{
  "id": "dict_006157",
  "term": "Zethan",
  "slug": "zethan",
  "letter": "Z",
  "entry_type": "biblical_person",
  "entry_family": "theological_term",
  "depth_profile": "standard",
  "short_definition": "Zethan is a minor biblical person named in the genealogy of Jediael in 1 Chronicles. He is listed among the descendants of Benjamin, not Asher.",
  "simple_one_line": "A little-known Benjaminite named in the Old Testament genealogies.",
  "tooltip_text": "A minor Old Testament name in the tribe of Benjamin; no narrative detail is given.",
  "aliases": [],
  "scripture_references": [],
  "original_language_terms": [],
  "related_entries": [
    "Benjamin",
    "Bilhan",
    "Jediael",
    "1 Chronicles",
    "Genealogy"
  ],
  "see_also": [
    "Genealogies in the Bible",
    "Tribe of Benjamin",
    "Chronicler"
  ],
  "lede_intro": "Zethan is a minor biblical figure mentioned only in the genealogies of 1 Chronicles. He is listed among the descendants of Benjamin, and Scripture gives no additional information about his life.",
  "at_a_glance_definition": "A Benjaminite named in 1 Chronicles 7.",
  "at_a_glance_key_points": [
    "Appears only in a genealogy",
    "No narrative or theological teaching is attached to him",
    "Best treated as a biblical person entry"
  ],
  "description_academic_short": "Zethan is a minor Old Testament personal name appearing in the Benjaminite genealogies of 1 Chronicles. The text provides no narrative beyond his place in the family line.",
  "description_academic_full": "Zethan is named in 1 Chronicles 7 among the descendants of Jediael and Bilhan in the tribe of Benjamin. He functions as a genealogical marker rather than as a developed character in the biblical narrative. Because Scripture gives no further account of him, any dictionary entry should remain brief and limited to the genealogical notice.",
  "background_biblical_context": "1 Chronicles preserves tribal genealogies that trace Israel's family lines after the exile. Zethan appears in that context as part of Benjamin's lineage.",
  "background_historical_context": "The Chronicler's genealogies helped preserve tribal memory and covenant identity for postexilic Israel. Zethan is one of many otherwise unknown names included in that record.",
  "background_jewish_ancient_context": "In ancient Jewish genealogical lists, names like Zethan served to locate a family within a tribe and preserve inheritance and identity. The text offers no biographical details.",
  "key_texts_primary": [
    "1 Chronicles 7:10–12"
  ],
  "key_texts_secondary": [],
  "original_language_note": "A Hebrew personal name; the meaning is uncertain and not explained in Scripture.",
  "theological_significance": "Zethan has no direct doctrinal significance. His inclusion illustrates the Bible's concern to preserve real people and covenant history even in brief genealogical notices.",
  "philosophical_explanation": "As a proper name, Zethan is not a concept to define philosophically. The entry matters mainly as a historical referent within the biblical record.",
  "interpretive_cautions": "Do not confuse Zethan with a theological term or attach significance beyond the genealogy. He is listed in Benjamin's line, not as a figure with recorded actions or teaching.",
  "major_views_note": "There is no meaningful interpretive debate about Zethan himself; discussion is limited to identification and placement within the genealogy.",
  "doctrinal_boundaries": "No doctrine should be built directly on Zethan's name alone. Any application must rest on the broader biblical teaching of God's preservation of family lines and covenant people.",
  "practical_significance": "Zethan reminds readers that Scripture records even obscure names as part of God's historical dealings with his people.",
  "meta_description": "Zethan is a minor biblical person named in the genealogy of Benjamin in 1 Chronicles 7.",
  "public_url": "/companion-bible-dictionary/zethan/",
  "json_url": "/companion-bible-dictionary/data/dictionary/zethan.json",
  "final_disposition": "PUBLISH_CANONICAL"
}