Who was Zeri in the bible?

Zeri (Tseri) is named as an Israelite in a list of those set apart for musical service associated with prophecy, thanksgiving, and praise. In Scripture he appears as one of “the sons of Jeduthun,” under Jeduthun’s direction.

Zeri in Scripture

Zeri is mentioned in the context of an organized appointment for service involving certain families. The chapter begins by describing how the king and military leaders designated specific people for this work.

“Moreover, David and the captains of the army set apart for the service certain of the sons of Asaph, and of Heman, and of Jeduthun, who were to prophesy with harps, with stringed instruments, and with cymbals. The number of those who did the work according to their service was:” (1 Chronicles 25:1, WEB)

This opening frames the setting: a structured “service” carried out by “certain of the sons of Asaph, and of Heman, and of Jeduthun,” and that service is characterized as “to prophesy with harps, with stringed instruments, and with cymbals.” The passage then gives a sequential listing of each group. First are the sons of Asaph, including a note about their oversight and the king’s direction.

“of the sons of Asaph: Zaccur, Joseph, Nethaniah, and Asharelah. The sons of Asaph were under the hand of Asaph, who prophesied at the order of the king.” (1 Chronicles 25:2, WEB)

After Asaph’s group, the text turns to Jeduthun’s. This is where Zeri is explicitly named, and where his position is clarified: he is included among Jeduthun’s sons and is described as serving “under the hands of their father Jeduthun.” The verse also specifies the character of Jeduthun’s activity: “who prophesied in giving thanks and praising Yahweh with the harp.”

“Of Jeduthun, the sons of Jeduthun: Gedaliah, Zeri, Jeshaiah, Shimei, Hashabiah, and Mattithiah, six, under the hands of their father Jeduthun, who prophesied in giving thanks and praising Yahweh with the harp.” (1 Chronicles 25:3, WEB)

Within this list, Zeri appears as one of the six sons named: “Gedaliah, Zeri, Jeshaiah, Shimei, Hashabiah, and Mattithiah.” The immediate narrative role the passage gives him is thus tied to this ordered, father-led musical-prophetic service connected with “giving thanks and praising Yahweh with the harp.”

The chapter continues its orderly presentation by listing those connected with Heman, expanding the list of names considerably.

“Of Heman, the sons of Heman: Bukkiah, Mattaniah, Uzziel, Shebuel, Jerimoth, Hananiah, Hanani, Eliathah, Giddalti, Romamti-Ezer, Joshbekashah, Mallothi, Hothir, and Mahazioth.” (1 Chronicles 25:4, WEB)

The passage then comments on Heman’s role in relation to the king and God, and notes the number of Heman’s children.

“All these were the sons of Heman the king’s seer in the words of God, to lift up the horn. God gave to Heman fourteen sons and three daughters.” (1 Chronicles 25:5, WEB)

Finally, the chapter closes this section by summarizing the common structure shared by these groups: they were “under the hands of their father for song in Yahweh’s house,” using particular instruments, and operating under royal order.

“All these were under the hands of their father for song in Yahweh’s house, with cymbals, stringed instruments, and harps, for the service of God’s house: Asaph, Jeduthun, and Heman being under the order of the king.” (1 Chronicles 25:6, WEB)

Taken together, these verses present a coordinated arrangement of musical service in Yahweh’s house. Zeri’s single mention places him among Jeduthun’s sons, participating in that service “under the hands of their father Jeduthun,” in a context where the work is described with the words “prophesied,” “giving thanks,” “praising Yahweh,” and “with the harp.”

Name and Meaning

The name is written in Hebrew as צְרִי and transliterated Tseriy, pronounced tser-ee’. Its derivation is given as the same as H6875, with the component tseriy (צְרִי) meaning a “distillation,” that is, “balsam.”

Brief observation

Although Zeri appears only in a list, his placement “under the hands of their father Jeduthun” within those who “prophesied in giving thanks and praising Yahweh with the harp” ties his name to an ordered ministry of song and worship (1 Chronicles 25:3).

Frequently Asked Questions

Who was Zeri in the Bible?

Zeri (Tseri) is identified as an Israelite. In 1 Chronicles 25:3, he is listed among the sons of Jeduthun.

What does the name Zeri mean?

The name is given as Tseri.

How many times does Zeri appear in the Bible?

Zeri appears 1 time.

Where is Zeri mentioned?

Zeri is mentioned in 1 Chronicles 25:3.

Explore Further

If you found this page about Zeri interesting and would like to discover more about other biblical characters, explore our comprehensive Encyclopedia of Biblical Characters. For those looking to delve deeper into the Greek origins of these names and terms, our Greek Lexicon is an invaluable resource.

Sources: Name and occurrence data from Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance and STEPBible reference data (CC BY). Scripture quotations from the World English Bible (public domain).