Seraiah(2)
Seraiah in the Bible — the chief priest (2KI 25:18) who was killed by the king of Babylon (2KI 25:21). Seraiah belonged to the tribe of Levi. Referenced in 5 scripture passages.
Name meaning: “prince of the Lord”
Profile
- Gender
- male
- Tribe
- Levi
- Scripture References
- 5 references
- Known Names
- 1 name
- Relationships
- 4 connections
Biography
Seraiah was a male Aaronic priest from the tribe of Levi, serving as the chief priest during the time of the Babylonian captivity. He belonged to the priestly line of Eleazar, a descendant of Aaron, and is notably recognized for being killed by the king of Babylon. His role as chief priest highlights his significant religious leadership within Israel during a tumultuous period.
Names & Titles
The name Seraiah means 'Yahweh persists,' 'Yahweh is prince,' or 'Yahweh contends,' reflecting a deep connection to the Lord's enduring presence and authority. This proper name, recorded in 2 Kings 25:18, emphasizes the divine sovereignty associated with his identity.
Family
Seraiah was the son of Jehozadak and the father of Azariah, placing him firmly within the priestly lineage. He was a descendant of Aaron, the first high priest, and an ancestor of Ezra, linking him to a significant priestly heritage in Israel's history.
Significance
Seraiah's importance in Scripture lies in his role as the chief priest at a critical historical moment when Jerusalem fell to Babylon. His death at the hands of the Babylonian king marks the tragic end of the Aaronic priesthood's leadership in the temple, symbolizing the consequences of Israel's unfaithfulness and the fulfillment of God's judgment. His lineage connects the priestly heritage from Aaron through to the post-exilic period, underscoring continuity in God's covenant people.
Names & Labels (1)
- Hebrew
- שְׂרָיָה
- Transliteration
- səraiyah
- Meaning
- y-h-v-h persists; y-h-v-h is prince; y-h-v-h contends
- Greek
- Σαραιαν
- Reference
- 2KI 25:18
- Strong's
- H8304
Family & Relationships (4)
descendant
son
father
ancestor
Notes
Aaronic priest in the line of Eleazar (full lineage in 1CH 6:14)
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Seraiah in the Bible?
Seraiah was a male Aaronic priest from the tribe of Levi, serving as the chief priest during the time of the Babylonian captivity. He belonged to the priestly line of Eleazar, a descendant of Aaron, and is notably recognized for being killed by the king of Babylon. His role as chief priest highlights his significant religious leadership within Israel during a tumultuous period.
What does the name Seraiah mean?
The name Seraiah means “prince of the Lord” according to Hitchcock's Bible Names Dictionary.