronomy 33:24), symbolizing prosperity. Later history confirms Asher’s reputation for abundance and resilience. Ara’s family line would have shared in that inheritance, reminding readers that divine blessing can reach individuals whose accounts are scarcely recorded. Ministry Significance 1. Encouragement for the Unknown Servant Many believers labor in obscurity. Ara illustrates that even uncelebrated names are etched into God’s Word, assuring every disciple that unseen faithfulness matters (Colossians 3:23-24). 2. Value of Genealogical Discipline The Chronicler’s diligence challenges modern ministries to preserve spiritual heritage—family testimonies, church histories, and personal conversion stories—that future generations may see God’s handiwork (Psalm 78:4-7). 3. Hope for Scattered Communities Post-exilic Israel needed evidence that exile had not erased identities. Likewise, dispersed or persecuted churches can draw comfort from Ara’s inclusion, knowing God sustains their witness (1 Peter 1:1-5). Practical Applications • Trace and celebrate spiritual lineage—mentors, parents in the faith, local congregations—to cultivate gratitude. Concluding Insight Though Ara stands in Scripture only as a name, that single entry becomes a quiet proclamation: the Lord of history remembers individuals, secures His covenant line, and weaves even the most modest life into the tapestry of redemption. Forms and Transliterations וַאְרָֽא׃ וארא׃ vaRa wa’·rā wa’rāLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance 1 Chronicles 7:38 HEB: יְפֻנֶּ֥ה וּפִסְפָּ֖ה וַאְרָֽא׃ NAS: [were] Jephunneh, Pispa and Ara. KJV: Jephunneh, and Pispah, and Ara. INT: Jephunneh Pispa and Ara |
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