מָעַי (ma.ay)
ma.ay
Maai
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 Maai refers to a specific individual mentioned only once in the Hebrew Bible, in Nehemiah 12:36. He was a Levite musician and singer who participated in the dedication ceremony for the rebuilt walls of Jerusalem. As a descendant of Asaph, he belonged to the group responsible for leading worship through music, standing alongside his brothers Zechariah, Shemaiah, Azarel, Milalai, Gilalai, Nethanel, Judah, and Hanani.
Etymologically, Maai is interpreted as meaning "compassionate" or "merciful." This meaning adds a quiet layer of significance to the historical record. While the text focuses on his role in a large public event, his name suggests a character trait aligned with divine mercy. The sources identify him specifically as a son of Jonathan, placing him within a notable musical lineage during the post-exilic restoration period.
His single mention highlights the importance of music in the communal life of restored Israel. The dedication of the wall was not just a military or architectural achievement but a spiritual celebration led by these singers. Maai’s presence in the text serves as a reminder that worship was an integral part of rebuilding the city, with individuals like him providing the auditory backdrop for the community's renewed covenant with God.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
Maai appears in Nehemiah 12:36 as a Levite musician standing among his brothers during the dedication of Jerusalem’s rebuilt walls. His name means compassionate or merciful, which adds a quiet layer of meaning to his role in leading worship. Though he is mentioned only once, his presence highlights how music and mercy were woven into the community’s restoration.
In a time when rebuilding required both physical labor and spiritual renewal, Maai’s singing helped turn a construction project into an act of covenant faithfulness. His name reminds us that God values those who lead others toward Him with gentleness and care. Worship is not just about grand gestures but also about the faithful hearts behind the songs.
When we reflect on Maai, we are invited to consider how our own lives might serve as instruments of mercy and praise. Whether in small acts or public moments, using our gifts to draw others closer to God honors Him deeply.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 1 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- Maai1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- מָעַ֞י1×
Key Verses
-
Nehemiah 12:36
and his brothers, Shemaiah, Azarel, Milalai, Gilalai, Maai, Nethanel, Judah, and Hanani, with the musical instruments of David the man of God; and Ezra the scribe was before them.
This verse places Maai among the Levite musicians whose songs accompanied the dedication of Jerusalem’s walls, showing how worship was central to the city’s spiritual restoration.