גָּדִי (ga.di)
ga.di
Gadi
N:N-M-PQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 2 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- N:N-M-P
Word Overview
The name gadi appears only twice in the Hebrew Bible, both times in the genealogical records of 2 Kings 15. It identifies the father of Menahem, a king who ruled over the northern Kingdom of Israel during a period of political instability. The text simply lists him as a Gadite, linking him to the tribe of Gad.
Etymologically, the name derives from the root meaning "to be fortunate" or "luck," translating roughly to "my fortune." While this is a brief mention in the biblical narrative, it serves as a crucial link in the royal lineage leading up to the Assyrian conquest. The name reflects a common ancient Near Eastern practice of embedding hopes for prosperity into personal identity.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The name Gadi appears only twice in Scripture, tucked away in the genealogies of 2 Kings. It identifies the father of Menahem, a king during a turbulent time for Israel. The meaning 'my fortune' or 'luck' reflects an ancient hope for prosperity, yet history shows that political power is fleeting. These brief records remind us that human lineage and earthly success are temporary.
For your faith, this word points to the difference between human luck and divine providence. While Menahem’s reign ended in violence and exile, God’s promises remain steady. You do not need to rely on chance or shifting circumstances. Instead, you can trust in a Father whose plans are sure, regardless of how unstable the world around you may seem.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 2 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- Gadi2×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- גָּדִ֧י1×
- גָּדִ֜י1×
Key Verses
-
II Kings 15:14
Menahem the son of Gadi went up from Tirzah, came to Samaria, struck Shallum the son of Jabesh in Samaria, killed him, and reigned in his place.
This verse establishes Gadi as the father of Menahem, linking him to a violent coup that highlights the instability of human power.
-
II Kings 15:17
In the thirty ninth year of Azariah king of Judah, Menahem the son of Gadi began to reign over Israel for ten years in Samaria.
Here the name anchors Menahem’s ten-year reign, showing how even brief earthly rule is recorded in God’s historical account.