Lexical Summary Racham: Compassion, Mercy, Tender Love Original Word: רַחַם Strong's Exhaustive Concordance Raham The same as racham; pity; Racham, an Israelite -- Raham. see HEBREW racham NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom the same as rechem Definition "pity," a man of Judah NASB Translation Raham (1). Brown-Driver-Briggs רַ֫חַם proper name, masculine (girl (-like) ?); — in Judah, 1 Chronicles 2:44; Ραμεε, A Ραεμ’, ᵐ5L Ρααμ. Topical Lexicon Etymology and Thematic Resonance Racham derives from the Hebrew root expressing tender mercy and mother-like compassion. While the form appearing in 1 Chronicles 2:44 is a proper name rather than the common verb or adjective, the semantic backdrop remains significant. The single bearer of the name quietly echoes a quality repeatedly attributed to the LORD: “gracious and compassionate” (for example, Exodus 34:6; Psalm 103:13). Thus even a seemingly obscure individual becomes a living reminder of God’s covenantal kindness. Biblical Occurrence and Genealogical Context Racham is mentioned once, in the genealogies of Judah: “Racham became the father of Jorkeam, Rekem became the father of Shammai.” (1 Chronicles 2:44) The larger passage (1 Chronicles 2:18-55) traces the descendants of Caleb. Within that record Racham is the father of Jorkeam, placing him in the Hezronite branch of Judah’s tribe. Chronicles, compiled after the exile, carefully preserves such names to establish continuity between pre-exilic promises and post-exilic identity. Racham therefore contributes to the Chronicler’s overarching aim: to reassure the returned community that the line of Judah remains intact and that God’s purposes for His people stand firm. Integration within the Line of Judah 1. Tribal Mission: Judah was destined for leadership (Genesis 49:10). Every name in Judah’s line reinforces the unfolding plan that culminates in David and, ultimately, in Jesus Christ. Theological and Ministry Insights • God’s Compassion in Concrete Form – The linkage between Racham’s name and divine mercy highlights how theology permeates daily life. Hebrew parents often chose names as confessions of faith or prayerful hopes. Ministry today still benefits from intentional naming—of children, churches, or initiatives—that proclaims God’s character. Christological and Covenantal Implications Judah’s records prepare the ground for the Messiah (Matthew 1:2-3). The Chronicler’s meticulous listing—including Racham—demonstrates that the Messiah’s ancestry is rooted in real history, not myth. Just as divine compassion is personified in the name Racham, it is ultimately embodied in Jesus Christ, “who loved us and released us from our sins by His blood” (Revelation 1:5). Pastoral Applications • Encourage believers who feel unnoticed: God enshrined a largely unknown man in Scripture. He likewise honors every faithful disciple. Forms and Transliterations רַ֖חַם רחם ra·ḥam Racham raḥamLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance 1 Chronicles 2:44 HEB: הוֹלִ֔יד אֶת־ רַ֖חַם אֲבִ֣י יָרְקֳעָ֑ם NAS: the father of Raham, the father KJV: begat Raham, the father INT: Shema became of Raham the father of Jorkeam |
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