יְדָיָה (ye.da.yah)
ye.da.yah
Jedaiah
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 Jedaiah, rendered from the Hebrew יְדָיָה, carries the meaning "praised of Jehovah." It is a personal name rather than a descriptive term, appearing only twice in the biblical text. The sources identify two distinct individuals who bear this name, linking them to different eras and tribes within Israel’s history.
The first Jedaiah appears in 1 Chronicles 4:37 as a Simeonite chief, a son of Shimri and father of Allon. He serves as an ancestor in the genealogical records of the southern tribe during the period of the divided monarchy. The second individual is mentioned in Nehemiah 3:10 as the son of Harumaph. This Jedaiah played a practical role in the post-exilic community by helping to rebuild the walls of Jerusalem, illustrating how names reflecting devotion to God were carried into the physical restoration of the city.
Though brief, these mentions highlight the continuity of faith across generations. The name itself functions as a constant reminder of praise, attached to men who contributed to their people’s identity and infrastructure in very different circumstances.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The name Jedaiah means "praised of Jehovah." It appears only twice in Scripture, yet it connects two very different moments in Israel’s story. In Chronicles, Jedaiah is listed as an ancestor in the tribe of Simeon, preserving his family line during the time of the divided monarchy. This genealogy reminds us that God remembers every person, even those whose names appear briefly in a list.
Centuries later, another Jedaiah appears in Nehemiah. He helped rebuild the walls of Jerusalem, working alongside his neighbors to restore their city. His name, meaning praise, was attached to physical labor and communal effort. This shows that worship is not just spoken; it is lived out through faithful action. Whether in a family record or on a construction site, honoring God remains central.
These two men, though separated by time and role, share a name that points to gratitude. Their stories encourage us to see our own lives as part of God’s ongoing work. We may not always be famous, but we are known and valued by Him.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 2 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- Jedaiah2×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- יְדָיָ֥ה2×
Key Verses
-
I Chronicles 4:37
and Ziza the son of Shiphi, the son of Allon, the son of Jedaiah, the son of Shimri, the son of Shemaiah—
This verse places Jedaiah in the genealogy of Simeon, showing how God preserves family lines even when individuals are not named as leaders.
-
Nehemiah 3:10
Next to them, Jedaiah the son of Harumaph made repairs across from his house. Next to him, Hattush the son of Hashabneiah made repairs.
Here Jedaiah actively repairs Jerusalem’s walls, demonstrating that praise of God can be expressed through practical service to the community.