Hilkiah(2)
Hilkiah in the Bible — the high priest of King Josiah's reign (2KI 22:4, 2CH 34:9). Hilkiah belonged to the tribe of Levi. Referenced in 3 scripture passages.
Name meaning: “God is my portion”
Profile
- Gender
- male
- Tribe
- Levi
- Scripture References
- 3 references
- Known Names
- 1 name
- Relationships
- 2 connections
Biography
Hilkiah was a male Levite who served as the high priest during the reign of King Josiah. As high priest, he was a descendant of Aaron, the first high priest, which underscores his important role in leading Israel's worship and religious reforms during this period. His priestly office placed him at the center of spiritual leadership in Judah.
Names & Titles
The name Hilkiah means 'YHWH is [my] portion,' reflecting a personal acknowledgment of God's provision and sovereignty. This proper name, found in 2 Kings 22:4, does not indicate that it was given directly by God but carries a meaningful theological implication in the Hebrew context.
Family
Scripture explicitly identifies Hilkiah as a descendant of Aaron, affirming his Levitical priestly lineage. It is also inferred that he was the father of the prophet Jeremiah, as noted in Jeremiah 1:1. Beyond these, the biblical record does not provide further details about his family relationships.
Significance
Hilkiah's significance lies in his role as the high priest during King Josiah's reign, a time of major religious reform in Judah. His priestly office, rooted in the Aaronic line, positioned him to influence the spiritual direction of the nation. Through his leadership, he contributed to the rediscovery and restoration of the Law, which was pivotal in calling Israel back to covenant faithfulness.
Names & Labels (1)
- Hebrew
- חִלְקִיָּהוּ
- Transliteration
- hiləqiyahu
- Meaning
- y-h-v-h is [my] portion
- Greek
- Χελκιαν
- Reference
- 2KI 22:4
- Strong's
- H2518
Notes
as high priest, a descendant of Aaron
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Hilkiah in the Bible?
Hilkiah was a male Levite who served as the high priest during the reign of King Josiah. As high priest, he was a descendant of Aaron, the first high priest, which underscores his important role in leading Israel's worship and religious reforms during this period. His priestly office placed him at the center of spiritual leadership in Judah.
What does the name Hilkiah mean?
The name Hilkiah means “God is my portion” according to Hitchcock's Bible Names Dictionary.