Lexical Summary Tireya: Fear, awe, reverence Original Word: תִּירְיָא Strong's Exhaustive Concordance Tiria Probably from yare'; fearful, Tirja, an Israelite -- Tiria. see HEBREW yare' NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom yare Definition a man of Judah NASB Translation Tiria (1). Brown-Driver-Briggs ִתּירְיָא proper name, masculine (in Judah) 1 Chronicles 4:16 van d. H, apparently derives from v ירא, compare MV Buhl; but Baer תִּרְיָא (ᵐ5 B om.; A Θηρια, ᵐ5L Εθρια). תִּירְיָא proper name, masculine in Judah, 1 Chronicles 4:16; Ζαιρα, A Θηρια, ᵐ5L Εθρια. Topical Lexicon Occurrence and Context Tiria appears only once in the Old Testament, within the genealogical listing of Judah in 1 Chronicles 4:16: “The sons of Jehallelel: Ziph, Ziphah, Tiria, and Asarel”. The verse locates him among the descendants of Judah during the post-exilic era in which the Chronicler re-presents Israel’s history to the returning community. Genealogical Importance in Chronicles 1. Preservation of Covenant Lineage Each name in 1 Chronicles 1–9 safeguards the historical continuity of God’s covenant promises to Abraham (Genesis 12:1-3) and to David (2 Samuel 7:12-16). Though Tiria’s activities are not recorded, his inclusion testifies that no branch of Judah’s family tree was forgotten by the Spirit-inspired writer. 2. Restoration Identity Following the Babylonian exile, Judah needed assurance that it remained the people of promise. Genealogies supplied legal proof of tribal inheritance (Ezra 2:62). Tiria contributes to the evidence that the post-exilic community genuinely descended from the patriarchs and thus retained title to the land and temple service. 3. Liturgical Function Chronicles was publicly read to reinforce worship centered on the temple (1 Chronicles 9:33). Names like Tiria remind the congregation that ordinary families—unknown to history outside Scripture—still had a place in the worshiping assembly. Theological Themes and Doctrinal Implications 1. The Fear of the LORD Tiria’s name likely derives from the root “to fear,” echoing the biblical axiom that “The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom” (Proverbs 9:10). His very name quietly proclaims the foundational Old Testament doctrine that reverent awe toward Yahweh undergirds covenant faithfulness. 2. Divine Omniscience and Individual Worth Although Scripture records no deeds for Tiria, the Holy Spirit deemed his name worth preserving forever. This affirms that every believer, whether publicly prominent or obscure, is fully known to God (Luke 12:7) and has a role in His redemptive story. 3. Corporate Solidarity Tiria stands with three brothers—Ziph, Ziphah, and Asarel—illustrating the biblical pattern that God works through families and tribes, not merely isolated individuals. The Chronicler stresses that personal identity is intertwined with communal calling and responsibility. Ministry Applications 1. Encouragement for Unsung Servants Many in congregational life labor behind the scenes. Tiria’s solitary mention is a reminder that the Lord records and rewards faithfulness others may overlook (Hebrews 6:10). 2. Value of Genealogical Heritage Modern believers may trace spiritual pedigrees rather than biological ones. Recognizing the “great cloud of witnesses” (Hebrews 12:1) fosters gratitude for those who preceded us in the faith and motivates perseverance. 3. Teaching the Whole Counsel of God Even brief texts such as 1 Chronicles 4:16 carry doctrinal weight. Pastors and teachers are encouraged to handle genealogies with care, drawing out their Christ-centered significance rather than skipping them. 4. Emphasis on Covenant Continuity Tiria’s placement in Judah anticipates the Messiah’s lineage (Matthew 1:3-16). Genealogies demonstrate that God’s promises are historically verifiable and culminate in Jesus Christ, strengthening confidence in Scriptural authority. Conclusion While Tiria occupies only a single verse, his presence in the inspired record contributes to the larger narrative of God’s faithfulness to His covenant people, underscores the dignity of every believer’s place in redemptive history, and offers enduring lessons for worship, discipleship, and pastoral ministry. Forms and Transliterations תִּירְיָ֖א תיריא tî·rə·yā tîrəyā tirYaLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance 1 Chronicles 4:16 HEB: זִ֣יף וְזִיפָ֔ה תִּירְיָ֖א וַאֲשַׂרְאֵֽל׃ NAS: and Ziphah, Tiria and Asarel. KJV: Ziph, and Ziphah, Tiria, and Asareel. INT: Ziph and Ziphah Tiria and Asarel 1 Occurrence |
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