סַרְדִּי

a Seredite (collectively) or descendants of Sered

Definition

סַרְדִּי (Çardîy) is a patronymic noun meaning 'a Seredite,' referring collectively to the descendants of Sered, the son of Zebulun (Genesis 46:14). In its sole biblical occurrence, it denotes a clan within the tribe of Zebulun, counted during the census in the wilderness (Numbers 26:26). The term functions exclusively as an ethnonym, identifying this familial group within the tribal structure of Israel. No other distinct meanings or usages are attested in the biblical text.

Biblical Usage

This word appears only once in the Old Testament, in Numbers 26:26, within the context of the second wilderness census. It is used in a genealogical and administrative list to enumerate the clans descended from Zebulun's sons. The pattern is consistent with other patronymic '-ite' forms in the census chapters, serving to document the tribal subdivisions of Israel.

Etymology

Derived from the proper name סֶרֶד (Sered, H5624), the father of the clan. It follows the common Hebrew patronymic pattern using the '-î' suffix, which means 'belonging to' or 'descended from.' This formation is analogous to other tribal clan names like Gershonites (from Gershon) or Merarites (from Merari).

Semantic Range

In ancient Israelite society, clan identities like 'Seredite' were fundamental to social organization, inheritance rights, and military musters. Being listed in the census affirmed the clan's place within the covenant community and its share in the tribal inheritance in the Promised Land. This contrasts with modern individualistic identity, highlighting the collective, familial nature of Israel's identity.

Zebulun (Zĕbulûwn, H2074) — the tribal name encompassing the Seredite clan. Gershonite (Gĕrĕshonnîy, H1649) — another example of a patronymic clan name from the tribe of Levi, following the same grammatical pattern.

Word Details

Scripture References