Tiras: Son of Japheth
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Tiras is mentioned in the Table of Nations as one of the sons of Japheth, who was a son of Noah. The primary biblical reference to Tiras is found in Genesis 10:2, which states, "The sons of Japheth: Gomer, Magog, Madai, Javan, Tubal, Meshech, and Tiras" . This genealogical listing is reiterated in 1 Chronicles 1:5, affirming Tiras's place among the descendants of Japheth.

Genealogical Context

Tiras is part of the post-flood lineage that repopulated the earth. As a son of Japheth, Tiras is traditionally associated with the peoples who settled in the maritime regions and the isles of the Gentiles, as described in Genesis 10:5: "From these, the maritime peoples separated into their territories, according to their languages, by clans within their nations" . Japheth's descendants are often linked to the spread of Indo-European peoples.

Historical and Cultural Associations

While the Bible does not provide extensive details about Tiras himself, historical and extra-biblical sources have attempted to identify the descendants of Tiras with various ancient peoples. Some scholars and traditions have associated Tiras with the Thracians, an ancient group that inhabited parts of Southeast Europe, particularly in the region that is now modern-day Bulgaria, Greece, and Turkey. This association is based on linguistic and historical analyses that connect the name Tiras with Thracian tribes.

Additionally, some interpretations have linked Tiras to the Etruscans of ancient Italy, although this connection is less widely accepted. The Etruscans were known for their significant influence on Roman culture and civilization, and some theories suggest a possible migration or cultural exchange between the descendants of Tiras and the early inhabitants of the Italian peninsula.

Theological Significance

In the broader theological context, Tiras, like the other descendants of Noah, represents the fulfillment of God's command to "be fruitful and multiply, and fill the earth" (Genesis 9:1). The Table of Nations in Genesis 10 serves as a foundational text for understanding the dispersion of humanity and the establishment of various ethnic and linguistic groups following the flood.

Tiras's inclusion in the genealogical record underscores the biblical theme of God's sovereignty over the nations and His providential guidance in the unfolding of human history. The descendants of Japheth, including Tiras, are part of the divine plan to populate the earth and establish diverse cultures and civilizations, all under the overarching narrative of God's redemptive purposes.

Conclusion

While the biblical text provides limited information about Tiras himself, his mention in the genealogies of Genesis and 1 Chronicles places him within the significant framework of post-flood humanity. The historical and cultural associations with ancient peoples like the Thracians offer intriguing possibilities for understanding the legacy of Tiras and his descendants. As with many genealogical entries in Scripture, Tiras's account invites reflection on the interconnectedness of all peoples and the unfolding of God's plan throughout history.
Nave's Topical Index
Genesis 10:2
The sons of Japheth; Gomer, and Magog, and Madai, and Javan, and Tubal, and Meshech, and Tiras.
Nave's Topical Index

1 Chronicles 1:5
The sons of Japheth; Gomer, and Magog, and Madai, and Javan, and Tubal, and Meshech, and Tiras.
Nave's Topical Index

Strong's Hebrew
8494. Tiras -- a son of Japheth and his desc.
... NASB Word Usage Tiras (2). Tiras, a son of Japheth. Probably of foreign derivation;
Tiras, a son of Japheth -- Tiras. 8493, 8494. Tiras. 8495 . ...
/hebrew/8494.htm - 6k
Library

Chapter x
... "Tiras" seems to refer to Pelasgians of the Aegean Sea ... suppose that Shem was the
youngest son of Noah ... he was "the elder brother of Japheth." Japheth is mentioned ...
//christianbookshelf.org/leupold/exposition of genesis volume 1/chapter x.htm

[Endnotes]
... Thus the first is always Peter, the fifth Philip, the ninth James the son of Alpheus,
and the twelfth Judas Iscariot. ... ". JAPHETH. Gomer, Magog. ... Meshech. Tiras. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/killen/the ancient church/endnotes.htm

An Exposition on the First Ten Chapters of Genesis, and Part of ...
... "There are three that can bear record in heaven" (1 John 5:7-9). These three are
called "the Father, the Son [Word], and the Holy Spirit"; each of which is ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/an exposition on the first.htm

Resources
Who were the sons of Noah, and what happened to them and their descendants? | GotQuestions.org

Who was Japheth in the Bible? | GotQuestions.org

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