from the feminine of צֵל; shady; Tsillethai, the name of two Israelites; Zilthai.
Transliteration:Tsillᵉthay
Pronunciation:tsil-leth-ah'-ee
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew proper noun צִלְּתַי (Tsillᵉthay), transliterated as Zilthai, is derived from the feminine form of צֵל (tsel), meaning "shadow" or "shade." The base definition provided indicates its meaning as "shady." As a personal name, its semantic range is primarily confined to its etymological root, which evokes imagery of covering, protection, or darkness. Unlike an adjective or verb, its usage is limited to identifying specific individuals within biblical genealogies and narratives. The "–ay" ending often denotes a patronymic or a diminutive, but in this context, it functions as part of the proper name, possibly meaning "my shade" or "belonging to shade."
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The name Tsillᵉthay (Zilthai) appears twice in the Hebrew Bible, both times within the book of 1 Chronicles, identifying two distinct individuals:
1. **[[1 Chronicles 8:20]]**: Here, Zilthai is listed as one of the sons of Shashak, a Benjamite, within a detailed genealogy of the tribe of Benjamin. This chapter meticulously records the descendants and dwelling places of Benjamin's lineage. In this context, Zilthai is merely an identifier within a long list, serving to trace the tribal lines of Israel. The name itself does not contribute to the narrative beyond identifying an individual in a complex family tree.
2. **[[1 Chronicles 12:20]]**: In this passage, Zilthai is identified as one of the Manassites who deserted to David at Ziklag. He is described as a "captain of thousands" (שָׂרֵי הָאֲלָפִים), indicating a position of leadership and military prowess among those who joined David during his time of refuge. The context here highlights loyalty and strength, as these men are described as "mighty men of valor" (גִּבֹּרֵי הַחַיִל). While the name's etymology ("shady") might metaphorically suggest a background of obscurity or a protective role, the text focuses on his military allegiance to David rather than any inherent quality suggested by his name.
In both instances, the name functions purely as an identifier, without explicit textual commentary on its meaning or significance in relation to the individual's character or actions.
### Related Words & Concepts
The primary and most direct lexical connection for Tsillᵉthay is to its root word, צֵל (tsel), Strong's number `{{H6738}}`. This noun broadly means "shadow," "shade," or "shelter." From this root, a range of related concepts emerge:
* **Protection and Refuge**: Often, "shadow" in the Bible symbolizes divine protection and refuge. Phrases like "the shadow of Your wings" ([[Psalm 17:8]], [[Psalm 36:7]]) or "the shadow of the Almighty" ([[Psalm 91:1]]) convey a sense of secure covering and safety provided by God.
* **Transience and Ephemerality**: "Shadow" can also represent the fleeting nature of human life and earthly existence. For example, [[1 Chronicles 29:15]] states, "our days on earth are as a shadow, and there is no hope." This highlights the brevity and insubstantiality of human life compared to God's eternal nature.
* **Obscurity or Darkness**: In some contexts, "shadow" can denote darkness, obscurity, or a hidden state, as in "the shadow of death" (צַלְמָוֶת - tsalmaveth, `{{H6757}}`), which describes a state of deep darkness or mortal peril ([[Psalm 23:4]]).
* **Figurative Representation**: The concept of "shadow" can also be used figuratively to describe something that is a mere outline or prefigurement of a greater reality, particularly in the New Testament (e.g., `{{G4639}}` σκιά - skia, in Hebrews 8:5, 10:1, referring to the Old Covenant as a shadow of the New).
While Tsillᵉthay is a proper name and not directly used in these theological expressions, its etymological link to צֵל (tsel) connects it to this rich semantic field of protection, transience, and divine presence.
### Theological Significance
As a proper noun, Tsillᵉthay (Zilthai) does not carry inherent theological significance in the way that a verb or a concept might. The individuals bearing the name are not highlighted for qualities directly related to "shade" or "shadow." However, the etymological root of the name, צֵל (tsel), meaning "shadow" or "shade," is profoundly significant in biblical theology.
The "shadow" of God is a powerful metaphor for divine protection, comfort, and presence. To dwell "in the shadow of the Almighty" ([[Psalm 91:1]]) is to experience ultimate security and refuge from all harm. This imagery underscores God's role as a benevolent protector who shelters His people. The name Zilthai, while simply an identifier, subtly echoes this deep theological truth. Parents in ancient Israel often chose names for their children that reflected their hopes, prayers, or theological understanding. Thus, a name like "Zilthai" could have been given with the implicit hope that the child would live under God's protective "shade" or perhaps even be a source of "shade" (comfort, protection) to others.
Conversely, the concept of "shadow" also speaks to the ephemeral nature of human life, reminding us of our dependence on God and the brevity of our earthly sojourn ([[Job 8:9]], [[Psalm 102:11]]). While this aspect is less directly tied to the personal name, it is an important theological dimension of the root word. Therefore, while not explicitly theological in its direct usage, the name Tsillᵉthay serves as a linguistic pointer to broader, vital biblical themes concerning God's sovereignty, protection, and the human condition.
### Summary
Tsillᵉthay (Zilthai), Strong's number `{{H6769}}`, is a Hebrew proper name derived from the word for "shade" or "shadow" (צֵל, `{{H6738}}`). It appears twice in the book of 1 Chronicles, identifying a Benjamite in a genealogical list ([[1 Chronicles 8:20]]) and a Manassite military leader who joined David at Ziklag ([[1 Chronicles 12:20]]). In both contexts, the name functions as a simple identifier for individuals within the historical record of Israel. While the name itself does not carry explicit theological weight in its biblical occurrences, its etymological root in "shade" connects it to significant biblical themes. These themes include divine protection and refuge (e.g., dwelling in the "shadow of the Almighty"), as well as the transient nature of human life. Thus, Tsillᵉthay, though a personal name, subtly resonates with profound theological concepts concerning God's protective presence and the ephemeral quality of human existence.
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