Tarshish תַּרְשִׁישׁ
Son of Javan, great-grandson of Noah
Who is Tarshish in the Bible?
Tarshish was a son of Javan and great-grandson of Noah, mentioned in Genesis 10:4 and 1 Chronicles 1:7 as part of the genealogy descending from Noah's son Japheth. He lived in the period after the flood and is associated with the ancient city of Tarshish, a distant maritime port renowned for its wealth and extensive trade networks. Scholars identify this city with either Tartessos in Spain or Tarsus in Cilicia, suggesting that Tarshish's descendants settled in one of these significant ancient trading centers. His inclusion in the genealogical records underscores the biblical account of how Noah's descendants spread across the ancient world and established the foundations of various nations and cultures.
Biography
Tarshish is mentioned in Gen.10.4 and 1Ch.1.7 as a son of Javan and grandson of Noah. He was born after the flood and is listed among the descendants of Japheth. Tarshish is associated with the ancient city of Tarshish, a distant port known for its wealth and maritime trade. His descendants likely settled in or near this city, which some identify with Tartessos in Spain or Tarsus in Cilicia.
Family
Parents
In Scripture
2 biblical books ; 1 with study contentGenesis 1 verse
- Genesis 10:4
"And the sons of Javan: Elishah, Tarshish, the Kittites, and the Rodanites."
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1 Chronicles 1 verse
- 1 Chronicles 1:7
"And the sons of Javan: Elishah, Tarshish, the Kittites, and the Rodanites."
Names & Aliases
| Form | Language | Script | Transliteration | Meaning |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Named | Hebrew | תַּרְשִׁישׁ | tarĕšiyš | Tarshish , a place on the Mediterranean, hence, the ephithet of a merchant vessel (as if for or from that port); also the name of a Persian and of an Israelite |