Salathihel is a Latin form of Salathiel, appearing in some Latin versions of the Bible, such as the Vulgate. This name ultimately traces back to the Hebrew Shealtiel, meaning "I have asked of God." It is composed of the Hebrew elements shaʾal ("to ask") and ʾel ("God"). As a biblical name, Salathihel appears in genealogies, most notably as the father of Zerubbabel and a son of King Jeconiah (also known as Jehoiachin) of Judah (Matthew 1:12, 1 Chronicles 3:17). The name is rare and used primarily in Latin biblical scholarship.
Etymology
The name's journey began in Biblical Hebrew as Shealtiel, a theophoric name expressing a petition to God. It was transliterated into Greek as Salathiel in the Septuagint, and later rendered into Latin as Salathihel. The Latin variant reflects the common pattern of aspirating the Greek theta (θ) into the Latin "th" and adding an "h" (from the Greek eta or aspiration marks).
Notable Bearers
The only bearer of Salathihel is the biblical figure recorded as the father of Zerubbabel, who led the Jewish return from the Babylonian exile (Ezra 3:2). He is also listed among the descendants of David (Matthew 1:12). In historical context, Salathihel's name signifies the people's plea for divine help during the Exile.
Key Facts
- Meaning: "I have asked of God"; Latin transliteration of Salathiel
- Origin: Biblical Latin, derived from Hebrew Shealtiel
- Type: First name, masculine
- Usage: Latin Bible (Vulgate and related scholarly contexts)