יָרוֹחַ

Jaroach, an Israelite

Definition

Yârôwach (Jaroah) is a proper noun referring to an Israelite man from the tribe of Gad, as recorded in 1 Chronicles 5:14. He is listed among the descendants of Abihail and is noted as a son of Huri. The name itself likely carries a temporal or celebratory meaning, possibly indicating a connection to the lunar calendar. As a personal name, it functions solely to identify this individual within the genealogical record of the Gadites who settled east of the Jordan.

Biblical Usage

This word is used exactly once in the Old Testament, in 1 Chronicles 5:14. It appears strictly within a genealogical list detailing the lineage of the tribe of Gad. The context is purely historical and archival, serving to establish the family line and heritage of this Transjordanian tribe during the time of the chronicler.

Etymology

The name Yârôwach is likely derived from the Hebrew root יָרֵחַ (yārēaḥ, H3394), meaning 'moon' or 'month.' It is considered a denominative name, meaning it is formed from another noun. The probable meaning is 'born at the new moon' or 'moon-born,' suggesting the individual was named to commemorate the time of his birth, a common practice in ancient Israelite culture.

Semantic Range

In ancient Israelite culture, names were often meaningful and descriptive. A name like Yârôwach, connected to the moon, reflects the cultural practice of marking significant times, such as births, with reference to celestial cycles. While the moon itself was not an object of worship in orthodox Yahwism, its phases were important for marking time (e.g., new moon festivals in Numbers 10:10). This name subtly connects an individual's identity to the created order and the rhythm of time as established by God.

yārēaḥ (H3394) — The root noun meaning 'moon' or 'month,' from which Yârôwach is likely derived.

Word Details

Scripture References