הוֹדְיָה (ho.de.vah)
ho.de.vah
Hodevah
N:N-M-PQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 1 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- N:N-M-P
Word Overview
The name Hodevah, meaning “praise of Jehovah,” identifies a specific Levitical leader during the post-exilic restoration. It appears primarily in the lists of returnees found in Ezra and Nehemiah, serving as a proper noun rather than a common verb or adjective.
Lexical sources note that this individual is mentioned by name in Ezra 2:40 and Nehemiah 7:43. Interestingly, Ezra 3:9 refers to the same leader as “Judah,” suggesting that Hodevah may be a variant form or another name for the figure known as Hodaviah (H1938J). This variation highlights the fluidity of names in recorded history.
The significance of the name lies in its theological weight. By embedding “praise” and “Jehovah” into his identity, the leader’s very existence becomes a declaration of gratitude to God. His role in organizing the temple service underscores how personal devotion was woven into the communal rebuilding of Jerusalem.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The name Hodevah carries a beautiful meaning: praise of Jehovah. In Ezra and Nehemiah, this Levitical leader is listed among those who returned to Jerusalem after exile. His presence in these records reminds us that worship was central to the community’s restoration. When rebuilding the temple, they did not just lay stones; they restored their relationship with God through song and service.
This name shows how personal identity can reflect devotion. Hodevah’s role in organizing temple duties highlights that practical work and spiritual praise go hand in hand. For you, this might mean finding moments to thank God even in daily tasks. It is a reminder that your life, like his, can be a living offering of gratitude.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 1 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- of/ Hodaviah1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- לְ/הוֹדְוָ֖ה1×
Key Verses
-
Nehemiah 7:43
The Levites: the children of Jeshua, of Kadmiel, of the children of Hodevah: seventy-four.
This verse lists Hodevah among the Levites, showing his official role in the restored community's worship structure.