תַּחְרֵעַ

Tachrea, an Israelite

Definition

Tachrea (תַּחְרֵעַ) is a proper name referring to an Israelite man, specifically a descendant of King Saul through his son Jonathan. He is listed in the genealogy of the tribe of Benjamin in 1 Chronicles 9:41. The name appears only in this single biblical instance. In the parallel genealogy of 1 Chronicles 8:35, a similar name, Tahrea (תַּאֲרֵעַ, Strong's H8390), is used, likely referring to the same individual with a minor spelling variation common in ancient manuscripts.

Biblical Usage

This word is used exclusively as a personal name in a genealogical list. It appears only in 1 Chronicles 9:41, within a chapter detailing the post-exilic inhabitants of Jerusalem, specifically the lineage of Saul. Its usage is purely for historical and genealogical record-keeping, identifying one link in the family tree of the Benjaminite king.

Etymology

The name תַּחְרֵעַ (Tachrêaʻ) is a variant spelling of תַּאֲרֵעַ (Ta'arêaʻ, Strong's H8390). The root is uncertain but may be related to the Hebrew verb אָרַע (āraʻ), meaning 'to meet' or 'to happen,' possibly giving the name a sense of 'one whom God has met' or 'an occurrence.' The variation in spelling (ח vs. א) is a known phonetic shift in Hebrew.

Semantic Range

As a personal name in an Israelite genealogy, it reflects the ancient Near Eastern practice of recording detailed family lineages to establish tribal identity, inheritance rights, and royal descent. The preservation of such names, even for minor figures, underscores the biblical value of every individual within the covenant community and the importance of historical continuity for Israel's identity.

תַּאֲרֵעַ (Ta'arêaʻ, H8390) — A variant spelling of the same name, used in the parallel genealogy of 1 Chronicles 8:35.

Word Details

Scripture References