מְשֶׁלֶמְיָהוּ (me.she.lem.yah)
me.she.lem.yah
Meshelemiah
N:N-M-PQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 4 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- N:N-M-P
Word Overview
Meshelemiah is a personal name found primarily in the genealogies and service lists of 1 Chronicles, identifying a Levite who served as a gatekeeper for the temple. The name itself carries the meaning "whom Jehovah repays," combining the root for peace or completeness with the divine name Yahweh. This suggests a theological hope that God would restore or recompense His people, a fitting sentiment for those serving in the post-exilic community.
Scripture presents him as a significant figure within the Korahite clan, responsible for guarding the entrances to the house of God during the time of David. He is listed among the descendants who returned from exile and resumed their ancestral duties (1 Chronicles 9:21). Notably, he is also identified by the shorter name Shelemiah in 1 Chronicles 26:14, highlighting how family lines and individual roles were preserved through careful record-keeping.
His mention alongside seven sons—Zechariah, Jediael, Zebadiah, Jathniel, Elam, Jehohanan, and Eliehoenai—underscores the importance of multi-generational service in Israel’s religious life. The text does not elaborate on his personal actions but places him firmly within the structured hierarchy of temple worship. This name serves as a reminder of the ordinary faithful individuals who maintained the sacred spaces where God’s presence dwelt.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The name Meshelemiah means "whom Jehovah repays" or restores. It belonged to a Levite from the Korahite clan who served as a gatekeeper for the temple during King David’s time. This role was not merely about guarding doors; it was about maintaining the sacred order of worship where God’s presence dwelt among His people.
His story reminds us that faithful service often happens behind the scenes. The text lists him alongside his seven sons and brothers, showing how multi-generational families dedicated themselves to these duties. In 1 Chronicles 26:9, we see that eighteen valiant men from his family served together, highlighting the importance of community in maintaining spiritual integrity.
For your faith life, this word points to the value of steady, obedient service. Whether you are leading a team or supporting others quietly, your work matters to God. He sees those who keep watch over what is holy and restores those who serve with loyalty. This name encourages us to trust that our faithful efforts are remembered and valued by Him.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 4 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- and/ [belonged] to/ Meshelemiah2×
- Meshelemiah2×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- מְשֶֽׁלֶמְיָ֥הוּ1×
- מְשֶֽׁלֶמְיָ֔ה1×
- וְ/לִ/מְשֶֽׁלֶמְיָ֗הוּ1×
- וְ/לִ/מְשֶֽׁלֶמְיָ֖הוּ1×
Key Verses
-
I Chronicles 26:1
For the divisions of the doorkeepers: of the Korahites, Meshelemiah the son of Kore, of the sons of Asaph.
This verse establishes Meshelemiah’s lineage from Kore, linking him directly to the Korahite clan known for their musical and gatekeeping roles in Israel's worship.
-
I Chronicles 26:9
Meshelemiah had sons and brothers, eighteen valiant men.
Here the text highlights the collective strength of Meshelemiah’s family, noting eighteen valiant men served together, which emphasizes the communal nature of temple duty.
-
I Chronicles 9:21
Zechariah the son of Meshelemiah was gatekeeper of the door of the Tent of Meeting.
This reference connects Meshelemiah to the post-exilic period, showing that his son Zechariah continued the family tradition of guarding the Tent of Meeting after the return from Babylon.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the name Meshelemiah mean?
Who was Meshelemiah in the Bible?
Why is Meshelemiah important to understanding temple service?
Every Occurrence (4 verses across 1 books)
I Chronicles 4 verses
Zechariah the son of Meshelemiah was gatekeeper of the door of the Tent of Meeting.
I Chronicles 26:1For the divisions of the doorkeepers: of the Korahites, Meshelemiah the son of Kore, of the sons of Asaph.
I Chronicles 26:2Meshelemiah had sons: Zechariah the firstborn, Jediael the second, Zebadiah the third, Jathniel the fourth,
I Chronicles 26:9Meshelemiah had sons and brothers, eighteen valiant men.