זֵתָם
𐤆𐤕𐤌
Zetam
H2241 noun
SILEX Entry
Definition
Zetham — a personal name found in genealogical records, designating an Israelite individual listed among the Levites. The name likely means 'olive tree' or is related to the olive, based on its possible connection with the root for 'olive' (זית), although its precise meaning remains uncertain due to the rare occurrence and possible textual variation. The word functions exclusively as a proper name in the Hebrew Bible.
Semantic Range
personal name (Zetham); possibly 'olive tree' (by root); proper name for a Levite; variant form for Zethan (זֵיתָן)
Root / Etymology
Derived from the root זית (z-y-t, ז-י-ת), meaning 'olive tree.' זֵתָם (Zêthâm) appears to be a variant of זֵיתָן (Zethan), possibly with a different suffix or as a result of textual transmission. The suffix ם may indicate a diminutive or patronymic nuance, though this is speculative. The root gives the generic meaning 'olive,' but the actual function of the word is as a personal name. Etymology not fully certain. See also זֵיתָן (Zethan).
Historical & Contextual Notes
Zetham is mentioned in the genealogical lists in 1 Chronicles 23:8 and 26:10, associated with Levite families in the time of David. No narrative details are provided; the usage is confined to name lists. Unlike standard English translations that sometimes render ancient personal names into familiar forms, Zêthâm is a direct transliteration and has not been loaded with broader significance in tradition. Its occurrence alongside זֵיתָן (Zethan) suggests possible textual confusion or variation between the two names. The underlying root זית ('olive') sometimes appears in other personal or place names, likely symbolizing fruitfulness, prominence, or value, but there is no evidence that Zetham was intended to carry those connotations explicitly in the biblical text. No evidence exists for the term's use outside of the genealogical context or for later religious or ethnic identity implications. Given this word occurs only in late genealogical lists, its use reflects post-monarchic priestly record-keeping rather than earlier Israelite naming patterns.
Original Strong's Gloss (1890)
apparently a variation for זֵיתָן; Zetham, an Israelite; Zetham.
Bantu Hebrew
No Bantu Hebrew comparisons have been submitted for this word yet.
+ Add Bantu Hebrew WordRoot Family
זית (z-y-t) — olive, olive tree, yield olive fruit
Word Forms
2 distinct forms
| SIDANCE | Surface | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | Occurrences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
H2241-01 |
וְ/זֵתָ֥ם | vezetam | HC/Np |
and Zetham | and Zetham | 1 |
H2241-02 |
זֵתָם֙ | zetam | HNp |
Zetham | Zetham | 1 |
Occurrences in Scripture
2 total occurrences
| SIDANCE | Reference | Word | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
H2241-01 |
1 Chronicles 23:8 | וְ/זֵתָ֥ם | vezetam | HC/Np |
and Zetham | and Zetham |
H2241-02 |
1 Chronicles 26:22 | זֵתָם֙ | zetam | HNp |
Zetham | Zetham |