Lexical Definition
בַּרְזִלַּי Barzillay (bar-zil-lah'-ee) Barzillai N:N-M-P
from בַּרְזֶל; iron-hearted
Barzillai.
- § Barzillai = "my iron"
- Barzillai, the name of three Israelites
1) a Gileadite leader who helped David defeat Absalom's rebellion
2) a priest, son-in-law to Barzillai the Gileadite
3) an Israelite from Mahalath whose son Adriel married Michal, Saul's daughter
| Form | Translated As | In Verse(s) |
|---|---|---|
| לְבַרְזִלַּי֙ | Barzillai | 2Sam.19.39 |
| וּבַרְזִלַּי֙ | and Barzillai | 2Sam.19.31 • 2Sam.19.32 |
| וּבַרְזִלַּ֥י | and Barzillai | 2Sam.17.27 |
| בַרְזִלַּ֤י | Barzillai | 1Kgs.2.7 |
| בַּרְזִלָּ֑י | Barzillai | 2Sam.19.33 |
| בַּרְזִלַּ֖י | Barzillai | 2Sam.19.34 |
Extended Information
- A man living at the time of United Monarchy, first mentioned at 2Sa.17.27
Brown-Driver-Briggs
בַּרְזִלַּי proper name, masculine (man of iron) **no adjective from names of metals; perhaps Aramaic, and בַּר = son NesZPV xv.257; AJSL Apr. 1897. 173. —
1. a Gileadite 2Sam 17:27; 2Sam 19:32*; 2Sam 19:33*; 2Sam 19:35*; 2Sam 19:40*; 1Kgs 2:7 בַּרְזִלָּי֑ 2Sam 19:34*; Ezra 2:61 = Neh 7:63 בְּנֵי בַרְזִלַּי אֲשֶׁר לָקַח מִבְּנוֺת בַּרְזִלַּי הַגִּלְעָדִי וַיִּקָּרֵא עַלשְֿׁמָם, where 2nd Barzillai = above, & former is
2. a priest Ezra 2:61 = Neh 7:63, who adopted name בַּרְזִלַּי.
3. 2Sam 21:8 a Meholathite.
Brown-Driver-Briggs References
| Book | Refs |
|---|---|
| 2 Samuel | 17:27 · 19:32* · 19:33* · 19:34* · 19:35* · 19:40* · 21:8 |
| 1 Kings | 2:7 |
| Ezra | 2:61 |
| Nehemiah | 7:63 |
Profile
Male • David's compatriot • A Gileadite who provided for David during Absalom's rebellion.
David's compatriot living at the time of United Monarchy
Barzillai the Gileadite supplied provisions to David during his flight from Absalom and was later honored by the king.
- David's compatriot living at the time of United Monarchy, first mentioned at 2Sa.17.27;
- only referred to as Barzillai בַּרְזִלַּי.
Barzillai was a wealthy Gileadite from Rogelim who provided essential support to King David during his flight from his son Absalom's rebellion (2 Samuel 17:27-29). Along with others, Barzillai generously supplied food and provisions for David and his men. After Absalom's defeat, when David returned to Jerusalem, Barzillai accompanied him to the Jordan River (2 Samuel 19:31-39). Due to his advanced age of eighty, Barzillai declined David's invitation to join him in Jerusalem, but he sent his son Chimham in his place. David blessed Barzillai and promised to show kindness to his family. Later, on his deathbed, David instructed Solomon to show favor to Barzillai's descendants (1 Kings 2:7). Barzillai's loyalty and generosity during David's time of need were remembered and honored by the king. In Ezra 2:61 and Nehemiah 7:63, a priestly family is mentioned who traced their lineage to Barzillai, indicating the enduring impact of his devotion to David.
All entries for Barzillai: בַּרְזִלַּי