Lexical Summary Miqneyahu: Miqneyahu Original Word: מִקְנֵיָהוּ Strong's Exhaustive Concordance Mikneiah From miqneh and Yahh; possession of Jah; Miknejah, an Israelite -- Mikneiah. see HEBREW miqneh see HEBREW Yahh NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom miqneh and Yah Definition "possession of Yah," a Levitical musician NASB Translation Mikneiah (2). Brown-Driver-Briggs מִקְנֵיָ֫הוּ proper name, masculine (possession of ׳י); — Levitical musician 1 Chronicles 15:18,21, Μακ(κ)ελλ(ει)α, Μακενια(ς), Μακκανια(ς). II. קנה (√ of following; compare Assyrian ‡anû, reed; Arabic Topical Lexicon Biblical Context Mikneiah appears twice, both in the narrative of King David’s relocation of the Ark of the Covenant from the house of Obed-edom to Jerusalem (1 Chronicles 15). The entire chapter details David’s careful re-ordering of worship after the earlier tragedy with Uzzah. Mikneiah is counted among the Levites whom David appoints to accompany the Ark with music and praise. Levitical Lineage and Duties Although his specific clan is not identified, Mikneiah is grouped with men who are expressly called “Levites” (1 Chronicles 15:11). This places him within the tribe set apart “to serve the LORD and to bless in His Name” (Deuteronomy 10:8). In both occurrences he stands alongside noted Levitical musicians such as Zechariah, Mattithiah, and Obed-edom, indicating that Mikneiah’s principal duty was musical ministry before the Ark. Role in Davidic Worship Reform David’s reform involved restoring the prescribed order for transporting the Ark (1 Chronicles 15:2, 13) and establishing a full choir and orchestra. Mikneiah’s name appears in two lists: Ministry Significance 1. Participation in Holy Procession: Mikneiah’s ministry coincided with unprecedented national rejoicing. “So all Israel brought up the Ark of the Covenant of the LORD with shouting, with the sound of the horn, with trumpets and cymbals, and made music with harps and lyres” (1 Chronicles 15:28). Theological Implications • Holiness and Joy United: Mikneiah’s service occurred only after the priests had sanctified themselves (1 Chronicles 15:14). The lesson endures: joyful praise must flow from consecrated lives. Devotional Application Believers today, whatever their platform or prominence, can emulate Mikneiah by serving faithfully, honing their gifts, and aligning their praise with God’s revealed order. Whether in pulpit, pew, or choir loft, each name is known to the Lord who records “those who feared the LORD and esteemed His Name” (Malachi 3:16). Summary Mikneiah stands as a little-known yet indispensable Levite who helped lead Israel’s praise during one of the most critical restorations of proper worship in the Old Testament. His example underscores the value God places on consecrated service, musical excellence, and wholehearted participation in the corporate exaltation of His presence. Forms and Transliterations וּמִקְנֵיָ֙הוּ֙ וּמִקְנֵיָ֨הוּ ומקניהו ū·miq·nê·yā·hū umikneYahu ūmiqnêyāhūLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance 1 Chronicles 15:18 HEB: וּמַתִּתְיָהוּ֩ וֶאֱלִ֨יפְלֵ֜הוּ וּמִקְנֵיָ֨הוּ וְעֹבֵ֥ד אֱדֹ֛ם NAS: Eliphelehu, Mikneiah, Obed-edom KJV: and Elipheleh, and Mikneiah, and Obededom, INT: Mattithiah Eliphelehu Mikneiah Obed-edom and Jeiel 1 Chronicles 15:21 2 Occurrences |
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spear-shaft; Ethiopic 
: goad; Late Hebrew קָנֶה, Aramaic קַנְיָא, 
, all = Biblical Hebrew. Hence Greek κάννα, κάνης also κάνεον basket (LewyFremdw. 99), Latin canna).