חִלְקִיָּהוּ (chil.qiy.yah)
chil.qiy.yah
Hilkiah
N:N-M-PQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 29 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- N:N-M-P
Word Overview
The name Hilkiah means "my portion is Jehovah," combining the word for a share or lot with the divine name Yahweh. This phrase reflects a theological conviction that God Himself is the believer's inheritance, a concept found throughout the Old Testament where material wealth is often contrasted with spiritual reliance on God.
Although it appears in twenty-nine verses, the name belongs to several different men across Israel’s history. Most notably, it identifies the high priest who discovered the Book of the Law during King Josiah’s reforms (2 Kings 22:8). The same name also marks the father of the prophet Jeremiah (Jeremiah 1:1), linking two major figures in Judah’s final days.
The repetition of this name among priests and officials suggests it was a respected title within religious leadership. By attributing one’s "portion" to God, these individuals publicly affirmed that their status and security came from divine appointment rather than human power.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The name Hilkiah carries a quiet but powerful declaration: "my portion is Jehovah." In a world that often measures worth by visible assets or social status, this name stands as a reminder that true security comes from God alone. The men who bore this name held significant roles in Israel’s history, serving as high priests and royal officials. Their lives show us that leadership is not about accumulating power but about stewarding what God has entrusted to us.
One of the most striking moments involving a Hilkiah occurs when he discovers the Book of the Law in the temple. This event sparked a national return to faith, showing how obedience to Scripture can renew a community. When we place our trust in God rather than in earthly stability, we echo the faith of those ancient leaders who recognized that their true inheritance was divine.
This name invites us to consider what we hold dear. Are we anchored in temporary things or in the eternal promises of God? By focusing on Him as our portion, we find a peace that remains steady through life's changes. Let this truth encourage you to rest in His provision today.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 29 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- Hilkiah29×
- of/ Hilkiah1×
- and/ Hilkiah1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- חִלְקִיָּ֣הוּ3×
- חִלְקִיָּ֖הוּ3×
- חִלְקִיָּ֣ה2×
- חִלְקִיָּ֜הוּ2×
- חִלְקִיָּ֜ה2×
- חִלְקִיָּ֖ה2×
- לְ/חִלְקִיָּ֣ה1×
- חִלְקִיָּהוּ֩1×
- חִלְקִיָּֽהוּ\׃1×
- חִלְקִיָּֽה\׃1×
- חִלְקִיָּ֨ה1×
- חִלְקִיָּ֧ה1×
Key Verses
-
II Kings 22:8
Hilkiah the high priest said to Shaphan the scribe, “I have found the book of the law in Yahweh’s house.” Hilkiah delivered the book to Shaphan, and he read it.
This verse records the pivotal moment Hilkiah found the Book of the Law, initiating a major spiritual reform in Judah.
-
II Kings 18:18
When they had called to the king, Eliakim the son of Hilkiah, who was over the household, and Shebnah the scribe, and Joah the son of Asaph the recorder came out to them.
Here, Eliakim the son of Hilkiah represents the family's ongoing role in royal administration and diplomatic defense.
-
Ezra 7:1
Now after these things, in the reign of Artaxerxes king of Persia, Ezra the son of Seraiah, the son of Azariah, the son of Hilkiah,
Listing Ezra as a descendant of Hilkiah highlights the name’s lasting legacy in the post-exilic restoration of worship.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the name Hilkiah mean?
Is Hilkiah mentioned in the New Testament?
How is Hilkiah different from other priestly names?
Every Occurrence (29 verses across 7 books)
II Kings 10 verses
When they had called to the king, Eliakim the son of Hilkiah, who was over the household, and Shebnah the scribe, and…
II Kings 18:26Then Eliakim the son of Hilkiah, Shebnah, and Joah, said to Rabshakeh, “Please speak to your servants in the Syrian…
II Kings 18:37Then Eliakim the son of Hilkiah, who was over the household, came with Shebna the scribe and Joah the son of Asaph the…
II Kings 22:4“Go up to Hilkiah the high priest, that he may count the money which is brought into Yahweh’s house, which the keepers…
II Kings 22:8Hilkiah the high priest said to Shaphan the scribe, “I have found the book of the law in Yahweh’s house.” Hilkiah…
II Kings 22:10Shaphan the scribe told the king, saying, “Hilkiah the priest has delivered a book to me.” Then Shaphan read it before…
II Kings 22:12The king commanded Hilkiah the priest, Ahikam the son of Shaphan, Achbor the son of Micaiah, Shaphan the scribe, and…
II Kings 22:14So Hilkiah the priest, Ahikam, Achbor, Shaphan, and Asaiah went to Huldah the prophetess, the wife of Shallum the son…
II Kings 23:4The king commanded Hilkiah the high priest, and the priests of the second order, and the keepers of the threshold, to…
II Kings 23:24Moreover, Josiah removed those who had familiar spirits, the wizards, and the teraphim, and the idols, and all the…