תִּרְחֲנָה

Tirchanah, an Israelite

Definition

Tirchanah is a proper name of an Israelite man mentioned in the genealogical records of the tribe of Judah. He is identified as a son of Caleb by his concubine Maacah (1 Chronicles 2:48). As a personal name, it carries no other semantic meaning beyond identifying this specific individual within the biblical lineage. The name appears only in this genealogical context and is not associated with any other narrative events or locations in Scripture.

Biblical Usage

The word is used exclusively once in the Old Testament, in 1 Chronicles 2:48, within a genealogical list. It functions solely as a proper noun to name a descendant in the lineage of Caleb, son of Hezron, of the tribe of Judah. There are no patterns of usage beyond this single, factual listing in a chronicle of ancestry.

Etymology

The etymology of תִּרְחֲנָה (Tirchănâh) is uncertain, as noted by scholars. It does not derive from a clear Hebrew root with a known meaning. It is likely a personal name of unknown origin, possibly influenced by other Semitic languages or local dialects. Its form does not suggest an obvious connection to common Hebrew verbs or nouns.

Semantic Range

As a personal name recorded in a genealogy, Tirchanah reflects the Israelite cultural practice of meticulously preserving family lineages, which was crucial for establishing tribal identity, inheritance rights, and priestly or royal descent. His mention as a son of Caleb through a concubine also illustrates the common ancient Near Eastern practice of polygamy and the social recognition of children from such unions within official family records.

Word Details

Scripture References