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Jera

biblical_person theological_term standard

Jera is a minor biblical person named in the genealogies of Genesis and 1 Chronicles, listed as a descendant of Joktan.

At a Glance

A genealogical name in the Table of Nations, associated with Joktan’s line.

Key Points

Description

Jera is named among the descendants of Joktan in the Table of Nations and its later genealogical repetition in 1 Chronicles. The biblical text records the name as part of the post-Flood family lines, but provides no further narrative, historical, or theological development. Because of that, Jera is best treated as a biblical person entry for reference purposes, not as a doctrinal headword.

Biblical Context

Genesis 10 places Jera within the genealogical framework that traces the spread of peoples after the flood. 1 Chronicles 1 repeats the name in Israel’s later retelling of the same ancestral record. The Bible does not connect Jera to a specific event, location, or ministry.

Historical Context

Outside the genealogical notices, there is no secure historical information about Jera. The name belongs to the biblical record of ancient lineages, but the text does not allow firm conclusions about his life or significance beyond his place in the genealogy.

Jewish and Ancient Context

In ancient Jewish reading, genealogies served to preserve family lines, national origins, and covenant history. Jera’s inclusion contributes to that larger biblical pattern, even though the name itself is not explained further.

Primary Key Texts

Original Language Note

The name is preserved in Hebrew transliteration; the precise meaning of the name is not certain from the biblical text alone.

Theological Significance

Jera has no direct doctrinal significance on his own. His value lies in showing the Scripture’s interest in genealogical continuity and the historical rootedness of the Table of Nations.

Philosophical Explanation

Genealogical names like Jera remind readers that Scripture presents salvation history through real people, families, and nations, not abstract ideas alone.

Interpretive Cautions

Do not build doctrine, symbolism, or historical detail beyond what the genealogical notices actually say. The Bible gives Jera’s name, family line, and placement in the record, but no more.

Major Views

There is no major interpretive dispute about Jera’s identity beyond the ordinary genealogical questions shared by many Old Testament names.

Doctrinal Boundaries

Jera should not be treated as a theological term, covenant head, or doctrinal category. Any discussion should remain within the bounds of the biblical genealogy.

Practical Significance

Jera illustrates the importance Scripture places on names, families, and continuity in redemptive history, even for individuals who play no narrative role.

Related Entries

See Also

Data

Machine-readable JSON for Jera

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