from צוּר and שַׁדַּי; rock of (the) Almighty; Tsurishaddai, an Israelite; Zurishaddai.
Transliteration:Tsûwrîyshadday
Pronunciation:tsoo-ree-shad-dah'-ee
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew name Tsûwrîyshadday (צוּרִישַׁדַּי) is a compound word derived from two significant Hebrew terms: צוּר (tsûr) `{{H6697}}` and שַׁדַּי (Shadday) `{{H7706}}`. The first element, צוּר (tsûr), primarily means "rock," often used metaphorically in the Old Testament to denote strength, refuge, fortress, or a source of stability. It frequently serves as a divine epithet for God, emphasizing His unchangeable nature and reliability as a protector. The second element, שַׁדַּי (Shadday), is a divine name, most famously appearing in the compound "El Shaddai," typically translated as "God Almighty" or "God All-Sufficient." It connotes divine power, omnipotence, and abundant provision.
Synthesizing these components, Tsûwrîyshadday literally translates to "My Rock is Shaddai" or "Rock of the Almighty." As a personal name, it functions as a profound theological statement, declaring the individual's reliance upon God Almighty as their ultimate source of strength, protection, and stability. It encapsulates a confession of faith, affirming the divine attributes of power and steadfastness.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The name Tsûwrîyshadday appears exclusively in the book of Numbers, identifying a specific individual within the tribal genealogies and administrative records of Israel. He is mentioned as the father of Shelumiel, the leader of the tribe of Simeon.
The occurrences are:
* [[Numbers 1:6]]: "of Simeon, Shelumiel the son of Tsûrîyshadday."
* [[Numbers 2:12]]: "Then comes the tribe of Simeon, and the leader of the sons of Simeon: Shelumiel the son of Tsûrîyshadday."
* [[Numbers 7:30]]: "On the fourth day Shelumiel the son of Tsûrîyshadday, leader of the sons of Simeon, presented his offering."
* [[Numbers 7:35]]: "This was the offering of Shelumiel the son of Tsûrîyshadday."
* [[Numbers 10:19]]: "And over the division of the tribe of the sons of Simeon was Shelumiel the son of Tsûrîyshadday."
In each instance, Tsûrîyshadday is identified solely as the father of Shelumiel, who held a prominent leadership role among the Simeonites during the wilderness wanderings. While the text provides no further biographical details about Tsûrîyshadday himself, the very existence of such a name within the foundational records of Israel underscores the deep theological convictions embedded in personal nomenclature. In ancient Israel, names were not arbitrary labels but often carried prophetic, commemorative, or confessional significance, reflecting the hopes, prayers, or theological understanding of the parents. Tsûrîyshadday's name would have served as a constant reminder of God's omnipotent and steadfast nature to his family and community.
### Related Words & Concepts
The components of Tsûwrîyshadday connect to central theological themes in the Old Testament.
The term צוּר (tsûr) `{{H6697}}` is a rich descriptor for God, frequently appearing in poetic and didactic texts to convey His reliability and immutability. For example, in [[Deuteronomy 32:4]], God is called "the Rock, His work is perfect." [[Psalm 18:2]] declares, "The LORD is my rock and my fortress and my deliverer, my God, my rock, in whom I take refuge." This imagery emphasizes God as an unyielding foundation, a secure refuge in times of trouble, and the source of ultimate strength. Other related terms include סֶלַע (sela') `{{H5553}}`, also meaning "rock," but often referring to a crag or cliff, and מָעוֹז (ma'oz) `{{H4581}}`, "fortress" or "stronghold."
The divine name שַׁדַּי (Shadday) `{{H7706}}` is particularly prominent in the patriarchal narratives, where God reveals Himself as "El Shaddai" (e.g., [[Genesis 17:1]], [[Genesis 28:3]], [[Genesis 35:11]], [[Exodus 6:3]]). This name conveys God's absolute power, His ability to fulfill His promises, and His sufficiency to provide for and bless His people. It often appears in contexts of covenant establishment and the promise of numerous offspring, highlighting God's creative and life-giving power. The etymology of שַׁדַּי is debated, with proposals linking it to "mountain" (suggesting strength), "destroyer" (implying power over enemies), or "breast" (suggesting nourishment and sufficiency). Regardless of its precise origin, its biblical usage consistently points to God's omnipotence and abundant provision.
The combination of "Rock" and "Almighty" in Tsûrîyshadday thus powerfully encapsulates God's dual nature as both a steadfast refuge and an all-powerful provider. This mirrors other personal names that declare divine attributes, such as Elnathan ("God has given") or Ishmael ("God hears").
### Theological Significance
The name Tsûwrîyshadday carries profound theological significance, serving as a powerful confession of faith and a declaration of God's character. It articulates a core tenet of Israelite theology: that Yahweh is the ultimate source of strength, security, and sustenance.
Firstly, by identifying God as "My Rock" (צוּר), the name affirms His unwavering reliability and immutability. In a world of constant change and uncertainty, the "Rock" symbolizes divine steadfastness, a refuge that cannot be shaken. This imagery speaks to God's covenant faithfulness and His role as the protector and defender of His people. For an individual bearing this name, it would serve as a constant reminder of where true security lies.
Secondly, the inclusion of שַׁדַּי (Shadday) elevates this confession to the realm of omnipotence and divine sufficiency. It is not merely a strong rock, but the "Rock of the Almighty," emphasizing that God's strength is limitless and His resources inexhaustible. This aspect of the name would have instilled confidence in God's ability to overcome any obstacle, provide for every need, and fulfill every promise, even in the arduous journey through the wilderness.
The name Tsûwrîyshadday is, in essence, a personal creed. It reflects a deep theological understanding and a profound trust in the God of Israel. It suggests that the family who bestowed this name upon their son viewed God not as a distant deity, but as an intimately personal refuge and an all-powerful sustainer. This practice of embedding theological truths in personal names underscores the pervasive nature of faith in ancient Israelite society, where identity was often inextricably linked to divine attributes and covenant relationship. It points to a worldview where God's nature was not just intellectually assented to, but experientially known as the very foundation of life.
### Summary
Tsûwrîyshadday (צוּרִישַׁדַּי) is a Hebrew personal name meaning "My Rock is Shaddai" or "Rock of the Almighty," derived from צוּר (tsûr) `{{H6697}}`, meaning "rock" or "fortress," and שַׁדַּי (Shadday) `{{H7706}}`, a divine name signifying omnipotence and sufficiency. Biblically, Tsûrîyshadday is identified in the book of Numbers as the father of Shelumiel, the leader of the tribe of Simeon during the wilderness journey ([[Numbers 1:6]], [[Numbers 2:12]], [[Numbers 7:30]], [[Numbers 7:35]], [[Numbers 10:19]]).
The name itself is a powerful theological declaration, affirming God's dual nature as both an unshakeable refuge and an all-powerful, all-sufficient deity. It highlights the deeply personal and confessional aspect of names in ancient Israel, reflecting a profound trust in God's steadfastness and ability to provide and protect. Tsûrîyshadday serves as a testament to the enduring faith that viewed God as the ultimate source of strength and security for His people.
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