Nehemiah
Nehemiah in the Bible — returned to Judah after the Babylonian captivity (EZR 2:2, NEH 7:7), son of Hacaliah (Neh 1:1). Referenced in 4 scripture passages.
Name meaning: “consolation; repentance of the Lord”
Profile
- Gender
- male
- Scripture References
- 4 references
- Known Names
- 1 name
- Relationships
- 3 connections
Biography
A Jewish cupbearer to the Persian king Artaxerxes who received permission to return to Jerusalem and rebuild its walls (445 BC). Despite fierce opposition from neighboring peoples, Nehemiah organized the Jews to complete the wall in just 52 days. He served as governor, instituted religious reforms, and worked alongside Ezra to restore proper worship and obedience to God's Law. His prayers and dependence on God throughout the rebuilding project demonstrate exemplary leadership.
Significance
Nehemiah shows how God works through committed leaders who combine prayer with practical action. His rebuilding of Jerusalem's walls demonstrates God's faithfulness to restore His people and prefigures the spiritual restoration brought by Christ.
Key Events
Names & Labels (1)
- Hebrew
- נְחֶמְיָה
- Transliteration
- necheməyah
- Meaning
- y-h-v-h has comforted
- Greek
- Νεεμιας
- Reference
- EZR 2:2
- Strong's
- H5166
Notes
cup-bearer to King Artaxerxes (NEH 2:1)
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Nehemiah in the Bible?
Nehemiah is described in the Bible as returned to Judah after the Babylonian captivity (EZR 2:2, NEH 7:7), son of Hacaliah (Neh 1:1).
What does the name Nehemiah mean?
The name Nehemiah means “consolation; repentance of the Lord” according to Hitchcock's Bible Names Dictionary.