Pedaiah(5)
Pedaiah in the Bible — stood on Ezra's left hand as he read from the Law (NEH 8:4). Pedaiah belonged to the tribe of Levi. Referenced in 2 scripture passages.
Name meaning: “redemption of the Lord”
Profile
- Gender
- male
- Tribe
- Levi
- Scripture References
- 2 references
- Known Names
- 1 name
- Relationships
- 1 connection
Biography
Pedaiah was a male member of the tribe of Levi, identified as a Levite by his role in the reading of the Law. He is notably recognized for standing on Ezra's left hand during the public reading of the Law, an event recorded in Nehemiah 8:4. This unique position highlights his involvement in a significant religious moment during the post-exilic period.
Names & Titles
The name Pedaiah means 'Yahweh ransoms,' reflecting a theologically rich meaning rooted in God's redemptive character. This proper name, as recorded in Nehemiah 8:4, was not given directly by God but carries a clear connection to divine deliverance.
Family
Scripture infers that Pedaiah was a descendant of Levi, consistent with his Levitical role during the reading of the Law. Beyond this tribal affiliation, no additional family relationships are recorded in the biblical text.
Significance
Pedaiah's significance lies in his active participation in a foundational moment of Israel's restoration, where the Law was publicly read and reaffirmed. His position beside Ezra symbolizes his trusted role among the Levites in upholding and transmitting God's covenant. Though details about his life are limited, his presence at this event underscores the importance of Levitical leadership in the spiritual renewal of the returned exiles.
Names & Labels (1)
- Hebrew
- פְּדָיָה
- Transliteration
- pədayah
- Meaning
- y-h-v-h ransoms
- Greek
- Φαδαιας
- Reference
- NEH 8:4
- Strong's
- H6305
Family & Relationships (1)
descendant
Notes
*assumed Levite given this event
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Pedaiah in the Bible?
Pedaiah was a male member of the tribe of Levi, identified as a Levite by his role in the reading of the Law. He is notably recognized for standing on Ezra's left hand during the public reading of the Law, an event recorded in Nehemiah 8:4. This unique position highlights his involvement in a significant religious moment during the post-exilic period.
What does the name Pedaiah mean?
The name Pedaiah means “redemption of the Lord” according to Hitchcock's Bible Names Dictionary.