צׇרְעָתִי (tsor.i)
tsor.i
Zorathite
N:N--LGQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 3 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- N:N--LG
Word Overview
The term tsorati identifies a person from Zorath, a town associated with the tribe of Judah. It functions as a gentilic adjective, meaning it describes someone by their place of origin rather than by an occupation or personal trait. The word appears only three times in the Hebrew Bible, all within the genealogical records of First Chronicles.
Its usage highlights the careful tracking of family lines during the post-exilic period. In these texts, the Zorathites are listed alongside other clans to establish their inheritance and social standing within the community of Judah. The name itself likely connects to the place Zorah, which some ancient sources link to the meaning "hornet," though the primary function here is simply to denote residence or ancestry.
This rare word serves as a small but specific marker in the biblical narrative. It reminds readers that the history of Israel includes many local families and towns whose names might otherwise be forgotten. By preserving these details, the chronicler ensures that even minor groups have a recorded place in the larger story of God’s people.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The name Zorathite appears only three times in Scripture, tucked away within the genealogies of First Chronicles. These lists might seem dry at first glance, but they reveal a God who knows His people by name and origin. The term identifies families from the town of Zorath, linking them to the tribe of Judah and their specific inheritance in the land.
For your faith, this rarity reminds you that every person has a place in God’s story. Even when names are obscure or locations are forgotten, they are preserved by the Chronicler. This shows that no one is overlooked in the community of Israel. You belong to a larger narrative where your roots and history matter deeply.
When you read these verses, consider how God values identity and lineage. It encourages us to honor our own backgrounds while trusting that God writes His people into an eternal record. Your place in His family is secure, just as the Zorathites were secured in their inheritance.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 3 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- the/ Zorathite[s]2×
- the/ Zorite[s]1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- הַ/צָּרְעִֽי\׃1×
- הַ/צָּֽרְעָתִֽי\׃\ \ס1×
- הַ/צָּ֣רְעָתִ֔י1×
Key Verses
-
I Chronicles 2:53
The families of Kiriath Jearim: the Ithrites, the Puthites, the Shumathites, and the Mishraites; from them came the Zorathites and the Eshtaolites.
This verse lists the Zorathites alongside other families of Kiriath Jearim, showing their integration into the broader tribal structure of Judah.
-
I Chronicles 4:2
Reaiah the son of Shobal became the father of Jahath; and Jahath became the father of Ahumai and Lahad. These are the families of the Zorathites.
Here the text explicitly calls them 'families of the Zorathites,' confirming their status as a distinct clan within the genealogical record.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does Zorathite mean?
Where does the word Zorathite appear?
Why is this word important?
Every Occurrence (3 verses across 1 books)
I Chronicles 3 verses
The families of Kiriath Jearim: the Ithrites, the Puthites, the Shumathites, and the Mishraites; from them came the…
I Chronicles 2:54The sons of Salma: Bethlehem, the Netophathites, Atroth Beth Joab, and half of the Manahathites, the Zorites.
I Chronicles 4:2Reaiah the son of Shobal became the father of Jahath; and Jahath became the father of Ahumai and Lahad. These are the…