תֶּלַח

Telach, an Israelite

Definition

Telach is a proper noun referring to an Israelite man, a descendant of Ephraim, mentioned in the genealogy of 1 Chronicles 7:25. As a personal name, it carries no other semantic meanings or senses in the biblical text. The name appears only in this single genealogical list, identifying him as the son of Resheph and the father of Tahan within the lineage of Joshua. Its usage is strictly as an identifier for an individual in a historical record.

Biblical Usage

The word תֶּלַח (Telach) is used exactly once in the Old Testament, in 1 Chronicles 7:25. Its usage is exclusively as a personal name within a genealogical list tracing the descendants of the tribe of Ephraim. There are no patterns of usage across different books or contexts, as it is a unique, singular reference to an individual.

Etymology

The name Telach is derived from an unused Hebrew root likely meaning 'to break through' or 'to dissever,' related to the concept of a 'breach.' This suggests the name may have originally carried a sense of 'breaker' or 'pioneer.' It is a proper name, so its etymological meaning is not active in its biblical usage but may reflect a characteristic hope or event associated with the individual's birth.

Semantic Range

In ancient Israelite culture, personal names were often significant, sometimes reflecting circumstances of birth, parental hopes, or character traits. While the specific reason for naming this individual Telach ('breach') is not provided in Scripture, it fits the pattern where names in genealogies could commemorate events or express aspirations. For modern readers, it serves as a reminder of the historical reality and continuity of God's covenant people through specific families.

Word Details

Scripture References