Attai עַתַּי
Grandson of Sheshan, descendant of Judah
Who is Attai in the Bible?
Attai was the grandson of Sheshan, a descendant of the tribe of Judah mentioned in the genealogical records of 1 Chronicles 2:35-36. He was the son of Jarha, an Egyptian servant, and Ahlai, the daughter of Sheshan, who had no sons of his own. To preserve his family line and inheritance, Sheshan arranged for his daughter to marry his servant Jarha, and their descendants, including Attai, were incorporated into Sheshan's lineage. Attai's appearance in the genealogy of Judah demonstrates the significance of maintaining family heritage in ancient Israel and illustrates the creative measures taken to ensure the continuation of a family's inheritance when traditional succession was not possible.
Biography
Attai is mentioned in the genealogy of Judah in 1 Chronicles 2. He was the son of Jarha, an Egyptian servant of Sheshan, and Sheshan's daughter Ahlai. Sheshan had no sons of his own, so he gave his daughter in marriage to his servant Jarha, and their descendants, including Attai, were reckoned as part of Sheshan's lineage. This unusual arrangement preserved Sheshan's family line and ensured the continuation of his inheritance within the tribe of Judah. Attai's inclusion in the genealogy highlights the importance of maintaining family heritage and the creative measures taken to preserve lineage in ancient Israel.
Family
Parents
In Scripture
1 biblical book1 Chronicles 2 verses
- 1 Chronicles 2:35
"Sheshan gave his daughter in marriage to his servant Jarha, and she bore to him Attai."
- 1 Chronicles 2:36
"Attai was the father of Nathan, Nathan was the father of Zabad,"
Names & Aliases
| Form | Language | Script |
|---|---|---|
| Named | Hebrew | עַתַּי |