The Hebrew word Zêythân, represented by H2133, refers to an Israelite man. The name's base definition is "olive grove". It appears only 1 time across 1 unique verse in the entire Bible, marking it as a highly specific genealogical reference.
The single appearance of H2133 occurs within a detailed genealogy in the book of 1 Chronicles. Zethan is listed as one of the sons of Bilhan, who is a descendant of Jediael. The verse serves to establish a specific family line, stating, "and the sons of Bilhan; Jeush, and Benjamin, and Ehud, and Chenaanah, and Zethan, and Tharshish, and Ahishahar" 1 Chronicles 7:10. His mention is exclusively for the purpose of documenting this lineage.
Several other names listed in the same verse provide context for Zethan's place within the family structure:
- H1092 Bilhân (timid; Bilhan): The father of Zethan. His name appears in the genealogical records of both the Edomites and the Israelites Genesis 36:27.
- H1121 bên (a son): This word is fundamental to the structure of the passage, establishing the father-son relationships that form the genealogy. It is used to define generational lines, as in "teach them thy sons, and thy sons' sons" Deuteronomy 4:9.
- H1144 Binyâmîyn (son of (the) right hand; Benjamin): Listed as one of Zethan's brothers, this name is associated with the tribe of Benjamin and its territory Obadiah 1:19.
The theological weight of H2133 is tied entirely to its role in the preservation of biblical genealogy.
- Genealogical Integrity: The mention of Zethan demonstrates the meticulous detail with which the biblical authors recorded ancestral lines. This careful accounting was vital for establishing tribal and familial identity.
- Covenantal Lineage: By being included in the family of Bilhan, Zethan is part of the recorded lineage of Israel. These genealogies are the framework through which inheritance and covenantal belonging were understood.
- Historical Record: The name serves as a marker in the historical record of the Israelite people. Its singular appearance in a list with more prominent figures like Benjamin and Ehud helps complete a specific branch of a family tree 1 Chronicles 7:10.
In summary, Zêythân H2133 is not a figure of narrative importance but a name whose significance lies in its contribution to the biblical record. Its sole appearance in a genealogy in 1 Chronicles highlights the value placed on preserving a complete and detailed account of Israel's ancestry. The name exemplifies how even the most obscure individuals were recorded to maintain the integrity of the nation's historical and covenantal framework.
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