Abijah(6)
Abijah in the Bible — Aaronic priest (NEH 10:8). Abijah belonged to the tribe of Levi. Referenced in 2 scripture passages.
Name meaning: “the Lord is my father”
Profile
- Gender
- male
- Tribe
- Levi
- Scripture References
- 2 references
- Known Names
- 1 name
- Relationships
- 1 connection
Biography
Abijah was a male Aaronic priest from the tribe of Levi, identified in the book of Nehemiah. He is noted specifically for his role as a priest and is mentioned among those who sealed a significant covenant document. His inclusion in this record highlights his standing within the priestly community during the post-exilic period.
Names & Titles
The name Abijah means '[my] father is YHWH,' reflecting a theophoric element that honors God. This proper name, as recorded in Nehemiah, does not indicate that it was given directly by God but carries a clear declaration of divine parentage or protection.
Family
Scripture records that Abijah was the son of Zichri, as inferred from Nehemiah 12:17. Beyond this paternal relationship, no other family connections are documented in the biblical text for Abijah.
Significance
Abijah's significance lies in his role as an Aaronic priest participating in the covenant renewal under Nehemiah's leadership. His name appears on the sealed document in Nehemiah 10, marking him as a key religious figure committed to the spiritual reforms of Israel after the exile. This underscores his contribution to the restoration of proper worship and covenant faithfulness among the returned exiles.
Names & Labels (1)
- Hebrew
- אֲבִיָּה
- Transliteration
- abiyah
- Meaning
- [my] father is y-h-v-h
- Greek
- Αβια
- Reference
- NEH 10:7
- Strong's
- H29
Family & Relationships (1)
father
Notes
named on the sealed document of NEH 10:1-27 (NEH 10:7)
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Abijah in the Bible?
Abijah was a male Aaronic priest from the tribe of Levi, identified in the book of Nehemiah. He is noted specifically for his role as a priest and is mentioned among those who sealed a significant covenant document. His inclusion in this record highlights his standing within the priestly community during the post-exilic period.
What does the name Abijah mean?
The name Abijah means “the Lord is my father” according to Hitchcock's Bible Names Dictionary.