Zerahזֶ֫רַח
Son of Simeon; ancestor of the Zerahites
Who is Zerah in the Bible?
Zerah, also known as Zohar, was one of the sons of Simeon and the second son of Israel and Leah (Genesis 46:10, Exodus 6:15). His descendants formed the Zerahite clan within the tribe of Simeon, and they were counted among the clans of Simeon during the wilderness census recorded in Numbers 26:13. The Zerahites appear throughout Israel's history, notably in the account of Achan in Joshua 7:17 and among David's military commanders like Sibbecai in 1 Chronicles 27:11. Zerah's significance lies in his role as an ancestor whose lineage shaped the tribal structure and clan identity of ancient Israel, demonstrating how family genealogies were central to Israelite social and religious organization.
Biography
Zerah, also known as Zohar, was one of the sons of Simeon, the second son of Israel (or 'Jacob') and Leah. He is mentioned in the genealogies of Simeon in Gen.46.10, Exo.6.15, Num.26.13, and 1Ch.4.24. Zerah's descendants formed the Zerahite clan within the tribe of Simeon. In the census taken in the wilderness of Sinai (Num.26.20), the Zerahites were counted among the clans of Simeon. The Zerahites are also mentioned in the story of Achan (Jos.7.17), who was from the tribe of Judah but was identified as a descendant of Zerah. In 1Ch.27.11,13, Sibbecai, one of David's military commanders, is described as a Zerahite. The repeated mention of Zerah and his descendants in various contexts highlights the importance of family lineage and clan identity within the tribes of Israel.
Family
Parents
Siblings
- JemuelTribe of SimeonSon of SimeonSon of Simeon, also known as Nemuel.View full profile →
- JaminTribe of JudahSon of RamSon of Ram, descendant of JudahView full profile →
- OhadTribe of SimeonSon of SimeonSon of SimeonView full profile →
- JachinMaleHead of a priestly division during David's reign.View full profile →
- ShaulTribe of LeviSon of UzziahLevite descendant of KohathView full profile →
In Scripture
4 biblical books; 2 with study contentNumbers1 verse
- Numbers 26:13
"the Zerahite clan from Zerah, and the Shaulite clan from Shaul."
1 Chronicles1 verse
- 1 Chronicles 4:24
"The descendants of Simeon: Nemuel, Jamin, Jarib, Zerah, and Shaul."
Genesis1 verse
- Genesis 46:10
"The sons of Simeon: Jemuel, Jamin, Ohad, Jachin, Zohar, and Shaul the son of a Canaanite woman."
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Exodus1 verse
- Exodus 6:15
"The sons of Simeon were Jemuel, Jamin, Ohad, Jachin, Zohar, and Shaul, the son of a Canaanite woman. These were the clans of Simeon."
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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 |
| Group | Hebrew | זַרְחִי | — | — |
| Named | Hebrew | צֹ֫חַר | — | — |