Tehinnah
Who was Tehinnah in the Bible?
Tehinnah was a member of the tribe of Judah, the son of Eshton, and the founder of the city of Ir-nahash.
Tehinnah is a figure mentioned in the genealogical records of the tribe of Judah. He appears specifically in the chronicles documenting the lineages of the southern kingdom, a record essential for maintaining tribal identity and land inheritance after the division of Israel. As the son of Eshton, he is part of a lineage that trace their origins back to the foundational families of Judah.
While his presence in the biblical text is brief, he is identified by a significant secondary title: 'the father of Ir-nahash.' In this context, 'father' likely denotes that he was the founder, settler, or chief administrator of that specific town. He is grouped with his brothers, Beth-rapha and Paseah, who collectively are described as the 'men of Recah.'
Background and Family
Tehinnah is situated within the complex genealogical frameworks of 1 Chronicles, a book dedicated to reconstructing the ancestral heritage of Israel during the Divided Monarchy and the post-exilic transition. He was the son of Eshton, who was a descendant of Chelub. Tehinnah grew up alongside his siblings, Beth-rapha and Paseah. These brothers are collectively identified as the 'men of Recah,' a designation that suggests a specific regional or clan-based identity within the territory of Judah.
Major Life Events
The biblical record for Tehinnah focuses entirely on his genealogical role and his contribution to the settlement of Judah. His primary distinction is being the 'father of Ir-nahash.' The name 'Ir-nahash' literally translates to 'City of the Serpent' or 'City of Copper.' The inclusion of this detail signifies that Tehinnah was more than a passive member of his tribe; he was a pioneer or a leader who established a permanent settlement. This act of founding a city was crucial during the Divided Monarchy, as it secured tribal borders and provided defensive and agricultural hubs for the people of Judah.
Relationship to Other Biblical Figures
Tehinnah’s primary relationships are defined by his immediate family unit. He is the son of Eshton and the brother of Beth-rapha and Paseah. Through his father Eshton, he is linked to the broader clan of Judah, the royal tribe. His descendants, implied by the founding of Ir-nahash, would have been members of the Judean community who maintained the heritage of this specific region. The mention of the 'men of Recah' suggests a tight-knit familial or professional guild that Tehinnah helped lead or establish.
Spiritual Significance
In the context of 1 Chronicles, figures like Tehinnah serve a vital spiritual and national purpose. The meticulous recording of his name and his role as a city-founder demonstrates the biblical emphasis on God’s fulfillment of the promise of land. By establishing Ir-nahash, Tehinnah participated in the ongoing stewardship of the inheritance given to the tribe of Judah. His life reflects the importance of individual contribution to the collective stability and identity of the covenant people during the era of the kings.
Tehinnah’s inclusion in the Judean genealogies underscores the importance of tribal continuity and the formal documentation of land ownership. By being identified as the 'father of Ir-nahash,' he represents the expansion and fortification of Judah's territory. His presence in the record serves to validate the heritage of the families residing in Recah and Ir-nahash, ensuring their place within the covenant history of Israel.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who was Tehinnah's father?
Tehinnah was the son of Eshton, a descendant of the tribe of Judah.
What city did Tehinnah found?
Tehinnah is identified as the 'father' or founder of Ir-nahash, which translates to 'City of the Serpent' or 'City of Copper'.
Who were Tehinnah's siblings?
According to 1 Chronicles 4:12, his siblings were Beth-rapha and Paseah.
What tribe did Tehinnah belong to?
Tehinnah was a member of the tribe of Judah.
What is the meaning of the group name 'men of Recah'?
The 'men of Recah' refers to the family group consisting of Tehinnah and his brothers, likely indicating the specific location or clan they represented within Judah.
Family & Relationships
Parents
EshtonFather1 Chronicles 4:12Stated
TehinnahThis page
Beth-raphaBrother1 Chronicles 4:12Stated
Paseah of JudahBrother1 Chronicles 4:12Stated
Connected Figures
Family
Father · 1 Chronicles 4:12
A descendant of Judah through the lineage of Chelub, identified as the father of Beth-rapha, Paseah, and Tehinnah.
Divided MonarchyFirst: 1 Chronicles 4:112 versesHead of a Judean clanJudah
Brother · 1 Chronicles 4:12
A member of the tribe of Judah and a descendant of Chelub, identified as the son of Eshton within the genealogical records of 1 Chronicles.
Divided MonarchyFirst: 1 Chronicles 4:121 versesTribal leader or landownerJudah
Brother · 1 Chronicles 4:12
A descendant of Judah through the lineage of Chelub, identified as a son of Eshton and a resident of Recah during the Divided Monarchy.
Categories
Mentions by Book
- 1 Chronicles1
Scripture References
All 1 indexed verse, in canonical order, from the Berean Standard Bible.
1 Chronicles · 1
- 1 Chronicles 4:12
Eshton was the father of Beth-rapha, of Paseah, and of Tehinnah the father of Ir-nahash. These were the men of Recah.