Lexical Summary Charhayah: Burning, Kindling Original Word: חַרְהֲיָה Strong's Exhaustive Concordance Harhaiah ; from charah and Yahh; fearing Jah; Charhajah, an Israelite -- Harhaiah. see HEBREW charah see HEBREW Yahh NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originsee Charchayah. Brown-Driver-Briggs חַרְחֲיָה (van d. H חרהיה), proper name, masculine (√ and meaning unknown) — father of one of the builders of the wall, Nehemiah's time Nehemiah 3:8. חַרְחוּר, חַרְחֻר see below I. חרר. Topical Lexicon Biblical Occurrence Harhaiah appears once in the Old Testament, in the record of the wall-building assignments under Nehemiah. “Next to him, Uzziel son of Harhaiah, one of the goldsmiths, made repairs” (Nehemiah 3:8). Although the name is carried by the father, the verse highlights the work of his son, Uzziel. The family is identified by trade—goldsmiths—suggesting a household already skilled in meticulous craftsmanship before being enlisted for the restoration of Jerusalem’s wall. Historical Background Nehemiah returned to Jerusalem in the mid-fifth century B.C. with Persian authority to rebuild the ruined fortifications (Nehemiah 2:1-8). Chapter 3 catalogs more than forty distinct work crews, representing priests, civic officials, merchants, and artisans. Harhaiah’s household is situated among these teams, flanked by guilds of perfumers and other goldsmiths (Nehemiah 3:8, 31-32). The inclusion of craftsmen underscores that the restoration was not merely a governmental or priestly endeavor but one in which all social strata participated. Role in the Wall Reconstruction Uzziel son of Harhaiah labored on “the broad wall,” a strategic stretch north of the Temple mount (Nehemiah 3:8). Goldsmiths were normally engaged in delicate, ornamental metalwork (Exodus 31:4-5), yet here they turned to heavy masonry. The task list in Nehemiah 3 is purposely repetitive—“next to him,” “next to them”—to emphasize unity. By recording artisans like Harhaiah’s family alongside priests (verse 1) and governors (verse 9), Scripture testifies that covenant faithfulness extends beyond traditional religious roles. Theological Significance 1. The Priesthood of All Believers. Harhaiah’s household demonstrates that service to the Lord is not confined to ritual or formal office. In Nehemiah, artisans receive equal mention with high priests, foreshadowing the New Testament doctrine that every believer is a “living stone” in the spiritual house (1 Peter 2:5). Practical Ministry Insights • Lay Mobilization: Leaders today can emulate Nehemiah’s model, assigning meaningful sections of ministry to diverse skill sets. Related Scriptural Themes Exodus 31:1-6 – Bezalel and Oholiab empowered for artistic craftsmanship. 2 Chronicles 34:11-13 – Artisans repairing the Temple during Josiah’s reform. 1 Corinthians 12:4-7 – Varieties of gifts, same Spirit, for the common good. 1 Peter 4:10 – “Each of you should use whatever gift he has received to serve others.” In sum, Harhaiah’s brief mention situates his family within the larger narrative of God rebuilding both walls and people. Though appearing only once, the name stands as a testament to faithful, ordinary service enlisted by the sovereign Lord to advance His redemptive purposes. Forms and Transliterations חַרְהֲיָה֙ חרהיה charhaYah ḥar·hă·yāh ḥarhăyāhLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance Nehemiah 3:8 HEB: עֻזִּיאֵ֤ל בֶּֽן־ חַרְהֲיָה֙ צֽוֹרְפִ֔ים ס KJV: the son of Harhaiah, of the goldsmiths. INT: Uzziel the son of Harhaiah of the goldsmiths unto 1 Occurrence |
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