The name Attai appears in the Bible associated with two distinct individuals, both of whom are rooted in the significant royal and priestly lineages of Israel and Judah.
The name Attai ($\text{‘Aṯṯay}$) is a Hebrew name, which, like Athlai, may be interpreted to mean “Oppressive” or “Timely.” His importance, however, rests entirely on his place within the divinely preserved genealogies.
Attai the Grandson of Jerahmeel
The first and more genealogically significant Attai is found within the records of the tribe of Judah, connected to the family line that included King David. He is the grandson of Jerahmeel, the brother of Ram, who was the ancestor of David.
This lineage is essential for establishing the family structure of the tribe of Judah. Attai’s mother, Ahlai, is mentioned as the source through which the line of Sheshan was carried on, as Sheshan had no sons.
The King James Version records the intricate passing of this heritage:
And Sheshan had no sons, but daughters. And Sheshan had a servant, an Egyptian, whose name was Jarha.
And Sheshan gave his daughter to Jarha his servant to wife; and she bare Attai. (1 Chronicles 2:34–35)
This sequence of events is notable for two reasons:
- Preservation of Lineage: The marriage of Sheshan’s daughter to his servant, Jarha (who was an Egyptian but had evidently converted and been adopted into the family), ensured that the family name and heritage within the tribe of Judah were not extinguished.
- Attai as the Heir: Attai became the direct male heir of Sheshan’s line, demonstrating how God’s providence often works through surprising or unexpected social circumstances to preserve the integrity of the covenant lines.
Attai the Mighty Man of Gad
A second individual named Attai appears later in the book of Chronicles, noted for his service to King David. He was one of the mighty men who separated themselves from the armies of King Saul to join David’s forces while David was still in exile and hiding at Ziklag.
Attai is listed among the valiant men from the tribe of Gad, who were legendary warriors:
And these are they that came to David to Ziklag, while he yet kept himself close because of Saul the son of Kish: and they were among the mighty men, helpers of the war.
…Attai the sixth, Eliel the seventh, (1 Chronicles 12:5, 11)
These Gadite warriors were renowned for their bravery and loyalty, described as having faces “like the faces of lions” and being as “swift as the roes upon the mountains” (1 Chronicles 12:8, KJV). Attai’s place among them underscores his dedication and physical courage in helping to establish David’s righteous reign.