Original Word: צוּרִישַׁדַּי
Part of Speech: Proper Name Masculine
Transliteration: Tsuwriyshadday
Pronunciation: tsoo-ree-shad-dah'-ee
Phonetic Spelling: (tsoo-ree-shad-dah'-ee)
KJV: Zurishaddai
Word Origin: [from H6697 (צּוּר צּוּר - rock) and H7706 (שַׁדַּי - Almighty)]

1. rock of (the) Almighty
2. Tsurishaddai, an Israelite

Zurishaddai

From tsuwr and Shadday; rock of (the) Almighty; Tsurishaddai, an Israelite -- Zurishaddai.

see HEBREW tsuwr

see HEBREW Shadday

צוּרִישַׁדָּ֑י proper name, masculine Σουρ(ε)ισαδαι[ε] (my rock is Shadday); — a Simeonite Numbers 1:6; Numbers 2:12; Numbers 7:36,41; Numbers 10:19.

Name and Meaning

Zurishaddai carries the idea “My Rock is the Almighty,” combining tsur (“rock”) with shaddai (“Almighty”). The name itself testifies to the sturdy, covenant-bound faith of Israel: the LORD is both immovable strength and gracious sustainer.

Scriptural Occurrences

1. Numbers 1:6 – In the initial wilderness census: “from Simeon, Shelumiel son of Zurishaddai”.
2. Numbers 2:12 – Listed under the military encampment on the east of the tabernacle.
3. Numbers 7:36, 41 – Twice in the record of tribal offerings for the dedication of the altar.
4. Numbers 10:19 – Included in the marching order of Israel as they set out from Sinai.

Historical Context

The references sit within the second year after the Exodus, when the nation transitioned from Egyptian servitude to covenant community. Zurishaddai himself does not appear in action; rather, his son Shelumiel serves as chief of the tribe of Simeon. The repeated citation of the father’s name underscores familial legitimacy within the tribal structure and anchors Shelumiel’s authority in a recognized lineage.

Theological Significance

1. Covenant Identity: Bearing a theophoric name, Zurishaddai embodies the principle that Israel’s identity and leadership must be grounded in Yahweh’s character.
2. Corporate Solidarity: Each occurrence ties Zurishaddai to ritual (altar dedication), order (camp arrangement), and warfare (military census), illustrating how every household contributed to the nation’s worship, organization, and defense.
3. Continuity of Faith: Though Zurishaddai’s deeds are unrecorded, Scripture memorializes his faith by embedding it in his name and in the ministry of his son, reflecting Deuteronomy 6:7’s call to transmit covenant faith to ensuing generations.

Ministry Lessons

• Legacy Over Visibility: Not all servants of God lead publicly; some leave a legacy through the spiritual formation of their children, who then stand before the congregation.
• God-Centered Identity: Names that confess divine attributes remind believers that leadership credibility flows from dependence on the LORD, not personal prowess.
• Ordered Service: Zurishaddai’s repeated mention in texts detailing census, camp, offerings, and march highlights that kingdom service encompasses administration as much as it does liturgy.

Related Themes

– Theophoric naming in Israel (e.g., Jehoshaphat, Elijah).

– Tribal headship and patriarchal responsibility in Numbers 1–10.

– “Rock” imagery for God (Deuteronomy 32:4; Psalm 18:2) united with “Shaddai” titles (Genesis 17:1).

צוּרִֽישַׁדָּֽי׃ צורישדי׃ שַׁדָּֽי׃ שדי šad·dāy šaddāy shadDai ṣū·rî·šad·dāy ṣūrîšaddāy tzuRishadDaiInterlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel Texts