probably from an unused root of uncertain meaning; Adlai, an Israelite; Adlai.
Transliteration:ʻAdlay
Pronunciation:ad-lah'-ee
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew term `{{H5724}}`, 'Adlay (עַדְלַי), is classified as a proper noun, referring to an individual Israelite. Its etymological root is explicitly noted as uncertain, deriving "probably from an unused root of uncertain meaning." This indicates that the precise semantic content or original significance of the name 'Adlay' is not recoverable from linguistic analysis of its components. Unlike many Hebrew names that convey a specific meaning or theological concept (e.g., 'David' meaning "beloved" or 'Israel' meaning "he struggles with God"), 'Adlay' does not yield such insights from its linguistic structure. Therefore, its core meaning is strictly referential, denoting a specific person within the biblical narrative.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The name 'Adlay' appears only once in the Hebrew Bible, in the book of Chronicles:
* [[1 Chronicles 27:29]]: "Over the herds that fed in Sharon was Shitrai the Sharonite; over the herds in the valleys was Shaphat the son of Adlai;"
In this solitary occurrence, 'Adlay' is identified as the father of Shaphat, who held a significant administrative position in King David's kingdom. Shaphat was responsible for "the herds in the valleys," indicating oversight of a considerable part of the royal livestock, a vital economic asset. The context of [[1 Chronicles 27]] is a detailed list of David's administrative officers, military commanders, and tribal leaders. The inclusion of 'Adlay' in this list, as the progenitor of an official, underscores the importance of lineage and the specific individuals involved in the governance of Israel during David's reign. Although nothing is directly stated about 'Adlay' himself, his son's role suggests that 'Adlay' was a figure of some standing, or at least from a family recognized within the tribal or administrative structures of the time.
### Related Words & Concepts
Given the explicit note that `{{H5724}}` derives "from an unused root of uncertain meaning," there are no directly related Hebrew words or cognates whose semantic range can illuminate 'Adlay's' etymology. It stands apart from names whose meanings are transparent or linked to common Hebrew roots.
However, as a proper noun, 'Adlay' is conceptually related to the broader category of personal names in the biblical text. Its appearance within the administrative lists of King David's reign connects it to concepts of:
* **Lineage and Genealogy:** Like many names in Chronicles, 'Adlay' serves to establish a line of descent, linking Shaphat to his father. This highlights the biblical emphasis on family and tribal identity (e.g., `{{H2072}}`, *zeraʻ*, "seed" or "offspring").
* **Service and Administration:** As the father of a royal official, 'Adlay' is associated with the apparatus of governance. This connects to terms related to service (e.g., `{{H5647}}`, *ʻavad*, "to serve") and leadership.
* **Historical Record-Keeping:** The meticulous detail of Chronicles, including names like 'Adlay', demonstrates a commitment to preserving the historical record of God's people and their interactions within the covenant.
### Theological Significance
While the name 'Adlay' itself carries no discernible theological meaning due to its uncertain etymology, its inclusion in the sacred text is nonetheless profoundly significant. The Bible's meticulous record-keeping, even of individuals whose personal names lack explicit theological import, underscores several key theological principles:
1. **God's Sovereignty in History:** The presence of specific individuals like 'Adlay' in the administrative lists of King David's reign ([[1 Chronicles 27:29]]) testifies to the concrete, historical nature of the covenant community and its leadership. It affirms the reality and historicity of the human agents through whom God's divine plan unfolds in time and space.
2. **The Value of Every Individual:** Even those whose names remain etymologically opaque or who are mentioned only once are deemed worthy of inclusion in the divine record. This subtly emphasizes God's attention to detail and the intrinsic value of every person within the community of faith, regardless of their prominence.
3. **Divine Providence:** The ordered structure of David's kingdom, including the roles of individuals like Shaphat (son of 'Adlay'), speaks to the divine providential ordering of all things, great and small, in the establishment and maintenance of His people.
The theological significance of 'Adlay' thus lies not in its etymology, but in its very presence within the inspired Word, testifying to the historical depth and divine oversight of Israel's past.
### Summary
The Hebrew term `{{H5724}}`, 'Adlay (עַדְלַי), is a proper noun referring to an Israelite whose name's etymological meaning is uncertain, derived from an unused root. It appears only once in the biblical text, in [[1 Chronicles 27:29]], where 'Adlay' is identified as the father of Shaphat, an official in charge of King David's herds in the valleys. Though the name itself offers no direct semantic or theological insights, its inclusion in the meticulous records of Chronicles highlights the Bible's commitment to historical accuracy, the importance of lineage and administrative structures in ancient Israel, and the divine attention to every individual, however briefly mentioned, within the unfolding narrative of God's people.
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