Original Word: עַדְלַי
Part of Speech: Proper Name Masculine
Transliteration: `Adlay
Pronunciation: ad-lah'ee
Phonetic Spelling: (ad-lah'-ee)
KJV: Adlai
NASB: Adlai
Word Origin: [probably from an unused root of uncertain meaning]

1. Adlai, an Israelite

Adlai

Probably from an unused root of uncertain meaning; Adlai, an Israelite -- Adlai.

Word Origin
from an unused word
Definition
the father of Shaphat
NASB Translation
Adlai (1).

עַדְלָ֑י proper name, masculine 1 Chronicles 27:29, ᵐ5. Αδαι, ᵐ5^L Αδλι.

II. עדל (√ of foll.; compare Arabic turn aside, whence עֲדֻלָּם = retreat, refuge, so Lag BN 54, compare Dr^{Sm. p. 293} Bhul^{Geogr. 97}).

Biblical Occurrence

Adlai appears once in Scripture: “Shaphat son of Adlai was in charge of the herds that grazed in the valleys” (1 Chronicles 27:29). Though seemingly incidental, this reference fixes Adlai within the extensive administrative lists that record King David’s carefully organized kingdom.

Historical Setting

1 Chronicles chapter 27 details the officials responsible for the military, treasury, agriculture, and royal property during David’s reign. Adlai is identified through his son Shaphat, who supervised cattle in the lowland pastures south and west of Jerusalem. These fertile valleys supplied provisions for the royal court and likely for the armies numbered earlier in the chapter. By association, Adlai’s household belonged to a network of trusted families whose service undergirded Israel’s political and economic stability during a formative era of united monarchy.

Ministry Significance

1. Faithful Support Roles: Adlai never steps into the spotlight; instead, his significance is revealed through his son’s stewardship. The narrative highlights that godly service often unfolds through diligent, behind-the-scenes labor (compare Luke 16:10; Colossians 3:23).
2. Generational Influence: The text implicitly commends Adlai for raising a son competent and trustworthy enough to receive a royal appointment. This accords with the biblical pattern in which family discipleship shapes future leaders (Deuteronomy 6:6-9; Proverbs 22:6).
3. Agricultural Provision in God’s Economy: David’s administration mirrors the Lord’s concern for order and provision within His covenant community. Adlai’s line contributes to the “good pasture” imagery later applied to God’s shepherding care (Ezekiel 34:14; John 10:9-11).
4. Integration of the Secular and Sacred: By situating Adlai’s family in the same chapter that lists temple treasurers and military commanders, Scripture affirms that mundane tasks—managing cattle, maintaining fields—carry spiritual value when performed under God’s rule (1 Corinthians 10:31).

Lessons for Today

• Recognize the worth of unseen service; the Lord records every act done in faith (Hebrews 6:10).
• Invest intentionally in the next generation, trusting that faithful parenting can ripple outward into public ministry.
• Embrace vocational callings—whether pastoral, administrative, or agricultural—as spheres for kingdom stewardship.
• Remember that God weaves ordinary names like Adlai into the tapestry of redemptive history, encouraging believers that no contribution is too small for His purposes.

עַדְלָֽי׃ עדלי׃ ‘aḏ·lāy ‘aḏlāy adLaiInterlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel Texts