זֵתָם (ze.tam)
ze.tam
Zetham
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 Zetham identifies a specific Levite from the Gershonite clan during the period of the Divided Monarchy. He appears in the genealogical records of 1 Chronicles as the son of Libni and brother to Joel and Jehiel. The text places him within the broader lineage of Laadan, tracing the family’s role in temple service.
Etymologically, the name means "olive." This connection to a common agricultural product likely carried symbolic weight for ancient Israelites, representing peace, prosperity, or enduring life. While the biblical narrative does not detail his personal actions, his inclusion in Chronicles highlights the importance of preserving family lines among those assigned to serve in the sanctuary.
Translators consistently render this name as Zetham or Zethan to distinguish it from other similar-sounding figures. Its rarity, appearing only twice in Scripture, underscores how Chronicles uses such names to map the spiritual heritage of Israel rather than to recount individual biographies.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
Zetham’s name means “olive.” In ancient Israel, olives stood for peace, provision, and steady blessing. Zetham surfaces just twice in Scripture, listed among the Levites who served at the temple. The Chronicler wrote down his name because every person in God’s household mattered, no matter how small the role seemed.
Zetham and his brother Joel were put in charge of the temple treasures (1 Chronicles 26:22). That kind of assignment rarely draws attention, but the Bible remembers it. When our own work feels hidden, Zetham reminds us that God does not overlook quiet faithfulness. The olive tree grows slowly, yet its fruit yields oil for light and healing. In the same way, steady, unspectacular love for God and his people is never wasted.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 2 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- and/ Zetham1×
- Zetham1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- זֵתָם֙1×
- וְ/זֵתָ֥ם1×
Key Verses
-
I Chronicles 23:8
The sons of Ladan: Jehiel the chief, Zetham, and Joel, three.
Zetham is named alongside his brothers in the genealogy of Ladan, highlighting the careful record of Levitical families assigned to sanctuary service.
-
I Chronicles 26:22
The sons of Jehieli: Zetham, and Joel his brother, over the treasures of Yahweh’s house.
Zetham and his brother Joel were entrusted with safeguarding the treasures of Yahweh’s house, a behind-the-scenes duty that God chose to preserve in scripture.