Zerahites
PeopleWhat is the meaning of Zerahites in the Bible?
A clan within the Tribe of Simeon descended from Zerah, son of Judah. Notable members include Achan, who was responsible for the sin at Jericho, and Benaiah, one of King David's elite commanders.
SIGNIFICANCE
Understanding the Zerahites clarifies the complex tribal genealogies in the Hebrew Bible, specifically illustrating how families from Judah were integrated into Simeon, and highlights the diverse military and judicial roles held by this specific lineage during the United Monarchy.
Bible Study Quick-Reference Guide
Genealogy & Community Insight: When reading, notice how the lineage and actions of Zerahites reveal God's preservation of family clans and community records across generations.
Bible Study Reflection Prompts:
- Why did the biblical author mention Zerahites in this passage?
- What cultural or historical assumption does Zerahites clarify?
Source Attribution
Built upon the 1915 International Standard Bible Encyclopedia and Easton's Bible Dictionary (1897). Entries have been modernized, checked for academic truthfulness, and shortened for clarity.
How to Cite This Entry
"Zerahites." Ancient Context Dictionary. Accessed 2026. https://ancientcontext.com/context/zerahites/