תִּירָס
𐤕𐤉𐤓𐤎
Tiras
H8494 noun
SILEX Entry
Definition
A proper name referring to an individual listed as a descendant of Japheth in the genealogical tables of Genesis (Gen 10:2; 1 Chron 1:5). The term primarily denotes the eponymous ancestor 'Tiras', with the semantic range including both the personal name and, by extension, the group(s) or peoples traditionally understood to have descended from him.
Semantic Range
proper name (individual), ancestor-figure, eponym of an ethnic group; possibly extended to refer to descendants or associated peoples in later interpretive tradition
Root / Etymology
The word תִּירָס (Tîyrâs) is likely of foreign origin, not following a recognizable Hebrew root pattern; etymology uncertain. It appears as a proper noun designating a descendant of Japheth. Attempts to relate the name to known Hebrew roots or to other Semitic languages remain speculative, and the biblical text offers no further etymological information.
Historical & Contextual Notes
The occurrence of תִּירָס is limited to genealogical lists in Genesis 10:2 (Table of Nations) and 1 Chronicles 1:5, both detailing descendants of Japheth. In Second Temple and post-biblical literature, Tiras is traditionally identified with various ancient peoples—most commonly the Thracians, and occasionally the Etruscans or other groups to the north and west of ancient Israel. These identifications are extra-biblical and represent later interpretive traditions rather than evidence from the biblical period. The Hebrew Bible itself offers no details about the ethnic, linguistic, or geographic identity of Tiras or his descendants. English translations almost universally transliterate the name directly as 'Tiras.' The use of Tiras as an ethnonym, if at all implied, would refer to a group considered descended from this figure in the conceptual world of the biblical table of nations. There is no evidence within the biblical text for applying any later political, ethnic, or religious identity to this name.
Original Strong's Gloss (1890)
probably of foreign derivation; Tiras, a son of Japheth; Tiras.
Bantu Hebrew
No Bantu Hebrew comparisons have been submitted for this word yet.
+ Add Bantu Hebrew WordRoot Family
תירס (t-y-r-s) — proper name, ancestor-name, eponym
Word Forms
1 distinct form
| SIDANCE | Surface | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | Occurrences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
H8494-01 |
וְ/תִירָֽס | vetiras | HC/Np |
and Tiras | and Tiras | 2 |
Occurrences in Scripture
2 total occurrences
| SIDANCE | Reference | Word | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
H8494-01 |
Genesis 10:2 | וְ/תִירָֽס | vetiras | HC/Np |
and Tiras | and Tiras |
H8494-01 |
1 Chronicles 1:5 | וְ/תִירָֽס | vetiras | HC/Np |
and Tiras | and Tiras |