Pethahiah(2)
Pethahiah in the Bible — Levite who had married a foreign wife (EZR 10:23). Pethahiah belonged to the tribe of Levi. Referenced in 2 scripture passages.
Name meaning: “the Lord opening; gate of the Lord”
Profile
- Gender
- male
- Tribe
- Levi
- Scripture References
- 2 references
- Known Names
- 1 name
- Relationships
- 1 connection
Biography
Pethahiah was a male Levite mentioned in the book of Ezra. Notably, he is identified as a Levite who had married a foreign wife, a detail highlighting the challenges faced by the post-exilic community in maintaining covenant purity. There are no additional personal notes recorded about him.
Names & Titles
The name Pethahiah means 'YHWH opens,' reflecting a theophoric element invoking the Lord's action. This proper name, found in Ezra 10:23, does not indicate that it was given directly by God but carries a meaningful connection to divine activity.
Family
Scripture records Pethahiah as a descendant of Levi, situating him firmly within the Levitical tribe. Beyond this tribal affiliation and his marriage to a foreign wife, no further family relationships are documented.
Significance
Pethahiah's significance lies in his representation of the post-exilic Levites who struggled with intermarriage issues, as described in Ezra 10:23. His example underscores the community's efforts to uphold God's covenant standards after the return from exile. Through his mention, the biblical narrative emphasizes the importance of faithfulness to God's commands within the priestly tribe.
Names & Labels (1)
- Hebrew
- פְּתַחְיָה
- Transliteration
- pətachəyah
- Meaning
- y-h-v-h opens
- Greek
- Φαθαια
- Reference
- EZR 10:23
- Strong's
- H6611
Family & Relationships (1)
descendant
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Pethahiah in the Bible?
Pethahiah was a male Levite mentioned in the book of Ezra. Notably, he is identified as a Levite who had married a foreign wife, a detail highlighting the challenges faced by the post-exilic community in maintaining covenant purity. There are no additional personal notes recorded about him.
What does the name Pethahiah mean?
The name Pethahiah means “the Lord opening; gate of the Lord” according to Hitchcock's Bible Names Dictionary.