Understanding Ἀρφαξάδ (Arphaxad) Strong’s G742: Tracing the Messianic Lineage Through Noah’s Righteous Descendant

Pronunciation Guide: ar-fax-AD

Basic Definition

Strong’s G742: Ἀρφαξάδ (Arphaxad) was the son of Shem and grandson of Noah, whose name appears in the genealogical record of the Messiah Jesus. As a key figure in the post-flood lineage, he represents an important link in the chain of God’s covenant promises from Noah to Abraham.

Etymology and Morphology

• Proper noun of Hebrew origin (אַרְפַּכְשַׁד)
• Appears in both genealogical records and historical narratives
• Used primarily in ancestral records
• Found in both Septuagint (Genesis) and New Testament (Luke)

Ἀρφαξάδ Morphology:

• Ἀρφαξάδ (nominative) – subject form
• τοῦ Ἀρφαξάδ (genitive) – possessive form
• τῷ Ἀρφαξάδ (dative) – indirect object form
• τὸν Ἀρφαξάδ (accusative) – direct object form

Origin & History

The name Ἀρφαξάδ originates from the Hebrew אַרְפַּכְשַׁד (Arpakshad), first appearing in Genesis 10:22-24 in the Table of Nations. Josephus, in his “Antiquities of the Jews” (1.6.4), identifies Arphaxad as the ancestor of the Chaldeans, suggesting a connection to the region of Ur, Abraham’s birthplace.

The Septuagint’s translation of this name maintains remarkable consistency with the Hebrew text, demonstrating the translators’ careful handling of genealogical records. Early church fathers like Eusebius in his “Ecclesiastical History” referenced Arphaxad as a crucial figure in establishing the historical timeline from Creation to the Messiah.

Expanded Definitions & Translation Options

• Son of Shem in the post-flood genealogical line
• Ancestor of Abraham and the Messiah
• Possible progenitor of the Chaldean people

Ἀρφαξάδ Translation Options:

• Arphaxad – Traditional transliteration preserving the connection to Hebrew text
• Arpachshad – More precise Hebrew transliteration reflecting original pronunciation
• Arphaxades – Hellenized form found in some ancient Greek texts

Biblical Usage

In the New Testament, Ἀρφαξάδ appears exclusively in Luke 3:36 as part of the Messiah’s genealogy. This placement is significant as it connects Jesus directly to Noah through Shem, establishing His legitimate claim as the promised Seed. The Septuagint usage mirrors the Hebrew text’s appearances in Genesis, maintaining the integrity of the genealogical record.

The careful preservation of this name across both testaments demonstrates God’s faithfulness in maintaining His covenant line and the precise documentation of the Messiah’s ancestry.

• “τοῦ Ἀρφαξάδ of Arphaxad” Luke 3:36
• “καὶ Ἀρφαξάδ and Arphaxad” Genesis 10:22
• “καὶ ἔζησεν Ἀρφαξάδ and Arphaxad lived” Genesis 11:12

Cultural Insights

In ancient Near Eastern culture, genealogical records served as both historical documents and legal proofs of inheritance rights. The preservation of Ἀρφαξάδ’s name in both Hebrew and Greek texts demonstrates the meticulous care taken to maintain accurate records of the covenant line.

The connection to the Chaldean region provides fascinating historical context, as this area would later become the birthplace of Abraham, suggesting God’s providence in preparing the way for His chosen people long before their emergence as a nation.

Theological Significance

The inclusion of Ἀρφαξάδ in both testaments’ genealogical records reveals God’s sovereign control over human history. As a post-flood figure, he represents the new beginning God granted humanity through Noah, while his place in the Messianic lineage points forward to the ultimate new beginning in the Messiah Jesus.

This name serves as a testament to God’s faithfulness in preserving His covenant line through the flood and beyond, demonstrating that His promises remain unshakeable even through global catastrophe and generational change.

Personal Application

Understanding Ἀρφαξάδ’s place in biblical history reminds us that God works His purposes through ordinary people across generations. Just as He preserved this line from Adam to the Messiah, He continues to work through faithful believers today to accomplish His eternal purposes.

This genealogical connection encourages us to consider our own spiritual legacy and the role we play in passing down God’s truth to future generations.

Related Words

• Σήμ (Sēm) – “Shem,” father of Arphaxad, representing the Semitic peoples See G4590
• Καϊνάν (Kainan) – Appears in some manuscripts between Arphaxad and Shelah See G2536
• Σάλα (Sala) – “Shelah,” son of Arphaxad, continuing the Messianic line See G4527
• Ἀβραάμ (Abraam) – “Abraham,” descendant of Arphaxad and father of faith See G11

Did you Know?

• The name Ἀρφαξάδ may be connected to the ancient region of Arrapachitis, north of Nineveh, suggesting possible historical connections to early post-flood settlements.
• Some scholars propose that the name contains elements meaning “healer” or “restorer,” fitting for a figure in the generation that began rebuilding after the flood.
• The precise year counts given in Genesis for Arphaxad’s life make him one of the few post-flood figures whose entire lifespan is documented in Scripture, living 438 years according to the Masoretic text.

Remember This

Ἀρφαξάδ stands as an enduring testament to God’s faithfulness in preserving His covenant line from Noah to the Messiah, demonstrating that every name in His redemptive plan serves a divine purpose.