חֲשַׁבְיָ֫הוּ (cha.shav.yah)
cha.shav.yah
Hashabiah
N:N-M-PQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 13 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- N:N-M-P
Word Overview
The name Hashabiah means "Jehovah has considered" or "Yahweh has regarded." It appears thirteen times in the Hebrew Bible, primarily within the genealogical records of 1 Chronicles and Ezra-Nehemiah. Rather than describing a single historical figure, the text uses this name for several distinct Levites and priests spanning the monarchy, the exile, and the post-exilic restoration.
These individuals are linked to key moments in Israel’s religious life. One Hashabiah served as a prince of Levi during King Josiah’s Passover celebration, while another accompanied Ezra from Babylon to help reestablish worship in Jerusalem. A third is noted for his role in repairing the walls of Jerusalem and sealing the covenant with Nehemiah.
The recurrence of this name highlights the importance of lineage and divine attention in biblical theology. Each bearer of the name represents a generation where God’s people remembered their heritage and responsibilities. The name itself serves as a constant reminder that God observes His people throughout history, from the temple services under David to the rebuilding efforts after exile.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The name Hashabiah carries a quiet but powerful meaning: "Jehovah has considered." In a world that often feels chaotic or indifferent, this reminder anchors our faith in the reality that God pays attention to His people. It is not merely a label for ancient figures; it is a theological statement woven into the lineage of Israel’s priests and Levites.
When we read about Hashabiah repairing Jerusalem’s walls or leading worship after the exile, we see ordinary men responding to divine calling. Their lives show that God values faithfulness in daily tasks—whether building, singing, or serving. This word invites us to trust that our own efforts, however small they seem, are seen and remembered by Him.
For your Christian life, this means you are never overlooked. Just as Hashabiah’s lineage preserved worship through generations, your faithful steps contribute to God’s ongoing work. You can rest in the assurance that He considers you, knows your name, and walks with you through every season of service and silence.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 13 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- Hashabiah10×
- to/ Hashabiah1×
- and/ Hashabiah1×
- [were] Hashabiah1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- חֲשַׁבְיָ֔ה4×
- חֲשַׁבְיָ֖ה2×
- לַ/חֲשַׁבְיָ֔ה1×
- חֲשַׁבְיָהוּ֩1×
- חֲשַׁבְיָ֨הוּ1×
- חֲשַׁבְיָ֨ה1×
- חֲשַׁבְיָ֥ה1×
- חֲשַׁבְיָ֛ה1×
- וַ/חֲשַׁבְיָ֧הוּ1×
Key Verses
-
II Chronicles 35:9
Conaniah also, and Shemaiah and Nethanel, his brothers, and Hashabiah, Jeiel, and Jozabad, the chiefs of the Levites, gave to the Levites for the Passover offerings five thousand small livestock and five hundred head of cattle.
This verse highlights Hashabiah’s active role in supporting King Josiah’s Passover, showing how the name appears during a major spiritual renewal when Levites provided resources for worship.
-
Ezra 8:19
and Hashabiah, and with him Jeshaiah of the sons of Merari, his brothers and their sons, twenty;
Here Hashabiah accompanies Ezra from Babylon, demonstrating the name’s presence in the critical post-exilic period where faithful leaders helped restore Jewish identity and practice.
-
Nehemiah 3:17
After him, the Levites—Rehum the son of Bani made repairs. Next to him, Hashabiah, the ruler of half the district of Keilah, made repairs for his district.
Hashabiah is noted for physically repairing the walls of Jerusalem, illustrating how the name is associated with practical obedience and communal restoration efforts.
-
I Chronicles 25:3
Of Jeduthun, the sons of Jeduthun: Gedaliah, Zeri, Jeshaiah, Shimei, Hashabiah, and Mattithiah, six, under the hands of their father Jeduthun, who prophesied in giving thanks and praising Yahweh with the harp.
This occurrence places Hashabiah among those who prophesied and praised God with musical instruments, linking the name directly to liturgical worship and thanksgiving.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the name Hashabiah mean?
Is Hashabiah one person or many in the Bible?
Why does this name appear so often in genealogies?
How is Hashabiah different from other Levite names?
Every Occurrence (13 verses across 4 books)
I Chronicles 5 verses
Of the Levites: Shemaiah the son of Hasshub, the son of Azrikam, the son of Hashabiah, of the sons of Merari;
I Chronicles 25:3Of Jeduthun, the sons of Jeduthun: Gedaliah, Zeri, Jeshaiah, Shimei, Hashabiah, and Mattithiah, six, under the hands of…
I Chronicles 25:19the twelfth to Hashabiah, his sons and his brothers, twelve;
I Chronicles 26:30Of the Hebronites, Hashabiah and his brothers, one thousand seven hundred men of valor, had the oversight of Israel…
I Chronicles 27:17of Levi, Hashabiah the son of Kemuel; of Aaron, Zadok;