5644. Sithri

Lexical Summary

Sithri: Sithri

Original Word: סִתְרִי
Part of Speech: Proper Name Masculine
Transliteration: Cithriy
Pronunciation: SITH-ree
Phonetic Spelling: (sith-ree')
KJV: Zithri
NASB: Sithri
Word Origin: [from H5643 (סֵתֶר סִתרָה - Secret)]

1. protective
2. Sithri, an Israelite

Strong's Exhaustive Concordance

Sithri, an Israelite

From cether; protective; Sithri, an Israelite,:

see HEBREW cether

NAS Exhaustive Concordance

Word Origin
from sathar
Definition
a Levite
NASB Translation
Sithri (1).

Brown-Driver-Briggs

סִתְרִי proper name, masculine a Levite; — Exodus 6:22, ᵐ5 Σεγρει, A Σεθρει, ᵐ5^L Σετρι.

Topical Lexicon

Biblical Occurrence

Exodus 6:22 records, “The sons of Uzziel were Mishael, Elzaphan, and Sithri”. This single mention places Sithri within the genealogy of Levi, more precisely among the Kohathites, a clan entrusted with the most sacred objects of Israel’s worship.

Genealogical Context

• Levi → Kohath → Uzziel → Mishael, Elzaphan, Sithri
• As a grandson of Kohath, Sithri was a cousin to Moses and Aaron (Exodus 6:18–23).
• His brother Elzaphan later became the recognized head of the Kohathite families (Numbers 3:30), implying that Sithri belonged to a line of leadership and sanctuary service.

Historical and Worship Setting

The Kohathites camped on the south side of the tabernacle and were charged with transporting the ark, the table of the presence, the lampstand, altars, and sacred utensils (Numbers 3:29-31; 4:4-15). Although Scripture does not single out Sithri’s individual acts, his placement within this clan means he shared responsibility for the holiest articles of Israel’s worship—a ministry carried out “under the cover” of divine command and often away from public notice.

Theological Significance of the Name

The name is related to the idea of “concealment” or “protection.” This nuance resonates with themes that run through Scripture:
• “He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High will abide in the shadow of the Almighty” (Psalm 91:1).
• “You hide them in the secret place of Your presence” (Psalm 31:20).
• “Your life is now hidden with Christ in God” (Colossians 3:3).

Sithri’s hiddenness in the text mirrors the believer’s life—often unseen yet secure in the sovereign care of the Lord.

Ministry Implications

1. Faithful Obscurity: Like many Kohathites, Sithri ministered without public acclaim, reminding today’s servants that unseen obedience is precious to God.
2. Sacred Trust: Handling holy things demanded strict adherence to God’s word (Numbers 4:15). Modern ministry likewise requires reverent fidelity to revealed truth.
3. Family Discipleship: Sithri’s line illustrates how spiritual responsibility is frequently transmitted through families; households remain vital training grounds for service.

Lessons for Today

• God records every faithful worker, even when history provides only a name (Hebrews 6:10).
• The protective “covering” implicit in Sithri’s name assures believers that hidden service is under divine shelter (Psalm 27:5).
• Spiritual leadership, like Elzaphan’s, often rises from families marked by quiet dedication—encouraging churches to cultivate multi-generational faithfulness.

Cross-References and Typological Insights

• Exodus 6:18-23 – Wider context of Levi’s descendants.
• Numbers 3:29-32; 4:4-15 – Duties of the Kohathites, highlighting the gravity of Sithri’s clan responsibilities.
• Psalm 91:1; Psalm 31:20; Psalm 27:5 – “Hiding” and “shelter” motifs that echo the meaning associated with the name.
• Colossians 3:3 – Fulfillment of the “hidden life” theme in union with Christ.

Sithri’s brief appearance underscores a timeless biblical principle: God values faithful ministry carried out under His covering, even when it escapes human notice.

Forms and Transliterations

וְסִתְרִֽי׃ וסתרי׃ vesitRi wə·siṯ·rî wəsiṯrî

Englishman's Concordance

Exodus 6:22
HEB: מִֽישָׁאֵ֥ל וְאֶלְצָפָ֖ן וְסִתְרִֽי׃
NAS: Mishael and Elzaphan and Sithri.
KJV: Mishael, and Elzaphan, and Zithri.
INT: Mishael and Elzaphan and Sithri

1 Occurrence

Strong's Hebrew 5644
1 Occurrence

wə·siṯ·rî — 1 Occ.