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מוֹעַדְיָה (mo.ad.yah)

mo.ad.yah

Moadiah

H4153 · Hebrew · Old Testament · 1 verses

N:N-M-P

Quick Reference

Language
Biblical Hebrew
Testament
Old Testament
Occurrences
1 verses
Root
—
Part of speech
N:N-M-P

Word Overview

The name Moediah, meaning "the set time of Yahweh," identifies a priest who served during the post-exilic restoration under Zerubbabel. This individual appears in Nehemiah 10:8 among those who sealed the covenant, and is also recorded as Maadiah in Nehemiah 12:5 and Moadiah in Nehemiah 12:17.

Lexical sources suggest these variations likely refer to the same person, possibly another name for Maaziah. The etymology highlights a theological focus on divine timing, reflecting the community's belief that their return from exile occurred at a specific moment ordained by God.

As a proper noun found in only one verse with variant spellings, Moediah serves as a concrete link to the historical reality of the returning exiles. The name underscores how personal identity was often rooted in an acknowledgment of God's sovereign schedule in restoring His people.

Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).

What This Word Means for Your Faith

The name Moediah carries a quiet but profound weight: it means "the set time of Yahweh." In Nehemiah 12:17, this priest is listed among those who led worship during the rebuilding of Jerusalem's walls. His name serves as a gentle reminder that God operates on a specific schedule, one that often unfolds through ordinary people doing faithful work.

When we feel like our lives are stuck or delayed, Moediah’s story offers comfort. It suggests that what feels like waiting is actually part of a divine appointment. The post-exilic community believed their return was not accidental but ordained. This perspective helps us see our own seasons of patience as purposeful rather than pointless.

Ultimately, this name invites trust in God’s timing. Whether we are rebuilding walls or navigating personal challenges, we can rest in the assurance that there is a set time for every matter under heaven. Your faithfulness in the present moment is seen and valued by the One who sets the times.

How it's translated

How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 1 verses where it appears, by frequency.

  • of/ Moadiah1×

Forms in the text

The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.

  • לְ/מוֹעַדְיָ֖ה1×

Key Verses

  • Nehemiah 12:17
    of Abijah, Zichri; of Miniamin, of Moadiah, Piltai;

    This verse places Moediah among the choir leaders, showing that his name meaning "set time of Yahweh" was embodied in the communal worship restoring Jerusalem's spiritual life.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does the name Moediah mean?

Moediah is a Hebrew name meaning "the set time of Yahweh." It combines the word for appointed time or season with the divine name, reflecting a belief that God controls history and personal lives according to His specific schedule.

Where does Moediah appear in the Bible?

He appears in Nehemiah 12:17 as one of the Levites leading worship. Some scholars also link him to Maadiah in Nehemiah 12:5 and Moadiah in Nehemiah 12:17, suggesting these may be variant spellings of the same priest involved in the post-exilic restoration.

Why is this name significant for understanding God's timing?

The name highlights a key theme in Nehemiah: that the return from exile was not random but occurred at a divinely appointed time. It encourages believers to trust that their own lives are unfolding according to a purposeful schedule, even when progress seems slow.

Every Occurrence (1 verses across 1 books)