Zerah זֶ֫רַח
Son of Reuel, grandson of Esau
Who is Zerah in the Bible?
Zerah was a son of Reuel and grandson of Esau, making him a member of the Edomite royal line (Genesis 36:13, 36:17; 1 Chronicles 1:37). He served as a chief of Edom, holding a position of leadership and authority within the Edomite people who descended from Esau and settled in the region of Seir. Zerah's prominence is reflected in his inclusion within the genealogical records of Esau's descendants, which trace the establishment and organization of the Edomite nation. His mention among Edom's chiefs underscores the structured tribal leadership that characterized Esau's posterity in biblical history.
Biography
Zerah was a son of Reuel and a grandson of Esau. He is mentioned in the genealogies of Esau in Genesis 36 and 1 Chronicles 1. Like his cousin Zepho, Zerah was also a chief of Edom, reflecting his leadership position within the Edomite tribe. The Edomites were the descendants of Esau who settled in the region of Seir.
Family
In Scripture
2 biblical books ; 1 with study contentGenesis 2 verses
- Genesis 36:13
"These are the sons of Reuel: Nahath, Zerah, Shammah, and Mizzah. They are the grandsons of Esau’s wife Basemath."
Study Genesis → - Genesis 36:17
"These are the sons of Esau’s son Reuel: Chiefs Nahath, Zerah, Shammah, and Mizzah. They are the chiefs descended from Reuel in the land of Edom, and they are the grandsons of Esau’s wife Basemath."
Study Genesis →
1 Chronicles 1 verse
- 1 Chronicles 1:37
"The sons of Reuel: Nahath, Zerah, Shammah, and Mizzah."
Names & Aliases
| Form | Language | Script | Transliteration | Meaning |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Named | Hebrew | זֶ֫רַח | zeraḥ | Zerach , the name of three Israelites, also of an Idumaean and an Ethiopian prince |