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
Nehemiah was a male Jewish leader who returned to Judah after the Babylonian captivity, identified as the son of Hacaliah. He served as cup-bearer to King Artaxerxes, a position of trust and influence. His leadership was instrumental in the restoration of Jerusalem during the Persian period.
Names & Titles
The name Nehemiah means 'y-h-v-h has comforted,' reflecting a divine assurance embedded in his identity. This proper name is noted in Ezra 2:2 and highlights God's comforting presence amid the challenges faced by Nehemiah and his people.
Family
Nehemiah was the son of Hacaliah and had a brother named Hanani, as explicitly recorded in Nehemiah 1:1 and 1:2. He is also identified as a descendant of Jacob, linking him to the broader covenantal heritage of Israel.
Significance
Nehemiah's significance lies in his role as a divinely appointed leader who combined faithful prayer with decisive action to rebuild Jerusalem's walls after the exile. As cup-bearer to King Artaxerxes, he secured royal permission to lead this effort, demonstrating God's providence through secular authority. His governance and reforms helped restore the Jewish community's religious and social order, embodying God's faithfulness to His people and foreshadowing the ultimate restoration through 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 was a male Jewish leader who returned to Judah after the Babylonian captivity, identified as the son of Hacaliah. He served as cup-bearer to King Artaxerxes, a position of trust and influence. His leadership was instrumental in the restoration of Jerusalem during the Persian period.
What does the name Nehemiah mean?
The name Nehemiah means “consolation; repentance of the Lord” according to Hitchcock's Bible Names Dictionary.