Lexical Summary Shekanyah or Shekanyahu: Shecaniah or Shechaniah Original Word: שְׁכַנְיָה Strong's Exhaustive Concordance Shecaniah, Shechaniah Or (prol.) Shkanyahuw {shek-an-yaw'-hoo}; from shakan and Yahh; Jah has dwelt; Shekanjah, the name of nine Israelites -- Shecaniah, Shechaniah. see HEBREW shakan see HEBREW Yahh NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom shakan and Yah Definition "Yah has taken up His abode," the name of several Isr. NASB Translation Shecaniah (10). Brown-Driver-Briggs (שְׁכַנְיָ֫ה(וּׅ) proper name, masculine (׳י hath taken up his abode); — שְׁכַנְיָה, Σεχενια(ς), etc.: 1 descendant of Jehoiakin 1 Chronicles 3:21,22 (on context see Kit), Ezra 8:3,5. 2 Ezra 10:2 (different from 1 ?). 3 father of a wall-builder Nehemiah 3:29. 4 father-in-law of Tobiah Nehemiah 6:18. 5 priestly name: a. Nehemiah 12:3 = שְׁכַנְיָ֫הוּ 1 Chronicles 24:11, compare שְׁכַנְיָה 3 Nehemiah 10:5; Nehemiah 12:14. b. שְׁכַנְיָ֫הוּ2Chronicles 31:15. Topical Lexicon Overview “Shecaniah” designates several distinct men in the Old Testament narrative. Though they lived in different eras—from the united monarchy, through the reforms of Hezekiah, to the return from Babylon—their shared name links them to the abiding presence of God among His people. Their accounts illuminate genealogical continuity, priestly and Levitical service, covenant fidelity, and the dangers of compromised alliances. Genealogical Continuity within the Davidic Line (1 Chronicles 3:21-22) In the post-exilic genealogy of David’s house, Shecaniah appears as a fifth-generation descendant of King David through Zerubbabel. The lineage—“the sons of Rephaiah, Arnan, Obadiah, and Shecaniah” (1 Chronicles 3:21)—assures the chronicler’s audience that the royal line survived exile intact. By preserving David’s seed, God upheld His covenant promise that a lamp would never be extinguished for David (1 Kings 11:36). Service in the Twenty-Four Priestly Divisions (1 Chronicles 24:11) Under King David, the priestly course of “Jakim, the twelfth to Shecaniah” (1 Chronicles 24:11) underscores orderly worship at the sanctuary. Shecaniah’s inclusion among the twenty-four divisions highlights God’s concern for regulated, continuous ministry. The rotational system points toward New Testament teaching that “all things be done decently and in order” (1 Corinthians 14:40). Levitical Faithfulness in Hezekiah’s Reforms (2 Chronicles 31:15) During Hezekiah’s revival, Shecaniah served as one of the trustworthy Levites who distributed portions to their brothers “with absolute fidelity” (2 Chronicles 31:15). His integrity safeguarded the temple economy and advanced communal holiness. His role illustrates how true reform depends on faithful stewards who handle God’s resources uprightly (compare 1 Corinthians 4:2). Leaders of the Return under Ezra (Ezra 8:3, 5) Two chiefs named Shecaniah led family groups—those of Parosh and Zattu—back to Jerusalem with Ezra. Their willingness to forsake settled life in Babylon for the rigors of restoration echoes Abrahamic faith and anticipates the pilgrim ethos of believers who “seek a homeland” (Hebrews 11:14). The lists in Ezra 8 commend both men as examples of covenant loyalty and pioneering courage. Catalyst for Corporate Repentance (Ezra 10:2) When Ezra mourned over intermarriage with foreign wives, “Shecaniah son of Jehiel, of the sons of Elam,” stepped forward: “We have been unfaithful to our God… yet there is still hope for Israel” (Ezra 10:2). His confession and proposed covenant to put away the unlawful unions sparked nationwide repentance. Shecaniah models spiritual initiative—identifying sin, affirming hope, and urging decisive obedience. His intervention parallels the intercessory ministry fulfilled perfectly in Jesus Christ, who both identifies with sinners and provides atonement. Family Identity along the Wall (Nehemiah 3:29) In the rebuilding of Jerusalem’s wall, Shemaiah son of Shecaniah repaired a section near the East Gate. Though only the father’s name is recorded, the reference underscores a household committed to the city’s defense. Their labor answers prior prophetic calls that Zion be restored and foreshadows the church’s calling to build one another up (Ephesians 4:16). Compromised Alliances Exposed (Nehemiah 6:18) Not every bearer of the name stands in positive relief. Shecaniah son of Arah became Tobiah’s father-in-law, entangling a noble Judaean family with a chief adversary of the work. Such intermarriage produced divided loyalties and fueled intrigue against Nehemiah. The episode warns that familial ties without spiritual discernment jeopardize covenant faithfulness (2 Corinthians 6:14-18). Priestly Presence under Zerubbabel and Jeshua (Nehemiah 12:3) Among the priests who returned with Zerubbabel, a Shecaniah is named alongside Seraiah and Jeremiah (Nehemiah 12:1-3). His presence in the inaugural priestly register testifies that restored worship required consecrated mediators. The listing anticipates the later joy of the people when the walls were dedicated with “songs of thanksgiving” (Nehemiah 12:27). Theological and Ministry Themes 1. God’s Dwelling with His People — Every appearance of Shecaniah, whether in genealogy, priestly course, or repentance narrative, reminds readers that the Lord chooses to dwell among a prepared people. Practical Applications for Today • Maintain spiritual vigilance in family and ministry alliances. In sum, the multiple men named Shecaniah serve as living signposts to God’s abiding presence, urging every generation to uphold covenant faithfulness until the final dwelling of God is with man (Revelation 21:3). Forms and Transliterations וּשְׁכַנְיָ֛הוּ ושכניהו לִשְׁכַנְיָ֖הוּ לִשְׁכַנְיָ֣ה לשכניה לשכניהו שְׁכַנְיָ֔ה שְׁכַנְיָ֖ה שְׁכַנְיָ֥ה שְׁכַנְיָ֨ה שְׁכַנְיָֽה׃ שכניה שכניה׃ liš·ḵan·yā·hū liš·ḵan·yāh lishchanYah lishchanYahu lišḵanyāh lišḵanyāhū šə·ḵan·yāh šəḵanyāh shechanYah ū·šə·ḵan·yā·hū ūšəḵanyāhū ushechanYahuLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance 1 Chronicles 3:21 HEB: עֹבַדְיָ֖ה בְּנֵ֥י שְׁכַנְיָֽה׃ ס NAS: of Obadiah, the sons of Shecaniah. KJV: of Obadiah, the sons of Shechaniah. INT: of Obadiah the sons of Shecaniah 1 Chronicles 3:22 1 Chronicles 24:11 2 Chronicles 31:15 Ezra 8:3 Ezra 8:5 Ezra 10:2 Nehemiah 3:29 Nehemiah 6:18 Nehemiah 12:3 10 Occurrences |
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