נְעַרְיָה (ne.ar.yah)
ne.ar.yah
Neariah
N:N-M-PQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 3 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- N:N-M-P
Word Overview
The name Neariah, or ne.ar.yah, is a Hebrew personal name meaning "servant of Jehovah." It appears only three times in the Bible, primarily within the genealogical records of 1 Chronicles. The word combines elements referring to youth or servant status with the divine name Yahweh, marking the bearer as one dedicated to God.
Scripture identifies two distinct individuals with this name. One is a descendant of Judah and the royal line of David, listed among the sons of Shemaiah in 1 Chronicles 3:22. The other is a Simeonite captain named Neariah, son of Ishi, who led five hundred men to drive out Amalekites from Mount Seir during the reign of King Hezekiah (1 Chronicles 4:42). Despite their different tribal origins and roles, both share this name that signifies faithful service.
The rarity of the name highlights its specific use in chronicling God’s preservation of His people. By recording these individuals, the biblical text preserves the memory of those who served in various capacities, whether in royal lineage or military defense. The consistent meaning of "servant of Jehovah" underscores a theme of devotion that transcends tribal boundaries.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The name Neariah carries a quiet but powerful declaration: servant of Jehovah. In a biblical world where lineage often determined status, this name reminds us that true identity is found in our relationship with God. Whether listed in royal genealogies or leading military campaigns, those bearing this name were defined not by their power, but by their devotion to the Lord.
When you read about Neariah in 1 Chronicles 4:42, you see a man who took action to protect his people. He led five hundred men against the Amalekites on Mount Seir. This was not just a historical record; it shows that serving God can look like practical courage and leadership. It invites us to consider how we might serve in our own contexts, whether in our families or communities.
Even when names seem obscure, they point to a larger story of faithfulness. The preservation of these records suggests that God values every individual who chooses to serve Him. You are part of this same lineage of believers, called to live out your faith with integrity and purpose today.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 3 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- and/ Neariah2×
- Neariah1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- נְעַרְיָ֗ה1×
- וּ֠/נְעַרְיָה1×
- וּ/נְעַרְיָ֛ה1×
Key Verses
-
I Chronicles 4:42
Some of them, even of the sons of Simeon, five hundred men, went to Mount Seir, having for their captains Pelatiah, Neariah, Rephaiah, and Uzziel, the sons of Ishi.
This verse highlights Neariah's role as a captain leading five hundred men, showing the name in action during a military campaign against the Amalekites.
-
I Chronicles 3:22
The son of Shecaniah: Shemaiah. The sons of Shemaiah: Hattush, Igal, Bariah, Neariah, and Shaphat, six.
Here Neariah is listed among the sons of Shemaiah, connecting him to the royal line of David and emphasizing his place in Judah's genealogy.
-
I Chronicles 3:23
The sons of Neariah: Elioenai, Hizkiah, and Azrikam, three.
This brief mention lists the three sons of Neariah, illustrating how the biblical text preserves family lines even for those with minor roles.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the name Neariah mean?
Who are the people named Neariah in the Bible?
Why is Neariah mentioned in the Bible?
Every Occurrence (3 verses across 1 books)
I Chronicles 3 verses
The son of Shecaniah: Shemaiah. The sons of Shemaiah: Hattush, Igal, Bariah, Neariah, and Shaphat, six.
I Chronicles 3:23The sons of Neariah: Elioenai, Hizkiah, and Azrikam, three.
I Chronicles 4:42Some of them, even of the sons of Simeon, five hundred men, went to Mount Seir, having for their captains Pelatiah,…