Original Word: הָרֻם
Part of Speech: Proper Name Masculine
Transliteration: Harum
Pronunciation: hah-ROOM
Phonetic Spelling: (haw-room')
KJV: Harum
NASB: Harum
Word Origin: [passive participle of the same as H2036 (הוֹרָם - Horam)]

1. high
2. Harum, an Israelite

Harum

Passive participle of the same as Horam; high; Harum, an Israelite -- Harum.

see HEBREW Horam

Word Origin
of uncertain derivation
Definition
a desc. of Judah
NASB Translation
Harum (1).

הָרֻם proper name, masculine a Judaite (DHM^{Epigr. Denkm. 59} compare Sabean proper name הרם, הרמה, Arabic proper name , etc.) 1 Chronicles 4:8.

הָרָם see בֵּית הָרָם above

Scriptural Context

“​Koz was the father of Anub, Zobebah, and the clans of Aharhel son of Harum” (1 Chronicles 4:8).

The name הָרֻם (Harum) appears only here, tucked inside the long Judahite genealogy that opens 1 Chronicles. These lists were compiled after the exile to re-anchor the returning community in its covenant lineage and territorial identity. Every name—however briefly mentioned—serves to trace an unbroken line from the patriarch Judah to the restored people and, ultimately, to the promised Messiah.

Genealogical Placement and Tribal Affiliation

Harum stands three generations below Koz and is connected to the Shelanite branch of Judah. The surrounding verses trace multiple sub-clans that settled the lowland regions of Judah, especially near Bethlehem and Tekoa. Although Harum’s clan (“the families of Aharhel”) is not otherwise detailed, the Chronicler records it to show the breadth of Judah’s inheritance and to affirm that even minor houses shared in the covenant promises.

Meaning and Theological Implications of the Name

While the lexical sense points to being “raised” or “exalted,” the theological weight lies in how Scripture frequently pairs elevation with divine favor (for example, Psalm 75:7; James 4:10). In the larger narrative of Chronicles, the exaltation of humble or forgotten figures anticipates the pattern fulfilled in Jesus Christ, “who humbled Himself… and God exalted Him” (Philippians 2:8-9). Harum’s very name silently witnesses to this redemptive trajectory.

Historical and Cultural Considerations

1. Chronological Layering: Chronicles often compresses centuries of clan development. Harum likely lived during the early monarchy or judges period, though his descendants were still identifiable after the exile.
2. Territorial Significance: Judah’s lowland (Shephelah) villages were strategic for agriculture and defense. Harum’s offspring would have contributed to rebuilding these areas, reinforcing the Chronicler’s theme of restoration.
3. Clan Organization: The phrase “families of Aharhel” indicates that Harum’s line grew into multiple household units, each with land allotments and Levitical oversight for worship.

Ministry Significance and Practical Application

• Valuing the Overlooked: The inclusion of one-verse individuals like Harum reminds believers that God records every life and labor. Pastors can encourage congregation members who feel unnoticed by highlighting names such as Harum during studies of genealogies.
• Intergenerational Faithfulness: Harum’s placement within an unbroken line underscores the importance of passing covenant faith to future generations (see Deuteronomy 6:7). Family discipleship remains a cornerstone of church vitality.
• Identity in Community: Just as Harum’s clan identity shaped its mission in Judah, local churches today serve Christ’s body by discovering and embracing their specific callings within the larger kingdom story.

Christological and Canonical Connections

Chronicles begins with Adam and ends with Cyrus’s decree, framing history as God’s preparation for Messiah. Every Judahite name foreshadows the royal Son of David. Harum’s single appearance therefore functions like a tessera in a vast mosaic, small yet essential. Matthew 1:3-16 later sets the pattern of naming obscure ancestors—another reminder that, in divine providence, “the parts that seem weaker are indispensable” (1 Corinthians 12:22).

Key Insight for Further Study

Compare Harum’s brief notice with Jabez just a verse later (1 Chronicles 4:9-10). Whereas Jabez’s prayer is recorded in detail, Harum is mentioned only in passing. This juxtaposition highlights the Chronicler’s dual interest in both public piety and quiet faithfulness. Exploring these paired portraits yields a holistic theology of ordinary and extraordinary service within God’s people.

הָרֽוּם׃ הרום׃ hā·rūm haRum hārūmInterlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel Texts