Ananiah is a name found in the Old Testament, specifically within the context of the post-exilic period of Israel's history. The name Ananiah means "Yahweh has answered" or "Yahweh is gracious," reflecting a common theme in Hebrew names that emphasize the character and actions of God.

Biblical References:

1. Nehemiah 3:23 · Ananiah is mentioned in the context of the rebuilding of the walls of Jerusalem. The verse states: "Beyond them, Benjamin and Hasshub made repairs in front of their house, and next to them, Azariah son of Maaseiah, the son of Ananiah, made repairs beside his house." This reference places Ananiah within the genealogical line of those involved in the restoration efforts led by Nehemiah. The mention of Ananiah here is significant as it highlights the familial and communal efforts in the rebuilding process, underscoring the importance of each family’s contribution to the collective task of restoring Jerusalem.

Historical and Theological Context:

Ananiah's mention in the Book of Nehemiah situates him in a period of Jewish history marked by return and restoration. After the Babylonian exile, the Jewish people were allowed to return to their homeland under the decree of Cyrus the Great, the Persian king. Nehemiah, serving as the governor of Judah, was instrumental in the physical and spiritual rebuilding of Jerusalem. The reference to Ananiah, through his descendant Azariah, indicates a legacy of faithfulness and participation in God's redemptive plan for His people.

Theologically, the name Ananiah, meaning "Yahweh has answered," is a testament to the faithfulness of God in responding to the prayers and needs of His people. The post-exilic period was a time of fulfillment of prophetic promises, where God demonstrated His sovereignty and grace by restoring the nation of Israel. The rebuilding of the walls of Jerusalem was not merely a physical endeavor but also a spiritual renewal, symbolizing God's protection and presence among His people.

Cultural and Genealogical Significance:

In the ancient Near Eastern context, names were often reflective of personal or familial experiences with the divine. Ananiah, as a name, would have served as a constant reminder of God's graciousness and responsiveness. The genealogical mention of Ananiah in Nehemiah 3:23 highlights the importance of family lineage and heritage in Jewish society. It underscores the continuity of faith and the transmission of religious and cultural values from one generation to the next.

The role of families like that of Ananiah in the rebuilding efforts illustrates the collective responsibility and unity required to accomplish God's purposes. Each family’s contribution was vital to the overall success of the mission, reflecting the biblical principle that every member of the community has a role to play in the work of God.

In summary, Ananiah, though briefly mentioned, represents a lineage of faithfulness and participation in the divine narrative of restoration. His name and legacy serve as a reminder of God's gracious response to His people and the importance of communal effort in fulfilling God's plans.Ananiah

(protected by Jehovah) probably a priest, and ancestor of Azariah, who assisted in rebuilding the city wall in the days of Nehemiah. (Nehemiah 3:23) (B.C. before 446.)

Protected by Jehovah, the name of a town in the tribe of Benjamin between Nob and Hazor (Nehemiah 11:32). It is probably the modern Beit Hanina, a small village 3 miles north of Jerusalem. ANANIAH

an-a-ni'-a `ananyah, ("Yah has covered"):

(1) Grandfather of Azariah. He assisted in repairing the walls of Jerusalem after his return from the exile (Nehemiah 3:23).

(2) A town of Benjamin mentioned in connection with Nob and Hazor (Nehemiah 11:32). It is commonly identified with Beit Hanina, between three and four miles North-Northwest from Jerusalem.

6055. Ananyah -- an Israelite, also a place near Jer.
... an Israelite, also a place near Jer. Transliteration: Ananyah Phonetic Spelling:
(an-an-yaw') Short Definition: Ananiah. ... NASB Word Usage Ananiah (2). Ananiah. ...
/hebrew/6055.htm - 6k

Answer to Objections: Signal Instances of Prayer
... It was on being heard that Ananiah and Azariah and Mishael became worthy to receive
a hissing rain and wind which kept the flame of the fire from taking effect ...
/.../origen/origen on prayer/chapter viii answer to objections .htm

The Objects of Prayer
... which comes home to all the saints and which Isaac spoke of to Jacob, "God give
you of the rain of heaven," a higher rain had fallen to Ananiah and those with ...
//christianbookshelf.org/origen/origen on prayer/chapter xi the objects of.htm

On the Diversity of Spiritual Gifts.
... is a bishop oppressed with ignorance or an evil disposition a bishop, but falsely
so called, being not one sent out by God, but by men, as Ananiah and Samoeah ...
/.../various/constitutions of the holy apostles/sec i on the diversity of.htm

The First Apology of Justin, the Martyr
... though they were called godless, such as, among the Greeks, Socrates and Heraclitus
and others like them; among the barbarians, Abraham, Ananiah, Azariah, and ...
/.../richardson/early christian fathers/the first apology of justin.htm

Ananiah (2 Occurrences)
... Standard Bible Encyclopedia. ANANIAH. an-a-ni'-a `ananyah, ("Yah has covered"):
(1) Grandfather of Azariah. ... Multi-Version Concordance Ananiah (2 Occurrences). ...
/a/ananiah.htm - 7k

Anani'ah (2 Occurrences)
Anani'ah. Ananiah, Anani'ah. Ananias . ... After them repaired Azariah the son
of Maaseiah the son of Ananiah beside his own house. (See RSV). ...
/a/anani'ah.htm - 6k

Repairs (24 Occurrences)
... against their house. After them repaired Azariah the son of Maaseiah the son
of Ananiah beside his own house. (See NAS NIV). Nehemiah 3 ...
/r/repairs.htm - 13k

Ma-asei'ah (23 Occurrences)
... against their house. After them repaired Azariah the son of Maaseiah the
son of Ananiah beside his own house. (See RSV). Nehemiah 8 ...
/m/ma-asei'ah.htm - 13k

Ana'ni (1 Occurrence)
Ana'ni. Anani, Ana'ni. Ananiah . Multi-Version Concordance Ana'ni (1 Occurrence). ...
(See RSV). Anani, Ana'ni. Ananiah . Reference Bible.
/a/ana'ni.htm - 6k

Anathoth (16 Occurrences)
... Nehemiah 11:32 at Anathoth, Nob, Ananiah, (WEB KJV JPS ASV BBE DBY WBS YLT NAS NIV).
Isaiah 10:30 Cry aloud with your voice, daughter of Gallim! ...
/a/anathoth.htm - 14k

An'athoth (19 Occurrences)
... eight. (See RSV). Nehemiah 10:19 Hariph, Anathoth, Nobai, (See RSV). Nehemiah
11:32 at Anathoth, Nob, Ananiah, (See RSV). Isaiah 10 ...
/a/an'athoth.htm - 11k

Anani (1 Occurrence)
... a-na'-ni `anani, perhaps a shortened form of Ananiah, "Yah has covered"): A son
of Elioenai of the house of David, who lived after the captivity (1 Chronicles 3 ...
/a/anani.htm - 7k

Nob (6 Occurrences)
... (WEB KJV JPS ASV BBE DBY WBS YLT NAS RSV NIV). Nehemiah 11:32 at Anathoth,
Nob, Ananiah, (WEB KJV JPS ASV BBE DBY WBS YLT NAS RSV NIV). ...
/n/nob.htm - 12k

Maaseiah (25 Occurrences)
... After them repaired Azariah the son of Maaseiah the son of Ananiah beside
his own house. (WEB KJV JPS ASV BBE DBY WBS YLT NAS NIV). ...
/m/maaseiah.htm - 19k

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