Lexical Summary
Zethan: Zethan
Original Word:זֵיתָן
Part of Speech:Proper Name Masculine
Transliteration:Zeythan
Pronunciation:zay-THAN
Phonetic Spelling:(zay-thawn')
KJV: Zethan
NASB:Zethan
Word Origin:[fromH2132 (זַיִת - olive)]
1. olive grove
2. Zethan, an Israelite
Strong's Exhaustive Concordance
Zethan
Fromzayith; olive grove; Zethan, an Israelite -- Zethan.
see HEBREWzayith
NAS Exhaustive Concordance
Word Originfrom
zayithDefinition"olive tree," a Benjamite
NASB TranslationZethan (1).
Brown-Driver-Briggs
(
? olive-tree) — a Benjamite
1 Chronicles 7:10; ,
L .
Topical Lexicon
ZethanScriptural Appearance
1 Chronicles 7:10 records Zethan (Hebrew 2133) as one of the eight sons of Jediael, a chief family within the tribe of Benjamin.
Genealogical Context
The Chronicler begins the Benjamite lineage in1 Chronicles 7:6, tracing Bela, Becher, and Jediael. Verse 10 then lists Jediael’s sons, culminating in the statement: “All these sons of Jediael were heads of their families, mighty men of valor; there were 17,200 ready for service in battle” (1 Chronicles 7:11). Zethan therefore stands among the recognized leaders of Benjamin, contributing to the military strength and stability of the tribe. His inclusion underscores God’s concern to preserve every family line within His covenant people.
Historical Setting
1 Chronicles gathers genealogies compiled after the Babylonian exile to prove continuity between pre-exilic Israel and the restored community. By naming figures such as Zethan, the Chronicler reassures the post-exilic generation that their identity, inheritance, and responsibilities remain intact. The Benjamite lists also remind readers that the tribe supplying Israel’s first king (Saul) and the apostle Paul (Philippians 3:5) still has an acknowledged place in God’s unfolding plan.
Military Valor and Tribal Character
Benjamin is repeatedly portrayed as war-ready (Judges 20:16;1 Chronicles 8:40). Zethan, counted among “mighty men of valor,” represents this martial tradition. His presence within a fighting force of 17,200 highlights the disciplined organization and courage that characterized Benjaminite service to Israel’s national defense. Such valor anticipates later Benjamite heroes like Mordecai (Esther 2:5) and also foreshadows the spiritual warfare language of New Testament Benjamite Paul (2 Timothy 4:7).
Theological Themes
• Divine Record-Keeping
Every name in Scripture affirms God’s intimate knowledge of His people. Though Zethan appears only once, his inclusion shows that no servant of God is unnoticed (Malachi 3:16;Luke 10:20).
• Covenant Continuity
Zethan’s listing testifies to the faithfulness of God in maintaining the tribal allotments promised inJoshua 18. Even after exile, the Benjamites can locate themselves within God’s covenant story.
• Corporate Contribution
The army count linked with Jediael’s sons illustrates that collective strength arises from individual participation. Zethan’s family line bolsters the whole, reflecting the New Testament principle that every member of the body is indispensable (1 Corinthians 12:14-26).
Ministry Implications
1. Value the “hidden figures.” Many ministry roles receive little public notice, yet Scripture reminds leaders to acknowledge and honor them.
2. Teach the importance of spiritual lineage. Just as genealogies guard Israel’s identity, churches safeguard doctrinal heritage and personal testimony.
3. Encourage readiness for spiritual battle. Zethan’s readiness for war challenges believers to be similarly prepared with the whole armor of God (Ephesians 6:10-18).
Related Biblical Passages for Study
•1 Chronicles 7:6-12 – Entire context of the Benjamite genealogy
•Judges 20:14-16 – Benjamin’s renowned slingers
•Esther 2:5-6 – Post-exilic Benjamite presence
•Philippians 3:4-8 – Paul’s Benjamite credentials applied spiritually
Summary
Though a single-verse figure, Zethan embodies crucial biblical truths: God knows every name, sustains covenant faithfulness across generations, and equips His people for courageous service.
Forms and Transliterations
וְזֵיתָ֔ן וזיתן vezeiTan wə·zê·ṯān wəzêṯān
Links
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