Lexical Summary Attay: Attai Original Word: עַתַּי Strong's Exhaustive Concordance Attai For ittiy; Attai, the name of three Israelites -- Attai. see HEBREW ittiy NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originprobably from anah Definition three Isr. NASB Translation Attai (4). Brown-Driver-Briggs עַתַּי proper name, masculine (Ι)εθθει 1 of Judah 1 Chronicles 2:35 (עַתָּ֑י), 1 Chronicles 2:36. 2 of Gad 1 Chronicles 12:11 32Chronicles 11:20 Topical Lexicon Occurrences and Identities Attai appears four times in the Old Testament, designating three different men: 1. The first-listed Attai, grandson of Sheshan of Judah through Sheshan’s Egyptian servant Jarha (1 Chronicles 2:35-36). Genealogical Legacy in the Tribe of Judah Sheshan’s problem of having “no sons, only daughters” (1 Chronicles 2:34) threatened the continuation of his line in the tribal registers of Judah. By giving his daughter to Jarha, an Egyptian, Sheshan preserved his heritage while exemplifying the inclusiveness of covenant faith when foreigners embraced Israel’s God. Attai, born of this union, anchors a new branch in Judah’s lineage: “Attai was the father of Nathan, and Nathan the father of Zabad” (1 Chronicles 2:36). The list ultimately converges with descendants active after the exile (2 Chronicles 2:37-41), illustrating the reliability of God’s providence in sustaining family lines that appear vulnerable. Valor among David’s Warriors The Gadite Attai joined David “while he was still banished because of Saul” (1 Chronicles 12:1, context), demonstrating faith in God’s promise over political expediency. Of the eleven Gadites described as possessing faces “like lions” and being “swift as gazelles on the mountains” (1 Chronicles 12:8), Attai is counted sixth: “Ezer the chief, Obadiah the second, Eliab the third, Mishmannah the fourth, Jeremiah the fifth, Attai the sixth, Eliel the seventh…” (1 Chronicles 12:9-10). His inclusion among these elite soldiers highlights steadfast courage, voluntary risk for the future king, and willingness to forsake tribal security for covenant loyalty. Such devotion foreshadows the New-Testament call to hazard personal safety for the true King (Acts 15:26; Philippians 2:29-30). Royal Line under Rehoboam Rehoboam’s family narrative features Attai as a younger son of Maacah, granddaughter of Absalom: “Maacah … bore Abijah, Attai, Ziza, and Shelomith” (2 Chronicles 11:20). Although Abijah succeeds Rehoboam, Attai’s recording in the royal annals affirms the thoroughness of Scripture’s historical witness and underscores the promise to David of an enduring house (2 Samuel 7:12-16). His mother’s influence—both revered and later rebuked (2 Chronicles 15:16)—reminds readers that elevation by birthright requires personal fidelity to the covenant. Theological and Ministry Reflections 1. Preservation Through Unlikely Means. Sheshan’s solution for his heirlessness, culminating in Attai, teaches that God safeguards His purposes even through unconventional channels (Isaiah 55:8-9). Summary Though briefly noted, each Attai contributes to the biblical tapestry: preserving Judah’s family record, strengthening David’s fledgling kingdom, and enlarging Solomon’s royal line. Together they testify that God weaves faithfulness, valor, and covenant continuity into every generation of His people. Forms and Transliterations וְעַתַּי֙ ועתי עַתַּ֔י עַתַּי֙ עַתָּֽי׃ עתי עתי׃ ‘at·tay ‘at·tāy ‘attay ‘attāy atTai veatTai wə‘attay wə·‘at·tayLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance 1 Chronicles 2:35 HEB: ל֖וֹ אֶת־ עַתָּֽי׃ NAS: in marriage, and she bore him Attai. KJV: to wife; and she bare him Attai. INT: marriage bore Attai 1 Chronicles 2:36 1 Chronicles 12:12 2 Chronicles 11:20 4 Occurrences |
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