Original Word: סוּחַ
Part of Speech: Proper Name Masculine
Transliteration: Cuwach
Pronunciation: soo'-akh
Phonetic Spelling: (soo'-akh)
KJV: Suah
NASB: Suah
Word Origin: [from an unused root meaning to wipe away]

1. sweeping
2. Suach, an Israelite

Suah

From an unused root meaning to wipe away; sweeping; Suach, an Israelite -- Suah.

Word Origin
from the same as suchah
Definition
an Asherite
NASB Translation
Suah (1).

סוּחַ proper name, masculine an Asherite 1 Chronicles 7:36; ᵐ5 Χουχι, A ᵐ5^L Σουε.

Identity and Scriptural Placement

“For the sons of Zophah: Suah, Harnepher, Shual, Beri, and Imrah” (1 Chronicles 7:36).

The name סוּחַ (Suah) appears only here, embedded in the Asherite genealogy preserved by the Chronicler. Though the line is brief, it firmly situates Suah within the covenant family of Israel and underlines the orderly preservation of tribal identities following the exile.

Historical Background within the Tribe of Asher

1 Chronicles 7 records descendants of Asher, Jacob’s eighth son, whose tribal allotment lay along the fertile northern coast. Earlier prophetic blessings promised Asher “royal delicacies” (Genesis 49:20) and abundant “oil” (Deuteronomy 33:24). These promises fit a region known for olives, grain, and maritime commerce. By the time Chronicles was compiled, Asher’s land had endured invasion and dispersion, yet the meticulous list—including the otherwise unknown Suah—testifies to divine faithfulness in preserving a remnant.

Genealogical Significance

The Chronicler traces Suah through Zophah, son of Helem. This placement highlights:
• Continuity—each generation links back to the patriarchs, confirming covenant succession.
• Diversity—Asher’s line includes multiple family branches, suggesting a broad, resilient tribal network.
• Restoration—post-exilic readers could locate their own descent, strengthening communal identity during temple rebuilding.

Theological Themes and Ministry Implications

1. The worth of the individual. Scripture names Suah once, yet that single mention secures his place in redemptive history. Every believer, however obscure, is likewise known to God (Luke 12:7).
2. God’s meticulous record-keeping. Just as Suah’s lineage is inscribed, Revelation 20:12 depicts heavenly books where each life is noted. The church’s ministry echoes this care when it values every member.
3. Covenant continuity. Chronicles reassures post-exilic Israel that God’s promises endure despite upheaval. Modern readers draw parallel comfort amid cultural shifts, confident that the Lord sustains His people generation after generation (Psalm 100:5).

Integration into the Larger Story of Redemption

By chronicling secondary figures such as Suah, Scripture weaves a tapestry that ultimately culminates in the Messiah. Luke 3 provides Jesus’ genealogy, demonstrating how God sovereignly guides countless family lines toward the Incarnation. Suah does not appear there, yet his recorded existence contributes to the broader context that validates biblical genealogies and underscores their reliability.

Lessons for Contemporary Believers

• Steward heritage: families and churches should recount God’s past faithfulness, fostering gratitude and hope.
• Embrace obscurity: fruitful ministry often occurs outside public notice; Suah’s silent witness encourages perseverance.
• Trust divine promises: Asher’s blessings of provision were fulfilled despite political turmoil; likewise, believers may trust Christ’s pledge of spiritual abundance (John 10:10).

Summary

Suah’s solitary mention in 1 Chronicles 7:36 magnifies Scripture’s precision, God’s covenant fidelity, and the value He assigns to every life. Though the biblical record gives no exploits or sayings, Suah stands as a quiet testament that no part of God’s family is forgotten and no promise goes unfulfilled.

ס֧וּחַ סוח sū·aḥ Suach sūaḥInterlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel Texts