Lexical Summary Timnath Cherec: Timnath Serah, Timnath Heres Original Word: תִּמְנַת חֶרֶס Strong's Exhaustive Concordance Timnath-heres, Timnath-serah Or Timnath Cerach {tim-nath seh'-rakh}; from Timnah and cherec; portion of (the) sun; Timnath-Cheres, a place in Palestine -- Timnath-heres, Timnath-serah. see HEBREW Timnah see HEBREW cherec Brown-Driver-Briggs תִּמְנַת חֶ֫רֶס proper name, of a location (probably = (sacred) territory of the Sun.; WMMAs.u.Eur.165 thinks perhaps Egyptian Hï-ra-tà); in hill-country of Ephraim, westward, Judges 2:9 = following (compare GFM) = Θαμναθα1Makk Judges 9:50 #NAME?Tibneh, approximately 17 miles west of north from Jerusalem, see also BuhlGeogr. 170. תִּמְנַת סֶ֫רַח proper name, of a location by metathesis from foregoing, to avoid idolatrous suggestion (GFMJudges 2:9), Joshua 19:50; Joshua 24:30. מִנְהָג see נהג [מִנְהָרָה] see II. נהר מָנוֺד see נוד I. II. מָנוֺחַ, מְנוּחָה see נוח. Topical Lexicon Location and Geographic Setting Timnath-heres lay in the mountainous heartland of Ephraim, north of present-day Jerusalem and slightly west of the Jordan valley escarpment. Surrounded by rugged limestone ridges and natural terraces, it enjoyed fertile soils and abundant springs that made viticulture and olive culture viable. The elevated site offered commanding views toward Mount Gerizim and the Plain of Sharon, a strategic as well as pastoral setting for one entrusted with the oversight of Israel. Biblical Mentions • Joshua 19:50 records that “Joshua built up the city and settled there,” indicating that the town was a personal grant from the Lord for the faithful commander. Name Variations and Meaning Timnath-serah (“portion of abundance”) highlights the Lord’s provision; Timnath-heres (“portion of the sun” or “portion of engraving”) evokes imagery of light and testimony. Jewish tradition connected the “sun” element with Joshua’s command for the sun to stand still (Joshua 10:12–13), seeing the name as a memorial to divine intervention. The dual form in Scripture is therefore not a scribal accident but a rich theological marker. Historical Context Joshua, having led Israel through conquest, declined royal trappings and accepted a modest inheritance among his own tribe rather than a central royal capital. His choice demonstrated servant leadership: the leader dwelt among the people he served (cf. Matthew 20:26–28). After Joshua’s death, the town remained an Ephraimite settlement; its mention in Judges reminds future generations of the vacuum left when a godly leader passes and the need for fresh obedience in every generation (Judges 2:10–13). Spiritual Significance 1. Faithful Reward: Joshua’s inheritance fulfilled Numbers 14:30, reassuring believers that God “is a rewarder of those who earnestly seek Him” (Hebrews 11:6). Archaeological and Cultural Insights The site is commonly identified with modern Khirbet Tibnah or nearby Kifl Haris. Pottery from Late Bronze and Iron Age layers corresponds with Joshua’s era and later occupation. Rock-cut tombs align with the description “north of Mount Gaash,” matching the natural terraces still visible. Local Arab tradition preserves the memory of “the Tomb of Yushaʿ (Joshua),” giving incidental support to continuous veneration. Lessons for Today • Leadership Aftermath: God’s people must beware of resting on past victories; each generation must renew covenant fidelity. Forms and Transliterations חֶ֖רֶס חרס סֶ֖רַח סרח Cheres ḥe·res ḥeres se·raḥ Serach seraḥLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance Joshua 19:50 HEB: אֶת־ תִּמְנַת־ סֶ֖רַח בְּהַ֣ר אֶפְרָ֑יִם NAS: he asked, Timnath-serah in the hill country KJV: which he asked, [even] Timnathserah in mount INT: which asked Timnath-serah the hill of Ephraim Joshua 24:30 Judges 2:9 3 Occurrences |
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