חֶלְדַּי (chel.day)
chel.day
Heldai
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 ḥelday appears in Scripture as a personal identifier rather than a theological term. It belongs to two distinct individuals mentioned in the historical records of Israel’s monarchy and post-exilic restoration. In 2 Samuel 23:29, it identifies one of King David’s mighty warriors, specifically noted as the twelfth captain overseeing the monthly temple service rotations.
Centuries later, the same name surfaces in Zechariah 6:10 among a group of returning exiles who brought gifts for the rebuilding of the temple. The text notes that this individual is also called Helem, suggesting a possible variation or alternate usage within the community. The etymology links to the concept of "worldliness" or temporal things, though its application here serves strictly as a proper noun distinguishing these men in the lineage of service.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The name Heldai appears in Scripture as a personal identifier rather than a theological term. It belongs to two distinct individuals mentioned in the historical records of Israel’s monarchy and post-exilic restoration. In 2 Samuel 23:29, it identifies one of King David’s mighty warriors, specifically noted as the twelfth captain overseeing the monthly temple service rotations. Centuries later, the same name surfaces in Zechariah 6:10 among a group of returning exiles who brought gifts for the rebuilding of the temple.
The text notes that this individual is also called Helem, suggesting a possible variation or alternate usage within the community. The etymology links to the concept of "worldliness" or temporal things, though its application here serves strictly as a proper noun distinguishing these men in the lineage of service.
For your faith, Heldai reminds us that God uses ordinary names and people for His purposes. Whether serving in David’s army or helping rebuild the temple, these individuals contributed to God’s plan. Their stories show that every person has a role in God’s work, no matter how small it may seem.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 2 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- from/ Heldai1×
- Heldai1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- מֵ/חֶלְדַּ֕י1×
- חֶלְדַּ֥י1×
Key Verses
-
I Chronicles 27:15
The twelfth captain for the twelfth month was Heldai the Netophathite, of Othniel. In his division were twenty-four thousand.
This verse identifies Heldai as the twelfth captain for the twelfth month, highlighting his leadership role in organizing temple service rotations during David’s reign.
-
Zechariah 6:10
“Take of them of the captivity, even of Heldai, of Tobijah, and of Jedaiah; and come the same day, and go into the house of Josiah the son of Zephaniah, where they have come from Babylon.
Here Heldai is listed among returning exiles bringing gifts for the temple’s reconstruction, showing continuity in God’s people serving Him across generations.