Lexical Summary Pethachyah: Pethahiah Original Word: פְתַחְיָה Strong's Exhaustive Concordance Pethakiah From pathach and Yahh; Jah has opened; Pethachjah, the name of four Israelites -- Pethakiah. see HEBREW pathach see HEBREW Yahh NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom pathach Definition three Isr. NASB Translation Pethahiah (4). Brown-Driver-Briggs מְּתַחְיָה proper name, masculine 1 priest 1 Chronicles 24:16, Εζεκηλ, φεθεια etc. 2 Levite Ezra 10:23; Nehemiah 9:5, φαθαια, φεθεια (ς) etc. 3 Judahite Nehemiah 11:24, Παθαια φαθαια. עֲשַׂב noun [masculine] herbage, grass (see Biblical Hebrew עשׂב); — emphatic עִשְׂבָּא, as fodder: Daniel 4:22; Daniel 4:29; Daniel 4:30; Daniel 5:21. Topical Lexicon Biblical ProfileFour distinct Old Testament passages introduce individuals named Pethahiah. Although they lived in different periods and fulfilled varied roles, each reference situates a Pethahiah at a pivotal moment of Israel’s corporate worship or governance. Priestly Division under David (1 Chronicles 24:16) Within the twenty-four courses of priests established by King David, “the nineteenth [lot] fell to Pethahiah” (1 Chronicles 24:16). This placement identifies him as the head of the nineteenth weekly shift that would later serve in Solomon’s Temple. His listing alongside descendants of both Eleazar and Ithamar highlights the ordered continuity of Aaronic ministry and anticipates the later post-exilic concern for priestly pedigree. Repentant Levite in Ezra’s Reform (Ezra 10:23) Centuries later, Ezra records that among the Levites who had taken foreign wives was “Pethahiah” (Ezra 10:23). Confronted by the Word of God, he joined his fellow Levites in confessing sin and covenanting to put away unlawful marriages. His inclusion in this catalogue underscores the seriousness with which the returning exiles sought to restore holiness in worship and family life. Leader in the Covenant Renewal (Nehemiah 9:5) During the great assembly where the Law was read and expounded, Levites called the people to praise, among them “Pethahiah” (Nehemiah 9:5). By exhorting the gathered nation—“Stand up and bless the LORD your God from everlasting to everlasting”—he helped guide Israel into a renewed confession of God’s faithfulness and their own obligation to obey. Royal Liaison in the Restored City (Nehemiah 11:24) A further reference identifies “Pethahiah son of Meshezabel, one of the descendants of Zerah son of Judah,” who “was the king’s agent in all matters concerning the people” (Nehemiah 11:24). Stationed in Jerusalem after the wall’s completion, he served as mediator between the Jewish community and the Persian court. His Judahite lineage balanced tribal representation in the city’s civil administration, complementing the priestly and Levitical presence. Historical and Ministry Significance 1. Continuity of Worship: From David’s organized priesthood to Ezra’s and Nehemiah’s reforms, the name Pethahiah is linked to safeguarding right worship—whether by administering Temple duties, purifying Levitical families, or leading public praise. 2. Covenant Fidelity: The post-exilic Pethahiahs illustrate repentance and renewed obedience, modeling how leadership responds when confronted with Scripture’s demands. 3. Integration of Sacred and Civic Service: Nehemiah 11:24 shows that faithful service to God extends beyond liturgical functions to diplomatic and administrative responsibilities, securing the community’s welfare under foreign rule. Theological Themes • God Preserves Servants for Every Generation: The recurring appearance of the name across centuries testifies to the Lord’s commitment to raise up capable leaders for worship and governance. Practical Lessons • Faithful service may take many forms—liturgical, instructional, administrative—but each sphere offers opportunity to honor God. The four brief notices combine to portray Pethahiah as a recurring emblem of devoted, adaptable leadership that advances Israel’s worship and welfare through changing eras. Forms and Transliterations וּפְתַֽחְיָ֨ה ופתחיה לִֽפְתַחְיָה֙ לפתחיה פְּתַֽחְיָ֥ה פְתַֽחְיָ֔ה פתחיה fetachYah liftachYah lip̄·ṯaḥ·yāh lip̄ṯaḥyāh pə·ṯaḥ·yāh p̄ə·ṯaḥ·yāh petachYah pəṯaḥyāh p̄əṯaḥyāh ū·p̄ə·ṯaḥ·yāh ufetachYah ūp̄əṯaḥyāhLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance 1 Chronicles 24:16 HEB: לִֽפְתַחְיָה֙ תִּשְׁעָ֣ה עָשָׂ֔ר NAS: the nineteenth for Pethahiah, the twentieth KJV: The nineteenth to Pethahiah, the twentieth INT: Pethahiah nine teen Ezra 10:23 Nehemiah 9:5 Nehemiah 11:24 4 Occurrences |
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