צְרִי (tse.ri)
tse.ri
Zeri
N:N-M-PQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 1 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- N:N-M-P
Word Overview
The name Tseri appears only once in the Hebrew Bible, recorded in 1 Chronicles 25:3 as a Levitical musician serving during King David’s reign. He is identified as the son of Jeduthun and brother to other notable temple leaders like Obed-edom and Mattithiah. This single mention places him within the organized choir structure that David established for worship.
Etymologically, Tseri derives from a root meaning "built" or "foundation." In this context, the name likely signifies stability or enduring strength, fitting for a family entrusted with the permanent liturgical duties of the temple. The text also notes an alternative spelling, Izri, in 1 Chronicles 25:11, reflecting minor variations in how scribes recorded personal names during that period.
Though Tseri himself does not perform specific actions or deliver speeches, his inclusion highlights the importance of lineage and order in Israel’s worship. His role underscores how music was not merely entertainment but a structured service managed by dedicated families like Jeduthun’s.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The name Tseri appears only once in Scripture, recorded in 1 Chronicles 25:3 as a son of Jeduthun and a Levitical musician. His name likely means "built" or refers to a foundation, suggesting stability and enduring strength. This meaning fits well with his role in the temple choir, where he helped maintain the structured worship that King David established.
While we do not know Tseri’s personal story, his inclusion reminds us that faithful service often happens behind the scenes. The organized nature of Israel’s music shows that worship is both a spiritual gift and a disciplined practice. For you, this might mean finding comfort in knowing that God values consistent, steady participation in community life, even when your role seems small or unnoticed.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 1 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- and/ Zeri1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- וּ/צְרִ֡י1×
Key Verses
-
I Chronicles 25:3
Of Jeduthun, the sons of Jeduthun: Gedaliah, Zeri, Jeshaiah, Shimei, Hashabiah, and Mattithiah, six, under the hands of their father Jeduthun, who prophesied in giving thanks and praising Yahweh with the harp.
This verse lists Tseri among Jeduthun's sons, highlighting his specific place within the Levitical choir structure dedicated to praising Yahweh with harps.