אֶזְרָחִי
𐤀𐤆𐤓𐤇𐤉
Ezerachi
H250 noun
SILEX Entry
Definition
A member or descendant of the family or clan of Zerah (זֶרַח), identified in certain biblical texts as a distinct lineage within the tribe of Judah. The term functions as an adjective meaning 'Zerahite'—that is, one belonging to, or descended from, Zerah. In scriptural contexts, it is used as a marker of genealogical or familial origin, especially in connection with named individuals.
Semantic Range
descendant of Zerah, member of the Zerahite clan of Judah, Zerahite (in genealogies or superscriptions of Psalms)
Root / Etymology
Formed from the noun זֶרַח (Zerah), a personal name meaning 'dawning' or 'shining', plus the adjectival ending -ִי (i), which forms gentilic or patronymic adjectives in Hebrew. Thus, אֶזְרָחִי denotes 'belonging to Zerah' or 'of the line of Zerah.' The root for זֶרַח is ז־ר־ח, 'to rise, shine (of the sun).'
Historical & Contextual Notes
In the Hebrew Bible, אֶזְרָחִי (Ezrachi/Ezrahite) specifically identifies individuals as descendants of Zerah son of Judah (see 1 Chronicles 2:4–6). Notable appearances include Ethan the Ezrahite (אֵיתָן הָאֶזְרָחִי) and Heman the Ezrahite, each associated with wisdom or Levitical musical service (Psalms 88 and 89 superscriptions; 1 Kings 4:31). The term is strictly genealogical or clan-based in pre-exilic texts, where tribal and familial identities are emphasized. No evidence suggests the term ever acquired a broader ethnic, religious, or geographic usage beyond identification with the Zerahite lineage. Later English translations sometimes render the term as 'Ezrahite,' but do not always convey its precise genealogical significance. Care must be taken not to conflate 'Ezrahite' with similar-sounding but unrelated terms (e.g., 'native-born' from אֶזְרָח).
Original Strong's Gloss (1890)
patronymic from חֹבָב; an Ezrachite or descendant of Zerach; Ezrahite.
Bantu Hebrew
No Bantu Hebrew comparisons have been submitted for this word yet.
+ Add Bantu Hebrew WordRoot Family
זרח (z-r-ḥ) — rise, shine, dawning; belong to (as patronymic)
| Strong's | Lemma | SIBI-P1 |
|---|---|---|
| H2224 | זָרַח | as shining forth |
| H2225 | זֶרַח | your shining-forth |
| H2226 | זֶרַח | to Shining-One |
| H2227 | זַרְחִי | the Zerahite |
| H2228 | זְרַחְיָה | and Yah-has-shone-forth |
Word Forms
1 distinct form
| SIDANCE | Surface | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | Occurrences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
H250-01 |
הָ/אֶזְרָחִ֗י | haezerachi | HTd/Ngmsa |
the Ezrahite | the Zerahite | 3 |
Occurrences in Scripture
3 total occurrences
| SIDANCE | Reference | Word | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
H250-01 |
1 Kings 5:11 | הָ/אֶזְרָחִ֗י | haezerachi | HTd/Ngmsa |
the Ezrahite | the Zerahite |
H250-01 |
Psalms 88:1 | הָ/אֶזְרָחִֽי | haezerachi | HTd/Ngmsa |
the Ezrahite | the Zerahite |
H250-01 |
Psalms 89:1 | הָֽ/אֶזְרָחִֽי | haezerachi | HTd/Ngmsa |
the Ezrahite | the Zerahite |