תַּחַשׁ

תַּחַשׁ

Tachash, a relative of Abraham

Definition

Tachash is a proper name referring to a minor figure in the genealogy of Abraham's brother Nahor, mentioned only in Genesis 22:24. He is identified as a son of Nahor by his concubine Reumah, making him a nephew of Abraham. The name itself is identical to the Hebrew word for a specific animal (likely a dugong, badger, or dolphin) used in the tabernacle's coverings (Exodus 25:5, H8476), but in this context, it is solely a personal name. There is no indication that the personal name carries the animal's meaning; it simply identifies an individual within Abraham's extended family.

Biblical Usage

The word תַּחַשׁ (Tachash) is used only once in the Old Testament, in Genesis 22:24. It functions strictly as a proper noun, naming one of the four sons born to Nahor by his concubine Reumah. This usage is purely genealogical, listing Tachash alongside his brothers Tebah, Gaham, and Maacah to complete the lineage of Abraham's brother.

Etymology

The name Tachash is the same as the Hebrew noun תַּחַשׁ (tachash, H8476), which refers to a kind of leather or skin, often translated as 'badger skins,' 'dugong,' or 'porpoise.' This animal-derived word was used as a personal name. The root meaning of the animal term is uncertain, but it likely denotes a creature whose hide was valuable for making the tabernacle's outer covering.

Semantic Range

As a minor genealogical figure, Tachash himself holds little direct theological significance. However, his mention contributes to the larger biblical theme of God's faithfulness to the Abrahamic covenant by meticulously tracing family lines. His presence in Nahor's lineage, which later connects to Rebekah (Genesis 24), subtly shows God's providence in preserving and preparing the family line through which the covenant promises would flow. In ancient Near Eastern culture, names were often meaningful, and using an animal name (like that for a creature providing valuable leather) for a person was not unusual. Being listed as a son of a concubine placed Tachash in a secondary social position within the family structure, typical of the era's patriarchal genealogies which distinguished between children of wives and concubines.

Word Details