Barzillai

Barzillai is a masculine name of Hebrew origin, appearing in the Old Testament of the Bible. Derived from the Hebrew word barzel meaning "iron," the name conveys strength and resilience, much like the metal itself.

Notable Bearers

The name Barzillai is attributed to three distinct individuals in the Hebrew Bible. The most notable is Barzillai the Gileadite, who is remembered for his loyalty and generosity to King David during Absalom's rebellion. According to 2 Samuel 17:27–29, Barzillai provided provisions for David and his men when they fled to Mahanaim. Later, in 2 Samuel 19:31–39, when David returned to Jerusalem, he invited Barzillai to live at court, but the elderly man declined due to his age and asked instead that his son Chimham accompany the king. Another Barzillai is mentioned in Ezra 2:61–62 and Nehemiah 7:63: he married a daughter of Barzillai the Gileadite and adopted his name, but his descendants were excluded from the priesthood because they could not verify their genealogy. The third Barzillai appears in 1 Chronicles 19 – note the source extract as per Wikipedia does not name him explicitly? Checking the extract: The Wikipedia extract provided does not explicitly list Barzillai beyond what is stated. However, general biblical knowledge confirms the third is a Meholathite whose son Adriel married Michal, daughter of Saul (2 Samuel 21:8).

Cultural Significance

The name Barzillai, though rare in modern times, carries a legacy of fidelity and honor from its biblical bearers. It appears in the Old Testament and has been preserved in English Bible translations. Its meaning relates to the root בַּרְזֶל (barzel), "iron," which is also the source of words like "barzel" (iron) in modern Hebrew.

• Meaning: "Iron" (from Hebrew barzel)
• Origin: Hebrew
• Type: Given name
• Usage: English Bible, Hebrew Bible
• Famous Bearer: Barzillai the Gileadite, a supporter of King David