Who was Serah in the Bible?

Serah was the daughter of Asher, one of Jacob's sons, and the sister of Asher's sons. She is mentioned in the genealogical records of the tribe of Asher (Genesis 46:17, Numbers 26:46).

Why is Serah mentioned in the Bible?

Serah is listed to show the complete family lineage of the tribe of Asher as they entered Egypt. Her inclusion in multiple genealogies highlights the importance of family records in Israel's history (1 Chronicles 7:30).

What is significant about Serah being named in the genealogy?

It is notable because women are less frequently named in Old Testament genealogies. Her mention emphasizes her recognized place within the tribe of Asher during the foundational period of Israel's history.

Serah

Old TestamentEgypt & WildernessFemaleDaughterSister

Serah was the daughter of Asher and the sister of Asher's sons, as mentioned in the genealogies of the tribe of Asher.

Serah

Biography

Serah was the daughter of Asher, Jacob's eighth son, and the only granddaughter of Jacob specifically named in the biblical genealogies (Genesis 46:17; Numbers 26:46; 1 Chronicles 7:30). Her name appears in the list of seventy souls who descended into Egypt with Jacob, marking her as a member of the foundational generation that would eventually multiply into the nation of Israel. What is remarkable about Serah is her reappearance in the census records of Numbers 26, suggesting either an extraordinarily long life or her outstanding importance to tribal memory. Ancient Jewish tradition, preserved in midrashic sources, credits Serah with gently informing the aged Jacob that Joseph was still alive, and with possessing knowledge of the secret sign by which the true redeemer of Israel would be recognized.

Significance

Serah occupies a unique space in biblical genealogy as a named woman within a patrilineal framework, signaling that her presence carried special significance for the tribe of Asher. Her dual appearance in both the Genesis descent list and the Numbers wilderness census has prompted scholars to consider her a symbol of continuity bridging the eras of the patriarchs and the exodus. Rabbinical tradition further elevates her as a keeper of sacred memory and covenant knowledge. Theologically, Serah's story invites reflection on the roles of women as bearers of tradition, hope, and divine promise across generations, a quiet but enduring contribution to the unfolding of redemptive history.

Verse Appearances (3)

References

Orr, J. (ed.) (1915) The International Standard Bible Encyclopedia. Chicago: Howard-Severance Company. [Public Domain]
Tyndale House, Cambridge (n.d.) Translators Individualised Proper Names with all References (TIPNR). STEPBible. Available at: https://www.stepbible.org. [CC BY 4.0]
Church of England (1769) The Holy Bible, Authorized (King James) Version. [Public Domain]

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