סַלָּ֑י (sal.lay)
sal.lay
`valor`; Sallu; Salu; Sallai
N:N-M-PQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 6 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- N:N-M-P
Word Overview
The Hebrew name salli, transliterated as Sallai, means "weighed." It appears in Scripture as a proper noun for several distinct individuals rather than as a common noun with a general definition. The sources identify this name primarily with men from the tribe of Benjamin who lived during the post-exilic period, such as the ancestor listed in Nehemiah 11:8 and 1 Chronicles 9:7.
One notable bearer of this name is found in Numbers 25:14. Here, Sallu is identified as the father of Zimri, a prince of the Simeonites who was involved in the incident at Peor. This usage highlights the name’s presence during the wilderness wanderings, contrasting with its later appearance among those who returned from Babylonian exile.
The consistency of the meaning "weighed" across these varied historical contexts suggests a name chosen for its phonetic or symbolic value rather than a specific narrative role. Translators typically retain the name as Sallai or Sallu, preserving the identity of these biblical figures without attempting to translate the meaning into English.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The name Sallai appears in the Bible as a proper noun for several individuals, most notably from the tribe of Benjamin during the post-exilic period. Its meaning, "weighed," suggests a sense of value or importance placed on these men within their communities. In Nehemiah 11:8, Sallai is listed among the leaders who returned to Jerusalem, contributing to the rebuilding of the city and its spiritual life.
Seeing these names in Scripture reminds us that God knows each person individually. Even when we are just one name in a long genealogy, our lives matter to Him. The faithfulness of those like Sallai in restoring their community offers an example of quiet dedication and service to God and neighbor.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 6 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- Sallu3×
- of/ Sallai1×
- Salu1×
- Sallai1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- סָל֑וּא1×
- סַלּוּא֙1×
- סַלֻּ֡א1×
- סַלָּ֑י1×
- סַלּ֣וּ1×
- לְ/סַלַּ֥י1×
Key Verses
-
Nehemiah 11:8
After him Gabbai and Sallai, nine hundred twenty-eight.
This verse highlights Sallai's role as a leader among those who returned from exile, showing his active participation in rebuilding Jerusalem.
-
I Chronicles 9:7
Of the sons of Benjamin: Sallu the son of Meshullam, the son of Hodaviah, the son of Hassenuah;
Here Sallu is identified as a son of Benjamin, connecting him to the tribal lineage and the restoration of Israel's identity after the Babylonian captivity.
-
Numbers 25:14
Now the name of the man of Israel that was slain, who was slain with the Midianite woman, was Zimri, the son of Salu, a prince of a fathers’ house among the Simeonites.
This occurrence identifies Salu as the father of Zimri, linking the name to a specific event during the wilderness wanderings that underscores the seriousness of covenant faithfulness.