הוֹדִיָּה (ho.diy.yah)
ho.diy.yah
Hodiah
N:N-M-PQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 2 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- N:N-M-P
Word Overview
The name Hodiah, meaning "my majesty is Jehovah," appears in only two verses of Scripture, both found within the books of Ezra and Nehemiah. It identifies a Levite who served during the post-exilic restoration of Jerusalem. The sources note that this individual is also referred to as Judah in Ezra 3:9, highlighting how personal names could vary slightly in different textual traditions while referring to the same person.
Hodiah held a position of responsibility among the people, listed alongside other leaders who committed themselves to following God's law. His presence in these genealogical and administrative lists underscores the importance of faithful service within the restored community. The name itself reflects a theological declaration, attributing honor and sovereignty directly to Yahweh, which aligns with the spiritual renewal characterizing that historical period.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The name Hodiah carries a simple but powerful meaning: "my majesty is Jehovah." It appears in the lists of Levites who helped restore worship in Jerusalem after the exile. These men were not famous kings or warriors, yet they played a vital role in teaching the people and leading them in prayer. Their service reminds us that God values faithful participation in His community, regardless of how well-known we might be.
In Nehemiah 8:7, Hodiah is listed among those who helped the people understand the Law. In Nehemiah 9:5, he joins others in calling the congregation to bless Yahweh. This shows that understanding Scripture and praising God go hand in hand. When we study the Bible together and lift our voices in worship, we join a long line of believers who have found strength in God's sovereignty.
Your name may not be recorded in ancient texts, but your faithful presence in church and service to others matters deeply to God. Just as Hodiah helped lead the people in blessing God, you too can contribute to a community that honors Him. Let this encourage you to serve where you are, trusting that God sees and values your obedience.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 2 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- Hodiah2×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- הֽוֹדִיָּה֙1×
- הֽוֹדִיָּ֡ה1×
Key Verses
-
Nehemiah 8:7
Also Jeshua, Bani, Sherebiah, Jamin, Akkub, Shabbethai, Hodiah, Maaseiah, Kelita, Azariah, Jozabad, Hanan, Pelaiah, and the Levites, caused the people to understand the law; and the people stayed in their place.
This verse places Hodiah among the Levites actively helping the people understand the Law, highlighting his role in spiritual education.
-
Nehemiah 9:5
Then the Levites, Jeshua, and Kadmiel, Bani, Hashabneiah, Sherebiah, Hodiah, Shebaniah, and Pethahiah, said, “Stand up and bless Yahweh your God from everlasting to everlasting! Blessed be your glorious name, which is exalted above all blessing and praise!
Here Hodiah is part of a group leading the people in a public blessing of Yahweh, showing his involvement in corporate worship.