Tobiah(2)
Tobiah in the Bible — the Ammonite official who opposed Nehemiah (NEH 2:10). Tobiah belonged to the tribe of Ammonite. Referenced in 2 scripture passages.
Name meaning: “Tobijah, the Lord is good”
Profile
- Gender
- male
- Tribe
- Ammonite
- Scripture References
- 2 references
- Known Names
- 1 name
- Relationships
- 1 connection
Biography
Tobiah was a male Ammonite official known for his opposition to Nehemiah during the rebuilding of Jerusalem's walls. His role as an adversary highlights the challenges faced by God's people during this period. Scripture identifies him specifically as an Ammonite, emphasizing his foreign origin and opposition to the Jewish community.
Names & Titles
The name 'Tobiah' means 'YHWH is good,' reflecting a Hebrew theophoric element despite Tobiah being an Ammonite. This proper name, recorded in Nehemiah 2:10, underscores the common use of the divine name in personal names of the time.
Family
Scripture records that Tobiah was the son-in-law of Shecaniah, as stated in Nehemiah 6:18. Beyond this connection, no further family relationships are documented in the biblical text.
Significance
Tobiah's significance lies in his active opposition to Nehemiah's leadership and the restoration efforts in Jerusalem. As an Ammonite official, he represents the external resistance faced by the returned exiles striving to rebuild both the city and their community under God's guidance. His opposition serves as a narrative example of spiritual and political challenges encountered in fulfilling God's purposes.
Names & Labels (1)
- Hebrew
- טוֹבִיָּה
- Transliteration
- toviyah
- Meaning
- y-h-v-h is good
- Greek
- Τωβια
- Reference
- NEH 2:10
- Strong's
- H2900
Family & Relationships (1)
son-in-law
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Tobiah in the Bible?
Tobiah was a male Ammonite official known for his opposition to Nehemiah during the rebuilding of Jerusalem's walls. His role as an adversary highlights the challenges faced by God's people during this period. Scripture identifies him specifically as an Ammonite, emphasizing his foreign origin and opposition to the Jewish community.
What does the name Tobiah mean?
The name Tobiah means “Tobijah, the Lord is good” according to Hitchcock's Bible Names Dictionary.