Lexical Summary Sodi: Secret, counsel, intimate circle Original Word: סוֹדִי Strong's Exhaustive Concordance Sodi From cowd; a confidant; Sodi, an Israelite -- Sodi. see HEBREW cowd NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom the same as sod Definition a Zebulunite NASB Translation Sodi (1). Brown-Driver-Briggs סוֺדִי proper name, masculine a Zebulunite Numbers 13:10 (= *סוֺדִיָּה intimacy of Yah); — ᵐ5 Σουδ(ε)ι. — Vid also בְּסוֺדְיָה above סוה (√ of following; compare Phoenician סוית curtain, veil ? Bloch46 Lzb328). Topical Lexicon Name and meaning Sodi (Strong’s Hebrew 5476, סוֹדִי) carries the idea of “confidant” or “one of secret counsel,” drawing on the Hebrew concept of intimate fellowship and trustworthy advice (compare Psalm 25:14). Even though the word occurs only as a proper name, the thematic resonance of covenant intimacy and faith-grounded counsel enhances its narrative setting. Canonical appearance Numbers 13:10 records Sodi as the father of Gaddiel, Zebulun’s delegate among the twelve men sent by Moses to spy out Canaan: “from the tribe of Zebulun, Gaddiel son of Sodi”. This single mention situates Sodi in Israel’s second-year wilderness itinerary, shortly after the covenant ratification at Sinai and prior to the nation’s prolonged wandering following the spies’ report (Numbers 13—14). Historical backdrop 1. Period: Approximately 1445–1444 BC, between the Exodus (Exodus 12) and Israel’s approach to Kadesh Barnea (Numbers 13:26). Significance within Zebulun 1. Tribal identity: Jacob’s blessing foretold maritime openness for Zebulun (Genesis 49:13), echoed by Moses’ later blessing linking Zebulun to “the abundance of the seas” (Deuteronomy 33:18–19). Sodi’s family would have cultivated expectations of territorial inheritance along strategic trade routes. The spy commission 1. Mandate: “Spy out the land of Canaan” (Numbers 13:17). Moses’ selection of twelve “men, all leaders” (Numbers 13:3) underscores that Sodi raised a son capable of national service. Lessons in covenant faithfulness • Spiritual parenthood: Sodi’s example reminds believers that positional honor does not exempt descendants from personal obedience. Godly heritage must be matched by living faith (Ezekiel 18:20). Ministerial insights 1. Intercession for the next generation: Like Sodi, parents and mentors pass on spiritual opportunity; prayer and discipleship help successors respond in faith where earlier examples faltered (2 Timothy 1:5). Christological and canonical trajectory The name Sodi, rooted in “secret counsel,” anticipates the fuller revelation of divine mystery in Jesus Christ: “the mystery hidden for ages and generations but now revealed to His saints” (Colossians 1:26). The New Covenant realizes the intimate fellowship only typified by the Old Testament “sod,” granting believers direct access to God’s wisdom (1 Corinthians 2:7-10). Thus Sodi’s thematic footprint ultimately directs attention to the greater Counselor who imparts enduring faith. Key references Numbers 13:10; Numbers 14:6-9, 30-38; Psalm 25:14; Genesis 49:13; Deuteronomy 33:18-19; Joshua 19:10-16; 1 Chronicles 12:33; Colossians 1:26. Forms and Transliterations סוֹדִֽי׃ סודי׃ sō·w·ḏî soDi sōwḏîLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance Numbers 13:10 HEB: גַּדִּיאֵ֖ל בֶּן־ סוֹדִֽי׃ NAS: Gaddiel the son of Sodi; KJV: Gaddiel the son of Sodi. INT: Gaddiel the son of Sodi 1 Occurrence |