📝 Etymology & Meaning
The name Shealtiel derives from the Hebrew roots 'sha'al' meaning 'to ask' or 'request', and 'El' meaning 'God'. Combining these elements, it suggests a meaning related to asking or seeking God’s favor or help. Historically, names ending with 'El' denote a divine connection or invocation of God's name, indicating the person’s relationship with the divine or a prayerful context. The name encapsulates the idea of prayer, supplication, or divine intervention, which was common in biblical naming practices emphasizing faith and divine reliance.
| Original Language | Hebrew |
| Transliteration | שְׁאַלְתִּיאֵל |
| Pronunciation | sheh-al-tee-EL |
| Literal Meaning | Ask of God |
| Gematria Value | N/A |
✨ Spiritual Meaning
Shealtiel symbolizes a deep reliance on divine intervention and prayer. It reflects a spiritual posture of seeking God's guidance and favor, emphasizing faith in God's sovereignty. The name embodies trust and dependence on divine providence, underscoring the biblical theme that salvation and success come through divine blessing and prayerful supplication.
👤 People with This Name in the Bible
| Person | Reference | Role | Significance |
|---|---|---|---|
| Shealtiel, son of Jehoiachin | 1 Chronicles 3:17; Haggai 1:1 | Prince of Judah, father of Zerubbabel | He was a descendant of King David and played a crucial role in the post-exilic rebuilding of Jerusalem, representing hope and restoration. |
🏺 The Name in Cultural Context
In biblical times, names held significant meaning, often reflecting parents’ hopes, faith, or circumstances surrounding a child's birth. Shealtiel was likely given to symbolize trust in God's intervention during a period of exile and rebuilding. Names like Shealtiel underscored a collective hope for divine favor and societal renewal. Such names reveal the deeply spiritual culture of the biblical era, where language and faith were intertwined in personal identity and national history, reinforcing the importance of divine blessing in life's journey.
🔗 Related Names
| Name | Relationship | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| Zerubbabel | related through lineage | Born of Babel or Seed of Babylon |
| Eliezer | related through root ‘El’ | My God is help |
| Shearjashub | similar structure | A remnant shall return |
📚 Where This Name Appears
1 Chronicles 3:17 (1 time), Haggai 1:1 (1 time)
👶 As a Baby Name Today
Although less common today, Shealtiel remains a meaningful biblical name among those seeking traditional or religious names. Its spiritual significance appeals to parents valuing faith-based identity. Variations like Zerubbabel see contemporary usage in biblical communities and among those inspired by biblical history. Its cultural appeal lies in its divine invocation and historical depth, making it a distinctive choice for a boy's name in religious families worldwide.
🌍 In Other Faith Traditions
In Jewish tradition, Shealtiel retains its historical and spiritual significance, often symbolizing hope and divine favor. In Islamic tradition, the name does not appear, but its components relate to divine requests seen in other names. Its recognition underscores the shared spiritual heritage emphasizing trust in God’s plan across Abrahamic faiths.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
What does the name Shealtiel mean?
Is Shealtiel a common modern name?
Who was Shealtiel in the Bible?
Shealtiel’s name is one of the earliest biblical names that combines the divine 'El' with a verb of asking, emphasizing the biblical emphasis on prayer and divine intervention. Its connection to the lineage of David highlights its importance in the biblical royal and priestly traditions.









