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H5626 · Hebrew · Old Testament
סֶרַח
Serah
Proper Noun
excess, abundance, extension

Definition

Serah (H5626) means 'extension' or 'abundance' — fitting for one who was said to have lived an extraordinarily long life. She was the daughter of Asher and granddaughter of Jacob (Gen 46:17, Num 26:46), the only woman listed by name in the genealogical census of Numbers 26. Rabbinic tradition celebrates Serah as a woman of exceptional wisdom and longevity who connected the generations of Israel from Jacob to Moses and beyond.

Usage & Theological Significance

Serah bat Asher stands as a remarkable figure in Israel's memory. Tradition holds that she was given long life as a reward for gently informing the aged Jacob that Joseph was still alive (Gen 45), breaking the news with such wisdom and compassion that her grandfather blessed her with eternal youth. Whether literally or figuratively, her appearance in two major censuses (Gen 46, Num 26) — spanning hundreds of years — speaks to continuity, memory, and the way God preserves faithful witnesses across generations. She embodies the living bridge between promise and fulfillment.

Key Bible Verses

Genesis 46:17 The sons of Asher: Imnah, Ishvah, Ishvi, Beriah, with Serah their sister.
Numbers 26:46 And the name of the daughter of Asher was Serah.
Genesis 45:26 They told him, 'Joseph is still alive, and he is ruler over all the land of Egypt.' And his heart became numb, for he did not believe them.
1 Chronicles 7:30 The sons of Asher: Imnah, Ishvah, Ishvi, and Beriah, and their sister Serah.
Hebrews 11:1 Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen.

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