Lexical Definition
נְחֶמְיָה Nᵉchemyâh (nekh-em-yaw') Nehemiah N:N-M-P
from נָחַם and יָהּ; consolation of Jah
Nehemiah.
- § Nehemiah = "Jehovah comforts"
- Nechemjah, the name of three Israelites
1) the son of Hachaliah, cupbearer to king Artaxerxes, who became governor of Judah after the return from exile
2) one of the 12 heads of the people who returned from exile with Zerubbabel
3) son of Azbuk and ruler of the half part of Beth-zur, who helped to repair the wall of Jerusalem
Extended Information
- A man living at the time of Exile and Return, first mentioned at Neh.1.1
- son of: Hacaliah (חֲכַלְיָה)
- brother of: Hanani (חֲנָנִי)
Brown-Driver-Briggs
נְחֶמְיָה proper name, masculine (Yah comforts, ᵐ5 Νεεμιας(‐ου), etc.; — proper name נחמיה(וׅ on Israel scarab in BM, ClGannJas 1883, Fév.-Mars. 156 No. 42); —
1. the son of Hachaliah, governor of Judah under Artaxerxes Longimanus Neh 1:1; Neh 8:9; Neh 10:2*; Neh 12:26; Neh 12:47.
2. ruler of half the district of Bethzur Neh 3:16.
3. one of twelve heads of people who returned with Zerubbabel Ezra 2:2 = Neh 7:7.
Brown-Driver-Briggs References
| Book | Refs |
|---|---|
| Ezra | 2:2 |
| Nehemiah | 1:1 · 3:16 · 7:7 · 8:9 · 10:2* · 12:26 · 12:47 |
Profile
Male • Returned leader • Governor of Judah, rebuilt Jerusalem's walls.
Man living at the time of Exile and Return
Nehemiah, the son of Hacaliah, served as the governor of Judah and led the rebuilding of Jerusalem's walls in the mid-5th century BC.
- A man living at the time of Exile and Return, first mentioned at Neh.1.1;
- only referred to as Nehemiah נְחֶמְיָה;
- son of Hacaliah חֲכַלְיָה;
- a brother of Hanani חֲנָנִי.
Nehemiah, the son of Hacaliah, was a prominent Jewish leader who served as the governor of Judah during the Persian period. He played a crucial role in the rebuilding of Jerusalem's walls and the restoration of the Jewish community in the mid-5th century BC.
Nehemiah's story begins in the Persian capital of Susa, where he served as the cupbearer to King Artaxerxes (Nehemiah 1:11). Upon learning about the dire situation in Jerusalem, with its walls in ruins and its people in distress (Nehemiah 1:1-3), Nehemiah sought the king's permission to return to Judah and rebuild the city (Nehemiah 2:1-8).
As the governor of Judah, Nehemiah faced numerous challenges, including opposition from neighboring peoples (Nehemiah 4:1-23; 6:1-14) and internal social and economic issues within the Jewish community (Nehemiah 5:1-19). Despite these difficulties, Nehemiah successfully organized and led the rebuilding of Jerusalem's walls in just 52 days (Nehemiah 6:15).
In addition to his role in the physical restoration of Jerusalem, Nehemiah was also involved in the spiritual renewal of the Jewish people. He worked closely with Ezra the scribe in teaching the Law to the people (Nehemiah 8:9) and participated in the renewal of the covenant (Nehemiah 10:1). Nehemiah's governorship and reforms were pivotal in strengthening Jewish identity and faith during the post-exilic period.
The book of Nehemiah, which bears his name, provides a detailed account of his leadership, struggles, and accomplishments. His story is a testament to his faith, courage, and dedication to God's people and serves as an inspiring example of leadership and perseverance in the face of adversity.
All entries for Nehemiah: נְחֶמְיָה