Pelaiah is a biblical figure mentioned in the Old Testament, specifically within the context of the post-exilic community of Israel. His name, which means "Yahweh does wonders" or "Yahweh is distinguished," reflects the theocentric nature of Hebrew names, often highlighting attributes or actions of God.

Genealogical Context

Pelaiah is identified as a descendant of David, belonging to the royal lineage. In 1 Chronicles 3:24, he is listed as one of the sons of Elioenai, a descendant of King David. This genealogical record underscores the continuity of the Davidic line, which holds significant theological importance in the biblical narrative, pointing to the messianic expectations rooted in the house of David.

Role in the Post-Exilic Community

Pelaiah is also mentioned in the book of Nehemiah, where he is noted for his role in the religious and communal life of the returned exiles. In Nehemiah 8:7, Pelaiah is listed among the Levites who helped the people understand the Law as Ezra read it aloud. The text states: "The Levites—Jeshua, Bani, Sherebiah, Jamin, Akkub, Shabbethai, Hodiah, Maaseiah, Kelita, Azariah, Jozabad, Hanan, and Pelaiah—instructed the people in the Law as they stood in their places." (Nehemiah 8:7). This passage highlights the critical role of the Levites in teaching and interpreting the Law, ensuring that the people comprehended the covenantal requirements and the statutes of God.

Covenantal Commitment

Further, in Nehemiah 10:10, Pelaiah is listed among those who sealed the covenant, a solemn agreement to follow the Law of God and to live according to its precepts. This act of sealing the covenant was a public declaration of commitment to the spiritual and communal renewal of Israel, emphasizing the importance of obedience and faithfulness to God's commands.

Theological Significance

Pelaiah's involvement in these significant events underscores the importance of leadership and teaching in the spiritual life of the community. His participation in the reading and explanation of the Law, as well as his commitment to the covenant, reflects the broader biblical theme of returning to God's Word and the restoration of the community's relationship with Him. The role of individuals like Pelaiah in the post-exilic period was crucial for the re-establishment of Israel's identity as a people set apart for God's purposes.

In summary, Pelaiah's mention in the biblical narrative, though brief, is significant in illustrating the themes of covenant renewal, the importance of understanding God's Law, and the role of faithful leaders in guiding the community towards spiritual restoration. His presence in the genealogical and historical records of Scripture serves as a testament to the enduring legacy of the Davidic line and the ongoing work of God among His people.Pelaiah

the Lord's secret or miracle

Pelaiah

(distinguished by Jehovah).

1. A son of Elioenai, of the royal line of Judah. (1 Chronicles 3:24) (B.C. after 400.)
2. One of the Levites who assisted Ezra in expounding the law, (Nehemiah 8:7) He afterward sealed the covenant with Nehemiah. (Nehemiah 10:10) (B.C.445.)

Distinguished of the Lord.

(1.) One of David's posterity (1 Chronicles 3:24).

(2.) A Levite who expounded the law (Nehemiah 8:7).

PELAIAH

pe-la'-ya, pe-li'-a (pela'yah):

(1) A son of Elioenai, of the royal house of Judah (1 Chronicles 3:24).

(2) A Levite who assisted Ezra by expounding the Law (Nehemiah 8:7), and was one of those who sealed the covenant with Nehemiah (10:10). He is called "Phalias" in 1 Esdras 9:48 (Revised Version).

6411. Pelayah -- a man of Judah
... 6410, 6411. Pelayah. 6412 . a man of Judah. Transliteration: Pelayah Phonetic
Spelling: (pel-aw-yaw') Short Definition: Pelaiah. ... Pelaiah. ...
/hebrew/6411.htm - 6k

6384b. Pelayah -- an Israelite
... an Israelite. Transliteration: Pelayah Short Definition: Pelaiah. Word Origin from
the same as pele Definition an Isr. NASB Word Usage Pelaiah (2). ...
/hebrew/6384b.htm - 5k

Reading the Law with Tears and Joy
... faces to the ground.7. Also Jeshua, and Bani, and Sherebiah, Jemin, Akkub, Shabbethai,
Hodijah, Maaseiah, Kelita, Azariah, Jozabad, Hanan, Pelaiah, and the ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture g/reading the law with tears.htm

Pelaiah (3 Occurrences)
...PELAIAH. pe-la'-ya, pe-li'-a (pela'yah): (1) A son of Elioenai, of the royal
house of Judah (1 Chronicles 3:24). ...Pelaiah (3 Occurrences). ...
/p/pelaiah.htm - 8k

Pelai'ah (3 Occurrences)
Pelai'ah. Pelaiah, Pelai'ah. Pelaliah . ... (See RSV). Nehemiah 10:10 and their
brethren, Shebaniah, Hodiah, Kelita, Pelaiah, Hanan; (See RSV). ...
/p/pelai'ah.htm - 7k

Kelita (3 Occurrences)
... Nehemiah 8:7 Also Jeshua, and Bani, and Sherebiah, Jamin, Akkub, Shabbethai, Hodiah,
Maaseiah, Kelita, Azariah, Jozabad, Hanan, Pelaiah, and the Levites ...
/k/kelita.htm - 7k

Keli'ta (3 Occurrences)
... Nehemiah 8:7 Also Jeshua, and Bani, and Sherebiah, Jamin, Akkub, Shabbethai, Hodiah,
Maaseiah, Kelita, Azariah, Jozabad, Hanan, Pelaiah, even the Levites ...
/k/keli'ta.htm - 7k

Akkub (8 Occurrences)
... Akkub (8 Occurrences). 1 Chronicles 3:24 The sons of Elioenai: Hodaviah, and Eliashib,
and Pelaiah, and Akkub, and Johanan, and Delaiah, and Anani, seven. ...
/a/akkub.htm - 10k

Hanan (19 Occurrences)
... Nehemiah 8:7 Also Jeshua, and Bani, and Sherebiah, Jamin, Akkub, Shabbethai, Hodiah,
Maaseiah, Kelita, Azariah, Jozabad, Hanan, Pelaiah, and the Levites ...
/h/hanan.htm - 14k

Hodiah (6 Occurrences)
... Nehemiah 8:7 Also Jeshua, and Bani, and Sherebiah, Jamin, Akkub, Shabbethai, Hodiah,
Maaseiah, Kelita, Azariah, Jozabad, Hanan, Pelaiah, and the Levites ...
/h/hodiah.htm - 9k

Hodi'ah (6 Occurrences)
... Nehemiah 8:7 Also Jeshua, and Bani, and Sherebiah, Jamin, Akkub, Shabbethai, Hodiah,
Maaseiah, Kelita, Azariah, Jozabad, Hanan, Pelaiah, even the Levites ...
/h/hodi'ah.htm - 7k

Hodijah (6 Occurrences)
... (DBY). Nehemiah 8:7 Also Jeshua, and Bani, and Sherebiah, Jamin, Akkub, Shabbethai,
Hodijah, Maaseiah, Kelita, Azariah, Jozabad, Hanan, Pelaiah, and the Levites ...
/h/hodijah.htm - 9k

Joha'nan (25 Occurrences)
... (See RSV). 1 Chronicles 3:24 And the sons of Elioenai: Hodaviah, and Eliashib, and
Pelaiah, and Akkub, and Johanan, and Delaiah, and Anani, seven. (See RSV). ...
/j/joha'nan.htm - 13k

Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus