יְחִיָּה (ye.chiy.yah)
ye.chiy.yah
Jehiah
N:N-M-PQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 1 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- N:N-M-P
Word Overview
The name Jehiah, or yeḥiyyah, is a Hebrew personal name meaning "Jehovah lives." It appears only once in the Old Testament, specifically within the genealogical and musical records of 1 Chronicles 15. In this context, it identifies a Levite who served as a doorkeeper for the ark of the covenant during its transfer to Jerusalem under King David.
Lexical sources note that this individual is also referred to as Jeiel in other passages, suggesting that Jehiah may be an alternative name or title for the same person. The name itself carries a theological affirmation of God’s enduring life and presence, fitting for one tasked with guarding the sacred container that symbolized that very presence among Israel.
Though brief in its biblical footprint, the mention of Jehiah highlights the careful organization of worship during David’s reign. By assigning specific roles like doorkeeping to named Levites, the text underscores the importance of order and reverence in approaching God. The name serves as a small but significant reminder that those who serve in God’s house do so under the living God.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The name Jehiah means "Jehovah lives," a simple but powerful declaration of faith. In the Old Testament, this name appears only once, identifying a Levite who served as a doorkeeper for the ark of the covenant in Jerusalem. This role was not merely about guarding a physical object; it was about protecting the symbol of God's presence among His people.
For believers today, this story reminds us that serving God requires both reverence and order. Jehiah’s willingness to stand guard shows how ordinary duties can become acts of worship when done for the Lord. Whether you are leading a team or caring for your home, your service matters because it honors the living God.
When we approach God with respect and humility, we acknowledge His sovereignty. This name encourages us to live in a way that reflects the truth that our God is alive and active in our lives. It invites us to consider how our daily actions can point others to His enduring presence.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 1 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- and/ Jehiah1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- וִֽ/יחִיָּ֔ה1×
Key Verses
-
I Chronicles 15:24
Shebaniah, Joshaphat, Nethanel, Amasai, Zechariah, Benaiah, and Eliezer, the priests, blew the trumpets before God’s ark; and Obed-Edom and Jehiah were doorkeepers for the ark.
This verse identifies Jehiah as a doorkeeper for the ark, highlighting his specific role in maintaining order and reverence during the transfer of God's presence to Jerusalem.