יְחִיאֵלִי (ye.chi.e.li)
ye.chi.e.li
Jehieli
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 Yeḥi’elî appears only twice in the Hebrew Bible, both within the genealogical records of 1 Chronicles. It functions as a patronymic, meaning "son of Jehiel," identifying a specific Levite from the line of Gershon. In these passages, he is listed as the son of Libni and brother to Zetham and Joel, placing him among the temple servants organized during the reign of King David.
Etymologically, the name derives from the root meaning "to save alive" or "to preserve," combined with the divine element Yah. This suggests a theological declaration that life is sustained by God. The variation between the shorter form Yeḥi’el and this extended patronymic reflects common naming patterns in ancient Israel, where family lineage was as important as individual identity.
While not a major theological term, its presence highlights the meticulous care 1 Chronicles takes in preserving the identities of those who served in the temple. By recording these names, the text affirms the value of every individual within the community of worship, ensuring that even lesser-known Levites are remembered as part of God’s ordered people.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The name Jehieli means "God preserves." It appears in the genealogies of 1 Chronicles, marking a Levite from the family of Gershon who helped care for the treasures of the Lord's house. This simple record reminds us that God values every person in His community, no matter how small their role may seem.
In our own lives, we often feel overlooked or insignificant. Yet this name shows that God keeps track of those who serve Him faithfully. Whether you are leading a large group or quietly supporting others behind the scenes, your work matters to Him. He preserves and remembers every heart that seeks to honor Him.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 2 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- Jehieli2×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- יְחִיאֵלִֽי\׃1×
- יְחִֽיאֵלִ֑י1×
Key Verses
-
I Chronicles 26:21
The sons of Ladan, the sons of the Gershonites belonging to Ladan, the heads of the fathers’ households belonging to Ladan the Gershonite: Jehieli.
This verse identifies Jehieli as a head of the household, showing his leadership role within the Gershonite clan.
-
I Chronicles 26:22
The sons of Jehieli: Zetham, and Joel his brother, over the treasures of Yahweh’s house.
Here, Jehieli's sons are appointed over the treasures of Yahweh’s house, highlighting the family's trusted service in caring for sacred items.