The Hebrew name Çeled, represented by H5540, means exultation and identifies Seled, an Israelite. It appears 2 times in 1 unique verse in the Bible. The name is used exclusively within a genealogical list to identify a specific individual whose lineage is being documented.
The sole appearance of H5540 is in the genealogies of the book of Chronicles. Seled is listed as one of the sons of Nadab, alongside his brother Appaim. The verse provides a crucial and definitive detail about his life: "Seled died without children" 1 Chronicles 2:30. This statement marks the end of his specific family line within the biblical record.
Several related words from the biblical text help frame the context of Seled's life and lineage:
- H5070 Nâdâb (liberal; Nadab, the name of four Israelites): Seled is identified as a son of Nadab, establishing his immediate parentage within the tribe's records 1 Chronicles 2:30.
- H649 ʼAppayim (two nostrils; Appajim, an Israelite): Listed as the brother of Seled, placing him within the same family unit as the son of Nadab 1 Chronicles 2:30.
- H4191 mûwth (to die... kill): This verb describes Seled's fate. The statement that he died is a key part of his brief biblical mention 1 Chronicles 2:30.
While a minor figure, the record of H5540 carries significance within the biblical narrative:
- Genealogical Integrity: The inclusion of Seled, even with the note that his line ended, demonstrates the detailed nature of Israel's ancestral records. These lists were vital for establishing identity and inheritance.
- The End of a Line: In a culture where having sons H1121 was crucial for carrying on the family name, the phrase "died without children" is a significant statement. It represents the conclusion of a particular branch of a family tree 1 Chronicles 2:30.
- A Statement of Mortality: The simple fact that "Seled died" H4191 serves as a reminder of the universal human condition recorded throughout Scripture. His story is a personal instance of the mortality that is a consequence of the fall Genesis 2:17 and a fate common to all people Ezekiel 18:20.
In summary, H5540 is the proper name Seled, an Israelite man mentioned once in the Bible. His identity is fixed within the genealogy as a son of Nadab. The defining characteristic of his recorded life is its conclusion: he died without children, thereby ending his direct lineage. His brief mention underscores the importance of ancestry in the Old Testament and serves as a quiet testament to human mortality within the larger biblical story.
TRV