Original Word: זֵתָם
Part of Speech: Proper Name Masculine
Transliteration: Zetham
Pronunciation: Zay-thahm
Phonetic Spelling: (zay-thawm')
KJV: Zetham
NASB: Zetham
Word Origin: [apparently a variation for H2133 (זֵיתָּן - Zethan)]

1. Zetham, an &Š Israelite

Zetham

Apparently a variation for Zeythan; Zetham, an &? Israelite -- Zetham.

see HEBREW Zeythan

Word Origin
of uncertain derivation
Definition
a Levite
NASB Translation
Zetham (2).

זֵתָם proper name, masculine (sub זית in Thes, = foregoing) — a Levite (Gershonite) 1 Chronicles 23:8, apparently son of לַעְדָּן and brother of יְחִיאֵל and יוֺאֵל; 1 Chronicles 26:22 apparently grandson of לַעְדָּן, and son of יְחִיאֵלִי (expressly called brother of יוֺאֵל); ᵐ5 Ζεθομ, Ζοθομ, ᵐ5^L Ζηθαν.

זָךְ, זַךְ, see below זכך. below

זֵתָם proper name, masculine a Levite 1 Chronicles 23:8; 1 Chronicles 26:28.

Genealogical Position

Zetham appears twice in the Chronicler’s record, both times within the Gershonite branch of the tribe of Levi (1 Chronicles 23:8; 1 Chronicles 26:22). He is listed among the sons of Ladan (also called Jehiel or Jehieli), a descendant of Gershon, the firstborn of Levi. This places him within the Levitical clan charged with duties connected to the worship life of Israel rather than to priestly sacrifice. His brother Joel is mentioned alongside him in both occurrences, indicating a close fraternal partnership in ministry.

Historical Setting under David

The Chronicler’s lists in 1 Chronicles 23–26 chronicle King David’s sweeping re-organization of Levitical service as he prepared for Solomon to build the Temple. David assigned Levites from the age of thirty and upward to specific tasks of worship, oversight, and gatekeeping (1 Chronicles 23:24–32). Zetham’s placement in these lists means he belonged to the generation of Levites who transitioned Israel’s worship from a mobile tabernacle to the fixed location on Mount Moriah where the Temple would stand. His life therefore intersects a pivotal moment when the patterns of worship were refined for permanence and greater glory.

Temple Treasury Oversight

The most explicit information about Zetham’s ministry is found in 1 Chronicles 26:22:

“the sons of Jehieli, Zetham and Joel his brother, were over the treasuries of the house of the LORD.”

Treasury officials managed the precious metals, free-will offerings, and spoils dedicated to the sanctuary (1 Chronicles 26:20–28). Their responsibility included safeguarding resources for Temple maintenance and for supporting the priests and Levites in their ongoing service. Because these assets often consisted of military spoils (1 Chronicles 26:27), Zetham’s stewardship symbolized the transformation of worldly wealth into instruments of worship.

Relationship with Brother Joel

Zetham and Joel are repeatedly paired, hinting at a collaborative assignment similar to New Testament patterns of ministry “two by two” (Mark 6:7). Their joint appointment underscores the biblical principle that accountability and shared responsibility guard both integrity and effectiveness, especially when managing sacred funds.

Levitical Service Themes

1. Stewardship: Zetham’s role models faithful administration of God’s resources.
2. Supporting Worship: Though not a priest, his service made the sacrificial system possible, illustrating that every task—seen or unseen—has value before God.
3. Ordered Ministry: His mention in David’s carefully structured lists affirms that worship is enhanced, not hindered, by godly organization (1 Corinthians 14:40).

Theological Significance of Faithful Stewardship

Scripture frequently links stewardship with trustworthiness (Luke 16:10). Zetham serves as an Old Testament example of this virtue. His quiet fidelity foreshadows later teaching that believers are “servants of Christ and stewards of the mysteries of God” (1 Corinthians 4:1). The integrity required of a Temple treasurer mirrors the integrity required in every sphere of Christian service today.

Implications for Ministry Today

• Financial integrity remains essential for those entrusted with church or mission funds.
• Hidden service, exemplified by Zetham, is no less valuable than public ministry.
• Generational preparation—David equipping Levites like Zetham for Solomon’s Temple—encourages contemporary leaders to train successors who will carry forward the work.

Summary

Zetham, though mentioned only twice, embodies faithful stewardship within the divinely ordered worship of Israel. His life provides a concise, enduring lesson: God honors those who diligently guard His resources so that His house may flourish and His name be glorified.

וְזֵתָ֥ם וזתם זֵתָם֙ זתם vezeTam wə·zê·ṯām wəzêṯām zê·ṯām zeTam zêṯāmInterlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel Texts