טוֹבִיָּ֫הוּ (to.viy.yah)
to.viy.yah
Tobijah
N:N-M-PQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 15 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- N:N-M-P
Word Overview
The name Tobijah, meaning "Yahweh is good," appears fifteen times in the Hebrew Bible, primarily within Nehemiah and Chronicles. It identifies several distinct individuals across different eras of Israel’s history, from the time of King Jehoshaphat to the post-exilic restoration under Zerubbabel.
One notable figure was a Levite serving in Jehoshaphat’s court (2 Chronicles 17:8), while another prominent individual was an Ammonite official who actively opposed the rebuilding of Jerusalem’s walls alongside Sanballat (Nehemiah 2:10; 4:3). The name also belongs to a family head who returned from exile but could not prove his Israelite lineage (Ezra 2:60).
Though the name itself carries a positive theological sentiment, its bearers in Scripture often occupy complex or antagonistic roles. This contrast highlights how names do not determine character, and how divine goodness is acknowledged even by those who stand against God’s people.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The name Tobijah means "Yahweh is good." It appears fifteen times in Scripture, identifying several different people across Israel's history. Some served faithfully in God's courts, while others opposed the rebuilding of Jerusalem. This variety shows that names carry meaning, but they do not control character or destiny.
When you read about those who stood against God's work, remember that divine goodness remains constant regardless of human opposition. The name itself points to a truth that does not change: God is good. This assurance can steady your heart when circumstances feel uncertain or when you face resistance in doing what is right.
Let this reminder anchor your faith. Whether serving quietly or standing firm against pressure, the goodness of God supports those who trust in Him. His character is reliable, and His presence accompanies His people through every season.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 15 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- Tobiah6×
- and/ Tobiah4×
- to/ Tobiah2×
- for/ Tobiah1×
- and/ to/ Tobiah1×
- and/ Tobijah1×
- [belonged] to/ Tobiah1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- טוֹבִיָּ֖ה4×
- לְ/טוֹבִיָּֽה\׃1×
- לְ/טוֹבִיָּ֥ה1×
- לְ/טוֹבִיָּ֖ה1×
- לְ/ט֣וֹבִיָּ֔ה1×
- טוֹבִיָּ֛ה1×
- טוֹבִיָּ֑ה1×
- וּ/לְ/טוֹבִיָּ֣ה1×
- וְ֠/טוֹבִיָּה1×
- וְ/טוֹבִיָּ֥ה1×
- וְ/טֽוֹבִיָּה֙1×
- וְ/טֽוֹבִיָּ֛הוּ1×
Key Verses
-
Nehemiah 2:10
When Sanballat the Horonite and Tobiah the Ammonite servant heard of it, it grieved them exceedingly, because a man had come to seek the welfare of the children of Israel.
This verse introduces Tobiah the Ammonite as a key opponent who grieves at the news of Jerusalem's restoration, highlighting the spiritual resistance faced by God's people.
-
Nehemiah 6:14
“Remember, my God, Tobiah and Sanballat according to these their works, and also the prophetess Noadiah and the rest of the prophets that would have put me in fear.”
Nehemiah prays for God to remember Tobiah's hostile actions, showing how persistent opposition required divine intervention and remembrance.
-
Zechariah 6:14
The crowns shall be to Helem, to Tobijah, to Jedaiah, and to Hen the son of Zephaniah, for a memorial in Yahweh’s temple.
Here a different individual named Tobijah receives honor through a crown in the temple, illustrating that the name can also signify recognition within God's community.