סְנוּאָה (se.nu.ah)
se.nu.ah
Hassenuah
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 Senuah, appearing in Hebrew as סְנוּאָה, identifies a specific individual mentioned in the post-exilic records of Chronicles and Nehemiah. It denotes a descendant of Senaah, a Levite from the tribe of Benjamin who lived before the Babylonian exile. The text lists him among the families returning to Jerusalem, noting his connection to other leaders like Hodaviah and Judah (1 Chronicles 9:7).
Etymologically, the name is linked to the root meaning "to hate" or "to be hostile," suggesting a literal sense of "bristling" or being set apart. While this might seem unusual for a personal name, it likely reflects a family identity rooted in that ancestral figure. In Nehemiah 3:3, he is referred to as Hassenaah, highlighting his role in the physical restoration of Jerusalem’s walls alongside other priests and lay leaders.
This brief mention underscores the importance of lineage and community in rebuilding the Jewish identity after the exile. Senuah represents the ordinary faithful who contributed to the collective effort of restoring their city and worship practices. His inclusion in the genealogies affirms his place in the restored community, linking the past generations with the present reality of return and reconstruction.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The name Senuah appears in the records of those who returned from exile to rebuild Jerusalem. It identifies a man whose lineage connected him to the ancient tribes of Israel, specifically through the Levites and the tribe of Benjamin. In Nehemiah, his descendant Judah held a significant position as second-in-command over the city. This detail reminds us that God values every person in His community, regardless of whether their name is widely known today.
When we look at these lists, we see ordinary people contributing to a massive spiritual and physical restoration. Their faithfulness in maintaining their heritage and serving their community set a precedent for later generations. It shows that being part of God’s plan often involves steady, reliable service rather than public fame. Each name recorded is a testament to a life lived in obedience.
For believers today, this passage encourages us to value our place in the body of Christ. Just as Senuah’s family helped restore Jerusalem, we are called to support and build up the church around us. Our contributions may seem small, but they are essential to the whole. God sees and remembers those who serve with integrity.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 1 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- <the>/ Senaah1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- הַ/סְּנוּאָ֛ה1×
Key Verses
-
Nehemiah 11:9
Joel the son of Zichri was their overseer; and Judah the son of Hassenuah was second over the city.
This verse highlights Judah, son of Hassenuah, holding a leadership role second only to the overseer, showing how the family’s legacy continued into positions of responsibility in the restored city.