סְמַכְיָהוּ (se.makh.ya.hu)
se.makh.ya.hu
Semachiah
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 Semachiah, rendered from the Hebrew סְמַכְיָהוּ, appears only once in the Bible at 1 Chronicles 26:7. It identifies a Levite from the Korahite clan who served during the period of the divided monarchy. The text lists him as the son of Shemaiah and one of several brothers, including Othni and Rephael, who were assigned duties in the temple service.
Linguistically, the name combines the root for "sustain" or "support" with the divine name Yahweh, meaning "Jehovah has sustained." This reflects a common pattern in Israelite naming, where personal identity was tied to God’s ongoing care. While the entry itself offers no narrative details about his life, its brevity highlights how many faithful servants of God remain unnamed in Scripture, recorded only for their lineage and service.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The name Semachiah carries a quiet promise: "Jehovah has sustained." Found only in 1 Chronicles 26:7, this brief mention introduces a Levite from the Korahite clan who served alongside his brothers in the temple. His inclusion reminds us that God’s sustaining power is not limited to famous leaders or dramatic miracles; it supports those who serve faithfully in the background.
When we feel overwhelmed by daily responsibilities, this name offers comfort. It suggests that our strength comes from the same source that upheld the temple servants of old. We are held up by His care, even when our contributions seem small or unnoticed. This assurance allows us to rest in His provision rather than relying solely on our own endurance.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 1 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- and/ Semakiah1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- וּ/סְמַכְיָֽהוּ\׃1×
Key Verses
-
I Chronicles 26:7
The sons of Shemaiah: Othni, Rephael, Obed, and Elzabad, whose relatives were valiant men, Elihu, and Semachiah.
This verse lists Semachiah among the valiant men assigned to temple duties, showing how his name signifies God's sustaining role in their service.