of uncertain derivation; Zattu, an Israelite; Zattu.
Transliteration:Zattûwʼ
Pronunciation:zat-too'
Detailed Word Study
AI-Generated
Loading Study...
### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew lemma H2240, זַתּוּא (Zattûwʼ), is a proper noun, specifically a personal and family name. Its base definition explicitly states "of uncertain derivation," indicating that its etymological root or original meaning is not clearly established by linguistic scholarship. Unlike common nouns or verbs, a proper noun's primary function is to identify a specific individual or group rather than to convey a conceptual meaning. Therefore, the semantic range of Zattûwʼ is limited to its role as an identifier for a particular lineage within ancient Israel, particularly during the post-exilic period. It does not carry a broader inherent theological or conceptual significance.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The name Zattûwʼ (H2240) appears consistently in the books of Ezra and Nehemiah, primarily in lists related to the return from Babylonian exile and the subsequent re-establishment of the Jewish community in Judah.
1. **[[Ezra 2:8]]**: "Of the sons of Zattu, nine hundred forty and five." Here, Zattu is identified as the progenitor or head of a large family group among those who returned with Zerubbabel from Babylon. This verse is part of a detailed census of the returnees, emphasizing the importance of tribal and family identity in the restoration process.
2. **[[Ezra 10:27]]**: "Of the sons of Zattu; Elioenai, Eliashib, Mattaniah, and Jeremoth, and Zabad, and Aziza." This passage lists specific individuals from the "sons of Zattu" who had taken foreign wives, necessitating a covenant of separation. This occurrence highlights the prominence of the family and their involvement in the spiritual reforms led by Ezra.
3. **[[Nehemiah 7:13]]**: "The children of Zattu, eight hundred forty and five." This is a parallel account to [[Ezra 2:8]], found within Nehemiah's own census of the returnees. The slight numerical difference (945 in Ezra vs. 845 in Nehemiah) is a common textual variant in such lists, but the consistent inclusion of Zattu's family underscores their significant presence in the repatriated community.
4. **[[Nehemiah 10:14]]**: "The chief of the people; Parosh, Pahathmoab, Elam, Zattu, Bani, Bunni..." In this verse, Zattu (likely representing the head of the family or a prominent individual from the lineage) is listed among the leading men who sealed the solemn covenant to walk in God's law and keep His commandments. This participation signifies the family's leadership and commitment to the spiritual renewal of the nation.
Across these occurrences, the family of Zattu emerges as a substantial and influential lineage within the post-exilic Jewish community, participating in the return, the reforms, and the covenant renewal. Their presence in these vital records attests to their active role in the rebuilding of Judah.
### Related Words & Concepts
Given that H2240 is a proper noun with an "uncertain derivation," there are no direct etymological cognates or semantically related words that would illuminate its inherent meaning. Its significance is primarily contextual. However, conceptually, the occurrences of Zattûwʼ relate to several important biblical themes:
* **Genealogy and Lineage:** The repeated listing of "sons of Zattu" alongside other family heads (e.g., `{{H6551}}` Parosh, `{{H6309}}` Pahath-moab) underscores the crucial importance of maintaining tribal and family identity in post-exilic Israel. This was vital for land claims, priestly service, and establishing a legitimate connection to the covenant people.
* **The Remnant:** The family of Zattu is part of the "remnant" of Israel that returned from Babylonian captivity, fulfilling prophetic promises of restoration.
* **Covenant Renewal:** Zattu's inclusion among those who sealed the covenant in Nehemiah 10 connects the name to the broader national commitment to faithfulness and obedience to God's law after the exile.
* **Community Building:** The presence of Zattu's family highlights the collective effort required to rebuild the nation, both physically and spiritually, after the devastation of exile.
### Theological Significance
As a proper noun, H2240 does not carry inherent theological meaning in the way a verb like "to create" or a noun like "righteousness" might. Its theological significance is derived indirectly from the role and context of the individuals and family it identifies within the redemptive history of Israel.
1. **Divine Preservation of a Remnant:** The very existence and prominent listing of the family of Zattu among the returnees bear witness to God's faithfulness in preserving a remnant of His people through the trials of exile. This demonstrates His unwavering commitment to His covenant promises, even when His people are disobedient.
2. **Corporate Responsibility and Purity:** The mention of "sons of Zattu" among those who had taken foreign wives ([[Ezra 10:27]]) highlights the concept of corporate responsibility within the community. The need for the family and the nation to purify themselves from practices contrary to God's law underscores the importance of holiness and separation for the covenant people.
3. **Covenant Loyalty and Obedience:** The participation of Zattu in sealing the covenant ([[Nehemiah 10:14]]) is a powerful symbol of the renewed commitment of the Jewish community to God's statutes. This act signifies a conscious choice to live in obedience and dedication to the Lord, reflecting a desire for national repentance and spiritual revitalization.
4. **Providence in Detail:** The meticulous recording of names like Zattu, even those with obscure etymologies, speaks to the detailed nature of divine providence. Every individual and family, no matter how seemingly minor, plays a part in the unfolding of God's redemptive plan, contributing to the larger narrative of His interaction with humanity.
### Summary
H2240, זַתּוּא (Zattûwʼ), is a Hebrew proper noun designating a personal and family name, the etymological derivation of which remains uncertain. Its biblical occurrences are confined to the books of Ezra and Nehemiah, where it consistently identifies a significant family among the Jewish exiles who returned from Babylon. The family of Zattu is enumerated in the censuses of returnees ([[Ezra 2:8]], [[Nehemiah 7:13]]), has members listed among those who had taken foreign wives ([[Ezra 10:27]]), and a representative of the family is recorded as sealing the covenant during the time of Nehemiah ([[Nehemiah 10:14]]). While the name itself lacks an inherent semantic meaning, its repeated appearance and the contexts in which it is found underscore key theological themes: the divine preservation of a faithful remnant, the importance of lineage and corporate responsibility in maintaining covenant purity, and the collective commitment to God's law during the post-exilic restoration. Thus, Zattûwʼ serves as a tangible historical marker within the biblical narrative, illustrating God's ongoing work with His people and their response to His covenant.
TRV