Kelaiah
Kelaiah in the Bible — Levite who had married a foreign wife (EZR 10:23). Kelaiah belonged to the tribe of Levi. Referenced in 3 scripture passages.
Name meaning: “voice of the Lord; gathering together”
Profile
- Gender
- male
- Tribe
- Levi
- Scripture References
- 3 references
- Known Names
- 2 names
- Relationships
- 1 connection
Biography
Kelaiah was a male Levite noted in Scripture for having married a foreign wife. His identity as a Levite places him within the tribe set apart for priestly and temple duties. This unique attribute highlights a specific issue addressed in the post-exilic community regarding intermarriage and covenant faithfulness.
Names & Titles
The name Kelaiah, also rendered Kelita, is a proper name found in Ezra 10:23. The meaning of Kelaiah is possibly 'YHWH has dishonored,' reflecting a Hebrew theophoric element. No divine naming is indicated in the text, and the alternate form Kelita appears as a variant without additional meaning provided.
Family
Scripture explicitly identifies Kelaiah as a descendant of Levi, affirming his tribal lineage. Beyond this, no additional family relationships are recorded in the biblical text apart from his marriage to a foreign wife.
Significance
Kelaiah's significance lies in his representation of the Levites who had taken foreign wives during the post-exilic period, as recorded in Ezra 10:23. This situation prompted a call for covenantal purity among God's people, emphasizing the need for faithfulness to the Lord's commands. His mention underscores the challenges faced by the returning exiles in restoring proper worship and obedience to God.
Names & Labels (2)
Family & Relationships (1)
descendant
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Kelaiah in the Bible?
Kelaiah was a male Levite noted in Scripture for having married a foreign wife. His identity as a Levite places him within the tribe set apart for priestly and temple duties. This unique attribute highlights a specific issue addressed in the post-exilic community regarding intermarriage and covenant faithfulness.
What does the name Kelaiah mean?
The name Kelaiah means “voice of the Lord; gathering together” according to Hitchcock's Bible Names Dictionary.