Sallai
PeopleWhat is the meaning of Sallai in the Bible?
Sallai appears in biblical genealogies as both a Benjamite ancestor involved in the post-exilic settlement of Jerusalem and a member of a priestly family. The divergent records in 1 Chronicles 9:7 and Nehemiah 11:7-8 illustrate the textual variations inherent in the transmission of these family lineages.
SIGNIFICANCE
Recognizing the textual discrepancies surrounding Sallai aids readers in navigating the complexities of post-exilic social structures. It highlights how the preservation of accurate tribal and priestly records was essential for maintaining community identity and religious legitimacy during the restoration period.
Bible Study Quick-Reference Guide
- Why did the biblical author mention Sallai in this passage?
- What cultural or historical assumption does Sallai clarify?
Source Attribution
Built upon the 1915 International Standard Bible Encyclopedia and Easton's Bible Dictionary (1897). Entries have been modernized, checked for academic truthfulness, and shortened for clarity.