Jerah
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Topical Encyclopedia
Etymology and Meaning
The name "Jerah" is derived from the Hebrew word יֶרַח (Yerah), which means "month" or "moon." This etymology suggests a connection to time or celestial bodies, reflecting the ancient Near Eastern practice of naming individuals after natural phenomena or cycles.

Biblical References
Jerah is mentioned in the genealogies of the Bible, specifically in the Book of Genesis. He is listed as a descendant of Shem, one of Noah's sons, through Joktan. The relevant passage is found in Genesis 10:26-29 : "Joktan was the father of Almodad, Sheleph, Hazarmaveth, Jerah, Hadoram, Uzal, Diklah, Obal, Abimael, Sheba, Ophir, Havilah, and Jobab. All these were sons of Joktan."

Genealogical Context
Jerah is one of the thirteen sons of Joktan, who is a significant figure in the Table of Nations. Joktan's lineage is part of the broader genealogical record that traces the spread of nations and peoples after the Flood. This genealogy highlights the fulfillment of God's command to "be fruitful and multiply, and fill the earth" (Genesis 9:1).

Historical and Geographical Significance
While the Bible does not provide extensive details about Jerah's life or deeds, his inclusion in the genealogical record suggests a role in the early postdiluvian world. The descendants of Joktan, including Jerah, are traditionally associated with the Arabian Peninsula. This association is supported by historical and linguistic evidence linking Joktan's lineage to various tribes and regions in southern Arabia.

Theological Implications
Jerah's mention in the genealogies underscores the biblical theme of God's providence and the unfolding of His plan through human history. The genealogies in Genesis serve to connect the narrative of creation, the Flood, and the dispersion of nations with the later history of Israel and the coming of the Messiah. Jerah, as part of this lineage, contributes to the broader tapestry of God's redemptive work.

Cultural and Literary Context
In the ancient Near Eastern context, genealogies were not merely records of ancestry but also conveyed theological and cultural messages. They established identity, legitimacy, and continuity for the people of Israel. Jerah's inclusion in the Genesis genealogies reflects the importance of lineage and heritage in understanding one's place in God's creation.

Conclusion
Jerah, though a relatively obscure figure in the biblical narrative, plays a role in the genealogical framework that connects the early chapters of Genesis with the broader account of God's interaction with humanity. His mention serves as a reminder of the interconnectedness of all peoples and the unfolding of divine purpose throughout history.
Hitchcock's Bible Names Dictionary
Jerah

the moon; month; smelling sweet

Smith's Bible Dictionary
Jerah

(the moon), the fourth in order of the sons of Joktan, (Genesis 10:26; 1 Chronicles 1:20) and the progenitor of a tribe of southern Arabia.

International Standard Bible Encyclopedia
JERAH

je'-ra (yerach): A son of Joktan (Genesis 10:26 parallel 1 Chronicles 1:20). No district Jerah has been discovered. However, Yurakh in Yemen and Yarach in Hijaz are places named by the Arabic geographers. The fact that the word in Hebrew means "moon" has led to the following suggestions: the Banu Hilal ("sons of the new moon") in the North of Yemen; Ghubb el-Qamar ("the bay of the moon"), Jebel el-Qamar ("the mountains of the moon") in Eastern Chadramant. But in Southern Arabia worship of the moon has caused the word to bulk largely in place-names.

Strong's Hebrew
3392. Yerach -- a son of Joktan, also his desc.
... Yerach. 3393 . a son of Joktan, also his desc. Transliteration: Yerach Phonetic
Spelling: (yeh'-rakh) Short Definition: Jerah. ... NASB Word Usage Jerah (2). Jerah ...
/hebrew/3392.htm - 6k
Library

Chapter x
... And Joktan begat Almodad and Sheleph and Hazarmaveth and Jerah; and Hadoram and
Uzal and Diklah; and Obal and Abimael and Sheba; and Ophir and Havilah and Jobab ...
//christianbookshelf.org/leupold/exposition of genesis volume 1/chapter x.htm

[Endnotes]
... "Raamah, Naphtuhim, Amorite, Almodad, "Sabtechab,Pathrusim, Girgasite, Sheleph,
"Sheba, Caslubim, Hivite, Hazarmaveth, "Dedan, Caphtorim, Arkite, Jerah, "Nimrod ...
//christianbookshelf.org/killen/the ancient church/endnotes.htm

An Exposition on the First Ten Chapters of Genesis, and Part of ...
The Works of John Bunyan Volumes 1-3. <. ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/an exposition on the first.htm

Thesaurus
Jerah (2 Occurrences)
... Int. Standard Bible Encyclopedia JERAH. je'-ra (yerach): A son of Joktan (Genesis
10:26 parallel 1 Chronicles 1:20). No district Jerah has been discovered. ...
/j/jerah.htm - 7k

Jerah'meelites (2 Occurrences)
Jerah'meelites. Jerahmeelites, Jerah'meelites. Jerechu .
Multi-Version Concordance Jerah'meelites (2 Occurrences). 1 ...
/j/jerah'meelites.htm - 7k

Jerah'meel (8 Occurrences)
Jerah'meel. Jerahmeel, Jerah'meel. Jerahmeelite . Multi-Version
Concordance Jerah'meel (8 Occurrences). 1 Chronicles ...
/j/jerah'meel.htm - 8k

Jerahmeel (9 Occurrences)

/j/jerahmeel.htm - 11k

Joktan (6 Occurrences)
... Genesis 10:26 Joktan became the father of Almodad, Sheleph, Hazarmaveth, Jerah,
(WEB KJV JPS ASV BBE DBY WBS YLT NAS RSV NIV). Genesis ...
/j/joktan.htm - 8k

Almo'dad (2 Occurrences)
... Multi-Version Concordance Almo'dad (2 Occurrences). Genesis 10:26 And Joktan begot
Almodad, and Sheleph, and Hazarmaveth, and Jerah; (See RSV). ...
/a/almo'dad.htm - 6k

Almodad (2 Occurrences)
... Almodad (2 Occurrences). Genesis 10:26 Joktan became the father of Almodad, Sheleph,
Hazarmaveth, Jerah, (WEB KJV JPS ASV BBE DBY WBS YLT NAS NIV). ...
/a/almodad.htm - 7k

Sheleph (2 Occurrences)
... Sheleph (2 Occurrences). Genesis 10:26 Joktan became the father of Almodad, Sheleph,
Hazarmaveth, Jerah, (WEB KJV JPS ASV BBE DBY WBS YLT NAS RSV NIV). ...
/s/sheleph.htm - 7k

Begot (119 Occurrences)
... (DBY JPS YLT). Genesis 10:26 And Joktan begot Almodad, and Sheleph, and Hazarmaveth,
and Jerah, (DBY JPS YLT). Genesis 11:10 These are the generations of Shem. ...
/b/begot.htm - 30k

Begat (112 Occurrences)
... begat Eber. (KJV ASV WBS). Genesis 10:26 And Joktan begat Almodad, and Sheleph,
and Hazarmaveth, and Jerah, (KJV ASV WBS). Genesis 11 ...
/b/begat.htm - 31k

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