מַעֲדְיָה (ma.a.de.yah)
ma.a.de.yah
Maadiah
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 Maadiah means "adorned of Yahweh," a title that reflects the personal piety common among those who returned from Babylonian exile. It appears in Nehemiah as one of the priests who signed the covenant renewal in chapter 10, marking his commitment to the restored community.
Lexical sources note that this individual is likely the same person referred to as Moadiah in Nehemiah 12:17 and possibly identified with Maaziah. The variation in spelling across these verses highlights the fluidity of name transcription during the post-exilic period, yet the consistent association with priestly duties underscores his role in maintaining religious order.
Though mentioned only sparingly, Maadiah’s presence in the lists of returning exiles serves as a concrete reminder of the many unnamed faithful who rebuilt Jerusalem. His name, meaning adorned by God, stands as a quiet testimony to the dignity and identity restored to the priesthood after years of displacement.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The name Maadiah means "adorned of Yahweh." This is a beautiful reminder that our identity comes from God. When people returned from exile, they carried this hope with them. It shows that even in hard times, God gives dignity and purpose to His people.
Maadiah signed the covenant renewal in Nehemiah 12:5. He was one of many priests who helped rebuild their community. His name reflects a life set apart for God. We can find comfort in knowing that faithful service matters to Him.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 1 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- Moadiah1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- מַֽעַדְיָ֖ה1×
Key Verses
-
Nehemiah 12:5
Mijamin, Maadiah, Bilgah,
This verse lists Maadiah among the priests who signed the covenant, showing his active role in restoring religious order after the exile.