Raddai

At a Glance

A son of Jesse named in 1 Chronicles 2:14.

Key Points

• Biblical personal name, not a doctrine or theological concept.
• Listed among Jesse’s sons.
• Known only from a brief genealogical reference.

Description

Raddai is not a theological term but a biblical personal name. In 1 Chronicles 2:14, he appears in the list of Jesse’s sons, placing him among David’s brothers. Scripture does not supply any extended account of his life or role, so his significance is primarily genealogical and textual rather than doctrinal. Because the name is attached to a specific biblical family line, the entry belongs with proper-name material rather than with doctrinal or conceptual dictionary categories.

Biblical Context

1 Chronicles preserves the genealogy of Judah and the family line leading to David. Raddai appears within that family record as one of Jesse’s sons. His mention helps identify the household from which David came.

Historical Context

Beyond the biblical genealogy, there is little historical data about Raddai himself. The name functions as part of Israel’s preserved family records rather than as a figure of later historical prominence.

Jewish and Ancient Context

Genealogies in the Old Testament were important for tracing tribal identity, inheritance, and covenant line. Raddai’s inclusion in Jesse’s family record fits that broader biblical pattern.

Primary Key Texts

• 1 Chronicles 2:14

Secondary Key Texts

• 1 Chronicles 2:13-15

Original Language Note

The name is a Hebrew personal name transliterated as Raddai. Its precise meaning is uncertain.

Theological Significance

Raddai has little direct theological content of his own, but his presence in the genealogy underscores Scripture’s care in preserving the family line of David and the historical integrity of biblical record.

Philosophical Explanation

Proper names in Scripture are not abstract concepts; they anchor revelation in real people and real history. Raddai’s significance is therefore historical and literary rather than doctrinal.

Interpretive Cautions

Do not turn Raddai into a doctrine, symbolic code, or speculative character study. The Bible provides only a brief genealogical notice, so claims should remain limited to what the text actually states.

Major Views

There are no major interpretive debates about Raddai himself. The main issue is simply identification as a biblical name in Jesse’s genealogy.

Doctrinal Boundaries

Raddai does not establish any doctrine by himself. Any theological use should remain subordinate to the plain genealogical purpose of the passage.

Practical Significance

Raddai reminds readers that Scripture preserves even obscure names, showing that God’s redemptive history is rooted in real families and ordinary people.

Related Entries

• Jesse
• David
• Genealogy
• 1 Chronicles

See Also

• Jesse
• David
• Genealogies of Israel
• Sons of Jesse