מַעֲשֵׂיָהוּ (ma.a.se.yah)
ma.a.se.yah
Maaseiah
N:N-M-PQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 22 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- N:N-M-P
Word Overview
The name Maaseiah means "work of Jehovah," combining the word for work or deed with a shortened form of God’s name. It appears twenty-two times in the Hebrew Bible, primarily identifying individuals during the periods of the monarchy and the post-exilic restoration.
These bearers of the name held diverse roles within Israelite society. Some were priests and Levites who served in temple worship, such as those who assisted Ezra when he read the law to the people (Nehemiah 8:7). Others were officials or leaders involved in civic duties, like the governor of Jerusalem during Josiah’s reign or the captains who protected King Joash.
The name also identifies key figures in prophetic narratives. It is the name of Zephaniah’s father, mentioned in Jeremiah 21:1, and of a false prophet confronted by Jeremiah in chapter 29. This variety shows how common the name was among faithful servants and political actors alike, reflecting a desire to attribute one’s life and duties to God.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The name Maaseiah carries the meaning "work of Jehovah," a simple but profound reminder that our daily tasks are seen by God. In Scripture, this name appears frequently among those who served in the temple, repaired city walls, or stood as leaders during times of crisis. It reflects a life dedicated to carrying out duties with faithfulness, whether in worship or civic responsibility.
When we read about individuals like Maaseiah assisting Ezra or helping to rebuild Jerusalem's defenses, we see ordinary people doing extraordinary work for God. Their stories encourage us to view our own roles—whether in family, work, or church—as part of a larger divine plan. Every act of service, no matter how small it seems, contributes to the building up of God's kingdom.
This name invites us to consider how we can honor God through our daily actions. It is not about grand gestures alone but about faithful presence in the moments we are given. By attributing our efforts to Him, we acknowledge that true strength comes from His hand, allowing us to serve with purpose and peace.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 22 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- Maaseiah16×
- and/ Maaseiah6×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- מַֽעֲשֵׂיָה֙4×
- מַעֲשֵׂיָ֛ה3×
- מַעֲשֵׂיָ֡ה2×
- וּ/מַעֲשֵׂיָ֖הוּ2×
- מַעֲשֵׂיָה֙1×
- מַעֲשֵׂיָ֧הוּ1×
- מַעֲשֵׂיָ֥הוּ1×
- מַעֲשֵׂיָ֤ה1×
- מַעֲשֵׂיָ֣הוּ1×
- מַעֲשֵׂיָ֙הוּ֙1×
- מַֽעֲשֵׂיָ֔ה1×
- וּ/מַעֲשֵׂיָ֨ה1×
Key Verses
-
Nehemiah 8:7
Also Jeshua, Bani, Sherebiah, Jamin, Akkub, Shabbethai, Hodiah, Maaseiah, Kelita, Azariah, Jozabad, Hanan, Pelaiah, and the Levites, caused the people to understand the law; and the people stayed in their place.
Maaseiah is listed among the Levites who helped the people understand the Law, showing his role in spiritual education and community guidance.
-
Jeremiah 21:1
The word which came to Jeremiah from Yahweh, when King Zedekiah sent to him Pashhur the son of Malchijah, and Zephaniah the son of Maaseiah, the priest, saying,
As the father of Zephaniah, this Maaseiah was a priest involved in seeking God's word during a time of national crisis for Judah.
-
II Chronicles 23:1
In the seventh year, Jehoiada strengthened himself, and took the captains of hundreds—Azariah the son of Jeroham, Ishmael the son of Jehohanan, Azariah the son of Obed, Maaseiah the son of Adaiah, and Elishaphat the son of Zichri—into a covenant with him.
Maaseiah son of Adaiah was one of the captains who joined Jehoiada in a covenant to restore the rightful king, highlighting his role in political and religious stability.
-
Ezra 10:18
Among the sons of the priests there were found who had married foreign women: of the sons of Jeshua, the son of Jozadak, and his brothers: Maaseiah, Eliezer, Jarib, and Gedaliah.
This Maaseiah was a priest who had married a foreign woman, illustrating the personal struggles and reforms faced by leaders during the post-exilic restoration.