Original Word: צִלְּתַי
Part of Speech: Proper Name Masculine
Transliteration: Tsillthay
Pronunciation: tsil-leh-thah'-ee
Phonetic Spelling: (tsil-leth-ah'-ee)
KJV: Zilthai
NASB: Zillethai
Word Origin: [from the feminine of H6738 (צֵּל - shadow)]

1. shady
2. Tsillethai, the name of two Israelites

Zilthai

From the feminine of tsel; shady; Tsillethai, the name of two Israelites -- Zilthai.

see HEBREW tsel

Word Origin
from tsalal
Definition
"shady," two Isr.
NASB Translation
Zillethai (2).

צִלְּתַי proper name, masculine (Thes explanation as צִלַּת יָהּ); —

1 Benjamin, 1 Chronicles 8:20, Σελαθ (ε) ι.

2 צִלְתָּ֑י, Manassite, 1 Chronicles 12:21 (van d. H. v.1 Chronicles 12:20), Σεμασθει, Σιλαθα, etc.

Biblical Profile

Zillethai (Strong’s Hebrew 6769) appears in Scripture as the name of two otherwise unknown men whose brief mentions nonetheless contribute to the tapestry of covenant history. The first Zillethai belongs to the tribe of Benjamin (1 Chronicles 8:20), rooted in a genealogy that preserves the tribal line after the exile. The second is recorded among the valiant men of Manasseh who defected to David while he was still in exile at Ziklag (1 Chronicles 12:20).

Genealogical Significance (1 Chronicles 8:20)

The Chronicler’s meticulous listing of Benjamite families serves several purposes:
• It affirms the Lord’s preservation of tribal identities despite judgment and displacement.
• It safeguards inheritance rights tied to covenant land.
• It furnishes post-exilic Israel with a renewed sense of belonging in God’s redemptive plan.

Zillethai’s placement “among the sons of Shimhi” highlights the divine concern for seemingly minor names, reminding readers that no servant of God is forgotten in His record (Malachi 3:16).

Military Commitment to David (1 Chronicles 12:20)

“When David went to Ziklag, men from Manasseh defected to him—Adnah, Jozabad, Jediael, Michael, Jozabad, Elihu, and Zillethai, commanders of thousands in Manasseh”.

Key observations:
• Zillethai joined David in a season of rejection, evidencing faith in God’s promise regarding David’s kingship.
• He is labelled a “commander of a thousand,” showing organizational authority and tactical skill.
• The surrounding verse (1 Chronicles 12:21) states that these men “helped David against the band of raiders,” demonstrating both courage and loyalty that strengthened the emerging kingdom.

Theological and Practical Insights

1. God values obscure faithfulness. Zillethai’s brief mention illustrates how the Lord records and rewards even fleeting acts aligned with His purposes (Hebrews 6:10).
2. Unity transcending tribal lines. A Benjamite and a Manassite share the same name, hinting at the larger national unity ultimately realized under David’s rule and foreshadowing the church’s unity in Christ (Ephesians 2:14–16).
3. Courage to align with God’s anointed. Like the Manassite Zillethai, Christians today are called to stand with Christ even when His kingdom seems marginalized (Luke 12:32).

Ministry Application

• Encourage lay believers that their steadfastness, though unnoticed by people, is catalogued by God.
• Challenge leaders to exhibit the same decisive loyalty and strategic service that characterized the Ziklag defectors.
• Use Zillethai’s appearance in diverse tribal contexts to teach reconciliation and cooperation within the body of Christ.

Related Themes and Passages

Tribal genealogy: Numbers 1; Ezra 2.

Mighty men of David: 2 Samuel 23; 1 Chronicles 11.

Standing with God’s chosen amid adversity: Joshua 2; Daniel 3; 2 Timothy 1:8.

Summary

Though Scripture records Zillethai only twice, his name anchors lessons on God’s remembrance, courageous allegiance, and the unifying work of the covenant King.

וְצִלְּתַ֖י וְצִלְּתָ֑י וצלתי vetzilleTai wə·ṣil·lə·ṯay wə·ṣil·lə·ṯāy wəṣilləṯay wəṣilləṯāyInterlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel Texts