Overview
The Bible addresses zerah across 16 verses, drawn from the Old Testament. These passages cluster most in 2 Chronicles, 1 Chronicles and Genesis. Closely related themes include Ethiopia, Edomites, Nahath and Reuel. Figures whose stories touch this theme include Asa and Esau.
Key Bible verses about zerah
Old Testament
Genesis
And these are the sons of Reuel; Nahath, and Zerah, Shammah, and Mizzah: these were the sons of Bashemath Esau's wife.
And these are the sons of Reuel Esau's son; duke Nahath, duke Zerah, duke Shammah, duke Mizzah: these are the dukes that came of Reuel in the land of Edom; these are the sons of Bashemath Esau's wife.
And Bela died, and Jobab the son of Zerah of Bozrah reigned in his stead.
1 Chronicles
The sons of Reuel; Nahath, Zerah, Shammah, and Mizzah.
And when Bela was dead, Jobab the son of Zerah of Bozrah reigned in his stead.
The sons of Simeon were, Nemuel, and Jamin, Jarib, Zerah, and Shaul: Nemuel: or, Jemuel Jarib, Zerah: or, Jachin Zohar
Joah his son, Iddo his son, Zerah his son, Jeaterai his son. Joah: or, Ethan.ver.2. Iddo: or, Adaiah.ver.41.
The son of Ethni, the son of Zerah, the son of Adaiah,
2 Chronicles
And there came out against them Zerah the Ethiopian with an host of a thousand thousand, and three hundred chariots; and came unto Mareshah.
Then Asa went out against him, and they set the battle in array in the valley of Zephathah at Mareshah.
And Asa cried unto the LORD his God, and said, LORD, it is nothing with thee to help, whether with many, or with them that have no power: help us, O LORD our God; for we rest on thee, and in thy name we go against this multitude. O LORD, thou art our God; let not man prevail against thee. man: or, mortal man
So the LORD smote the Ethiopians before Asa, and before Judah; and the Ethiopians fled.
And Asa and the people that were with him pursued them unto Gerar: and the Ethiopians were overthrown, that they could not recover themselves; for they were destroyed before the LORD, and before his host; and they carried away very much spoil. destroyed: Heb. broken
And they smote all the cities round about Gerar; for the fear of the LORD came upon them: and they spoiled all the cities; for there was exceeding much spoil in them.
They smote also the tents of cattle, and carried away sheep and camels in abundance, and returned to Jerusalem.
People in the Bible and zerah
Biblical figures whose stories intersect with this theme.
In the Bible dictionary
Studying zerah for yourself
- Begin with Genesis 36:13, then read the passages below in canonical order.
- Compare how 2 Chronicles, 1 Chronicles and Genesis each treat the theme.
- Consider the lives of Asa and Esau and how their stories intersect with it.
- Widen the study to related themes: Ethiopia, Edomites, Nahath and Reuel.
Frequently asked questions
What does the Bible say about zerah?
The Bible addresses zerah across 16 verses, drawn from the Old Testament. These passages cluster most in 2 Chronicles, 1 Chronicles and Genesis. Closely related themes include Ethiopia, Edomites, Nahath and Reuel. Figures whose stories touch this theme include Asa and Esau.
How many Bible verses are about zerah?
The Bible references zerah in 16 verses (King James Version).
Where does the Bible first mention zerah?
In canonical order, the first of these passages is Genesis 36:13: “And these are the sons of Reuel; Nahath, and Zerah, Shammah, and Mizzah: these were the sons of Bashemath Esau's wife.”
Which people in the Bible are associated with zerah?
Asa and Esau.
Preach & teach
Outline a sermon or build a study series on zerah.
Preach a series on Zerah →