Lexical Summary Radday: Raddai Original Word: רַדַּי Strong's Exhaustive Concordance Raddai Intensive from radah; domineering; Raddai, an Israelite -- Raddai. see HEBREW radah NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom radad Definition a son of Jesse NASB Translation Raddai (1). Brown-Driver-Briggs רַדַּי proper name, masculine fifth son of Jesse, according to 1 Chronicles 2:14; Ζαδδαι, A Παδδαι, ᵐ5L Ρεδαι. Topical Lexicon Genealogical Setting Raddai appears once in Scripture, in the genealogical record of Jesse’s household: “Nethanel the fourth, Raddai the fifth, Ozem the sixth, and David the seventh” (1 Chronicles 2:14). The Chronicler preserves his name to round out the full lineage of Jesse, anchoring David the king within a real, identifiable family in Bethlehem of Judah. Although Raddai’s life goes unrecorded beyond this notice, his place in the lineage serves several purposes within the biblical narrative. Place within the Family of Jesse 1. Birth Order: Raddai is the fifth of Jesse’s eight sons. The order underscores that David, though the youngest, was sovereignly chosen over older brothers—including Raddai—for the throne of Israel (1 Samuel 16:6-13). Historical Context Living in the late period of the Judges and the dawn of the monarchy, Raddai belonged to a humble agrarian family that produced Israel’s greatest king. Bethlehem’s obscurity contrasts with the global impact of the Davidic covenant (2 Samuel 7:8-16). Raddai, like his brothers, would have participated in the ordinary duties of shepherding and warfare (1 Samuel 17:13). His generation bridges the tribal confederacy of Israel and the united kingdom under David, highlighting how God works through ordinary households to advance redemptive history. Theological Significance 1. Integrity of the Davidic Line: Chronicles meticulously records each son of Jesse to demonstrate the continuity and legitimacy of David’s dynasty, vital for post-exilic readers anticipating the Messiah. Raddai’s inclusion testifies to the completeness of the genealogical record that ultimately leads to Jesus Christ (Matthew 1:6). Lessons for Contemporary Believers • Divine Calling Overrides Human Expectation: As Raddai’s elder brothers were overlooked for kingship, so modern believers are reminded that God’s purposes transcend social rank or seniority (1 Corinthians 1:27-29). Conclusion Though Scripture grants Raddai only a single verse, his presence enriches the biblical tapestry by completing Jesse’s household, emphasizing the sovereignty of divine choice, and illustrating the value God places on every individual within His covenant family. Forms and Transliterations רַדַּ֖י רדי rad·day radDai raddayLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance 1 Chronicles 2:14 HEB: נְתַנְאֵל֙ הָֽרְבִיעִ֔י רַדַּ֖י הַחֲמִישִֽׁי׃ NAS: Nethanel the fourth, Raddai the fifth, KJV: the fourth, Raddai the fifth, INT: Nethanel the fourth Raddai the fifth 1 Occurrence |
    |