Lexical Summary
Gadi: Gadi
Original Word:גָּדִי
Part of Speech:Proper Name Masculine
Transliteration:Gadiy
Pronunciation:gah-DEE
Phonetic Spelling:(gaw-dee')
KJV: Gadi
NASB:Gadi
Word Origin:[fromH1409 (גָּד - fortunate)]
1. fortunate
2. Gadi, an Israelite
Strong's Exhaustive Concordance
Gadi
Fromgad; fortunate; Gadi, an Israelite -- Gadi.
see HEBREWgad
NAS Exhaustive Concordance
Word Originfrom
gadDefinitionan Isr.
NASB TranslationGadi (2).
Brown-Driver-Briggs
II.
2 Kings 15:14,17 (compare (? ) proper name, masculine Eut
Nab No. 25; Palmyrene proper name, masculine Vog
No. 32).
Topical Lexicon
Name and IdentityGadi is mentioned in Scripture as the father of Menahem, the sixteenth king of the northern kingdom of Israel. The name itself is formed on the root “Gad,” which in Hebrew conveys the idea of good fortune or fortunate circumstance, echoing the tribal blessing inGenesis 30:11 and the prophetic word inDeuteronomy 33:20–21.
Scriptural Occurrences
1.2 Kings 15:14 – “Then Menahem son of Gadi went up from Tirzah to Samaria, attacked Shallum son of Jabesh in Samaria, killed him, and reigned in his place.”
2.2 Kings 15:17 – “In the thirty-ninth year of Azariah king of Judah, Menahem son of Gadi became king over Israel, and he reigned in Samaria ten years.”
Historical Setting
Gadi lived during the final decades of the northern kingdom (approximately the middle of the eighth century B.C.). Although he never appears as a political actor, his son Menahem seized the throne in the violent aftermath of the assassination of King Zechariah and the one-month reign of Shallum. That moment highlights the deep instability of Israel following the dynasty of Jehu (2 Kings 10:30; 15:8–12). Menahem’s success indirectly reflects on Gadi’s social standing; his name’s preservation in the royal record suggests some measure of family prominence in Tirzah, a former capital of Israel (1 Kings 14:17).
Theological and Spiritual Significance
1. Divine Sovereignty over Lineage
Genealogical notations such as “son of Gadi” remind readers that God’s purposes operate through ordinary family lines. Even a largely unknown father can stand behind a pivotal—though flawed—leader, reinforcing that “the Most High rules the kingdom of men and gives it to whom He will” (Daniel 4:32).
2. The Burden and Blessing of Legacy
While Gadi’s name evokes prosperity, his son’s reign is remembered for brutality (2 Kings 15:16) and oppressive tribute to Assyria (2 Kings 15:19–20). The contrast underscores that a favorable heritage does not guarantee covenant faithfulness.
3. The Continuity of Prophetic Warning
The rapid turnover of kings during this period fulfills earlier prophetic warnings of judgment on idolatry and injustice (Deuteronomy 28:36;Hosea 8:4). Gadi’s brief appearance therefore frames Menahem’s rule within the larger narrative of covenant consequence.
Lessons for Ministry
• God notes every generation. Parents, even when unnamed in history, contribute to a spiritual legacy that may extend far beyond personal renown (Psalm 112:1–2).
• A good name is valuable, but only obedience secures blessing (Proverbs 22:1;1 Samuel 2:30). The fortune implied in Gadi’s name found no lasting expression in national righteousness.
• Leadership transitions test the hearts of God’s people; believers are called to pray “for kings and all those in authority” (1 Timothy 2:1–2), knowing that stability ultimately depends on the Lord.
Related Passages and Themes
Genesis 49:19;Deuteronomy 33:20–21—tribal blessings on Gad highlight the play on “fortune.”
Hosea 7:7;Hosea 10:3—prophetically denounce the self-destructive politics of Israel’s kings, the milieu in which Menahem son of Gadi emerged.
Acts 17:26—affirms God’s providence over nations and times, encouraging trust even amid political upheaval.
Gadi’s two short mentions anchor a crucial period of Israel’s decline, reminding readers that behind every ruler stands an unseen network of family and history, all under the watchful governance of the covenant-keeping God.
Forms and Transliterations
גָּדִ֜י גָּדִ֧י גדי gā·ḏî gaDi gāḏî
Links
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