Arpachshad

The name Arpachshad (also spelled Arphaxad or Arphacsad) is rooted in ancient Semitic languages, with its etymology often linked to the phrase 'stronghold of Chaldees.' In Hebrew, it appears as אַרְפַּכְשַׁד (Arpaḵšaḏ), and in Arabic, it is written as أرفخشذ (ʾArpaḵšaḏ). The name carries a sense of strength and geographical identity, likely tied to the region or people of the Chaldeans, an ancient Semitic-speaking group in Mesopotamia. Historically, the name has been associated with the lineage of Shem, one of Noah's sons, and is significant in tracing the ancestry of the Hebrew people, including Abraham. Its linguistic variations across Greek (Ἀρφαξάδ, Arphaxád) and other ancient texts highlight its enduring presence in biblical and historical narratives.

As a son of Shem and a direct ancestor of Abraham, Arpachshad holds a critical role in the biblical genealogies, particularly in the lineage leading to Jesus Christ. His position in the Shem–Terah genealogy, which traces humanity's history from Adam to Abraham, highlights his importance in God's plan for salvation history. The Divine Proximity Index of 70.3/100 reflects his meaningful but indirect association with God's actions in scripture, while the exceptionally high Jesus Circle Score of 94.1/100 underscores his pivotal role in the messianic lineage, as recorded in the Gospel of Luke (Luke 3:36).

Arpachshad appears in several key genealogical passages in the Bible, including Genesis 10:22, Genesis 10:24, and 1 Chronicles 1:17–18. These verses identify him as one of Shem's five sons and place him at a crucial juncture in the ancestry of Abraham. The genealogical records often highlight his descendants, particularly Selah (or Shelah), who continues the line leading to the patriarchs of Israel. In the Septuagint and the Gospel of Luke, an additional figure named Cainan is sometimes inserted between Arpachshad and Selah, reflecting variations in textual traditions.