שִׁלְחִי

Shilchi, an Israelite

Definition

Shilchi is a proper noun referring to an Israelite man, the father of Azubah, who was the mother of King Jehoshaphat of Judah (2 Chronicles 20:31). The name appears only in this genealogical context, identifying a specific individual within the royal lineage. As a proper name, it does not have multiple senses or meanings in different biblical passages. Its sole function is to denote this ancestor of the king.

Biblical Usage

This word is used exactly once in the Old Testament, in 2 Chronicles 20:31, within a summary of King Jehoshaphat's reign. It appears in a genealogical formula: 'Jehoshaphat the son of Asa... and his mother's name was Azubah the daughter of Shilchi.' Its usage is strictly for personal identification in a historical record.

Etymology

The name Shilchi (שִׁלְחִי) is derived from the Hebrew root שָׁלַח (shalach, H7973), which fundamentally means 'to send' or 'to stretch out.' It is a patronymic form, meaning 'my sending' or possibly 'my missile/weapon,' suggesting a meaning like 'sent one' or 'armed one.' This connects it conceptually to things that are dispatched or extended.

Semantic Range

In ancient Israelite culture, names often carried significant meaning, reflecting circumstances of birth, parental hopes, or character traits. While the specific reason for this individual being named Shilchi is not provided, the name's connection to 'sending' or 'arms' may have held personal or familial significance. As a patronymic in a royal genealogy, it serves to root King Jehoshaphat's lineage within the broader community of Israel.

Word Details

Scripture References