Original Word: עַבְדִּי
Part of Speech: Proper Name Masculine
Transliteration: `Abdiy
Pronunciation: ahv-DEE
Phonetic Spelling: (ab-dee')
KJV: Abdi
NASB: Abdi
Word Origin: [from H5647 (עָבַד - serve)]

1. serviceable
2. Abdi, the name of two Israelites

Abdi

From abad; serviceable; Abdi, the name of two Israelites -- Abdi.

see HEBREW abad

Word Origin
from abad
Definition
two Isr.
NASB Translation
Abdi (3).

עַבְדִּי proper name, masculine (= עֹבַדְיָה servant of Yah; see however, Gray^{Prop. N. 149 ff.} and compare Old Aramaic עבדו, Nabataean, Palmyrene עבדי Lzb^{333, 334} Cook⁸⁷); —

1 a Levite 1 Chronicles 6:29; 2Chronicles 29:12; ᵐ5 Αβδ(ε)ι, ᵐ5^L 1Chronicles Αβδια.

2 one with a foreign wife Ezra 10:26; ᵐ5 Αβδε(ι)α.

Name and Meaning

Though the entry is a personal name, its components convey “servant of the Lord,” an expression that quietly underscores covenant loyalty and availability for divine purposes. Whenever the name appears, the context stresses service—whether in temple worship, national reform, or post-exilic purification.

Occurrences and Contexts

1 Chronicles 6:44 places Abdi in the genealogy of Merari, the Levitical clan charged with transporting and guarding the tabernacle’s heavy framework (Numbers 3:33–37).

2 Chronicles 29:12 identifies his son Kish among those the reforming king Hezekiah summoned to cleanse the desecrated temple.

Ezra 10:26 lists an Abdi among post-exilic Israelites who had taken foreign wives and were called to repentance.

Levitical Heritage and Worship

The Merarites’ task required disciplined strength and strict adherence to God’s instructions. Having Abdi situated in this lineage shows that faithful service often occurs behind the scenes. The careful preservation of these names in Scripture validates even hidden obediences as vital to corporate worship.

Role in Hezekiah’s Reforms

During Hezekiah’s first month as king, the temple lay polluted by idolatry. In response, “the Levites came forward… from the Merarites, Kish son of Abdi” (2 Chronicles 29:12). Abdi’s household thus furnished manpower for an urgent revival that restored the sacrifices, reopened the doors, and reinstituted praise. Their obedience illustrates how God employs family lines previously prepared for decisive moments in redemptive history.

Lesson from Post-Exilic Purification

Centuries later, a namesake surfaced among those guilty of intermarriage. Ezra’s public reading of the Law produced conviction, and “from the Elamites:… Abdi” (Ezra 10:26) pledged to put away the foreign wife. The appearance of Abdi both in reform and in repentance demonstrates that true servanthood involves ongoing submission to Scripture, even when it demands costly separation.

Theological and Ministry Implications

1. Servanthood is identity before it is activity; bearing a name that means “servant of the Lord” reminds believers that vocation flows from belonging.
2. God weaves generational faithfulness into His larger purposes. The quiet faith of an earlier Abdi contributed to national revival under Hezekiah.
3. Names alone do not guarantee fidelity. The later Abdi had to abandon compromise, proving that each generation must reaffirm covenant loyalty.
4. Leaders depend on prepared servants. Hezekiah’s call was met because Levites like Kish son of Abdi stood ready. Churches likewise flourish when members are trained, available, and zealous for God’s house.

Christological Foreshadowing and Application

Isaiah speaks of the coming “Servant” who will bring salvation to the ends of the earth (Isaiah 49:6). The smaller account of Abdi anticipates this greater Servant, Jesus Christ, whose perfect obedience secures redemption. In Him believers find both the model and enabling grace for wholehearted service.

Practical Reflections for Believers

• Cherish unnoticed assignments; they may support a future awakening.
• Keep lineage—physical or spiritual—under God’s Word, avoiding syncretism that dulls witness.
• Respond promptly when Scripture exposes sin, for authentic servants embrace repentance.
• Cultivate readiness: daily faithfulness positions individuals and congregations for extraordinary usefulness when God moves.

וְעַבְדִּ֔י ועבדי עַבְדִּ֔י עַבְדִּ֖י עבדי ‘aḇ·dî ‘aḇdî avDi veavDi wə‘aḇdî wə·‘aḇ·dîInterlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel Texts