קַלַּי (qal.lay)
qal.lay
Kallai
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 Qallay appears only once in the Hebrew Bible, recorded in Nehemiah 12:20 as a priest from the lineage of Shallai during the post-exilic restoration. Its meaning is "swift," derived from the root qalal, which conveys lightness or speed. This brief etymological note suggests that the name may have been chosen to reflect agility or promptness, qualities valued in temple service.
As a proper noun, Qallay functions strictly as an identifier within Nehemiah’s genealogical list. The text places him among those who returned from Babylon and helped rebuild Jerusalem’s community and worship structures. While the name itself carries a clear semantic meaning, its biblical significance lies not in action or teaching, but in its role as a marker of priestly heritage during a critical period of national renewal.
Translators typically render Qallay simply as "Kallai" or "Qallai," preserving the phonetic identity rather than translating the meaning. This approach respects the name’s function as a personal identifier within a historical record. The single occurrence underscores how many individuals, whose names mean something significant, are remembered primarily for their place in the lineage of faith rather than for individual deeds.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The name Qallay appears only once in Scripture, nestled within the genealogical records of Nehemiah 12:20. It identifies a priest from the lineage of Shallai who returned from Babylon to help restore Jerusalem’s worship community. While we do not know his personal story, his name means "swift," suggesting qualities of agility or promptness that would have been valuable in temple service.
This brief mention reminds us that God values every member of His people, not just those with prominent roles in the narrative. Many individuals are remembered primarily for their place in the lineage of faith rather than for individual deeds. Their quiet obedience and heritage contribute to the larger story of national renewal and spiritual restoration.
When you read these lists, consider how your own life fits into God’s ongoing work. Even if your name does not appear in ancient records, your faithful participation in the community of believers matters deeply. God sees and remembers each person who contributes to building up His church today.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 1 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- Kallai1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- קַלָּ֖י1×
Key Verses
-
Nehemiah 12:20
of Sallai, Kallai; of Amok, Eber;
This verse identifies Qallay as a priest from Shallai’s lineage, marking his role in the post-exilic restoration of Jerusalem's worship community.