Who was Raddai in the Bible?

Raddai was one of the older brothers of King David, a son of Jesse from Bethlehem. He is listed among David's siblings in the genealogies of 1 Chronicles.

Why is Raddai significant in the Bible?

Raddai's significance lies primarily in his familial connection, as he was part of the lineage from which King David, and ultimately Jesus Christ, descended. His mention helps establish David's family background and the fulfillment of God's promise to the house of Jesse (Isaiah 11:1).

What key events in Raddai's life are recorded?

The Bible does not record any specific events from Raddai's life. He is only mentioned by name in the family list found in 1 Chronicles 2:14, which identifies him as the fifth of Jesse's seven sons.

Raddai

Old TestamentUnited MonarchyMaleSonBrother

Raddai was one of David's brothers, a son of Jesse.

Raddai

Biography

Raddai was the fifth son of Jesse the Bethlehemite, making him one of King David's elder brothers. He appears in the genealogical record of 1 Chronicles 2:14, listed among Jesse's sons between Nethanel and Ozem. Unlike his more prominent brothers Eliab, Abinadab, and Shammah, who are mentioned in the narrative of David's anointing by Samuel (1 Samuel 16) and in the confrontation with Goliath (1 Samuel 17), Raddai does not appear in any recorded biblical events. His name, possibly meaning "Yahweh subdues" or "trampling," reflects the theophoric naming conventions common in Israelite families. As part of the household of Jesse in Bethlehem, he belonged to the tribe of Judah, the royal lineage from which the Messiah would come.

Significance

Though Raddai plays no active role in biblical narrative, his inclusion in the genealogical records of 1 Chronicles serves the Chronicler's purpose of establishing the complete lineage of the Davidic dynasty. His presence in Jesse's household reminds readers that God's selection of David as king bypassed not only Raddai but all of his brothers, reinforcing the principle that God looks upon the heart rather than birth order or outward appearance (1 Samuel 16:7). The faithful preservation of even minor family members in Scripture underscores God's meticulous care for His covenant people and the integrity of the messianic line.

Authority Records

Wikidata

FatherJesseMotherNitzevetSiblingDavid

Verse Appearances (1)

1Chr

1Chr 2:14

References

Orr, J. (ed.) (1915) The International Standard Bible Encyclopedia. Chicago: Howard-Severance Company. [Public Domain]
Tyndale House, Cambridge (n.d.) Translators Individualised Proper Names with all References (TIPNR). STEPBible. Available at: https://www.stepbible.org. [CC BY 4.0]
Wikidata contributors (n.d.) Wikidata. Available at: https://www.wikidata.org. [CC0]
Church of England (1769) The Holy Bible, Authorized (King James) Version. [Public Domain]

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