עֲתָיָה (a.ta.yah)
a.ta.yah
Athaiah
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 Ataiyah, rendered as Athaiah in English translations, is a brief but significant marker of identity in the post-exilic period. Its meaning, "Jehovah has helped," reflects a common theological theme among returning exiles: acknowledging divine assistance in their restoration to Jerusalem. The name appears only once in the Hebrew Bible, specifically in Nehemiah 11:4.
In this single occurrence, Ataiyah is identified as the son of Uzziah and a descendant of Judah through Perez. This genealogical detail places him within the royal lineage, highlighting that even after the fall of Jerusalem, families traced their roots back to the tribe of Judah. His residence in Jerusalem signifies the re-establishment of community life in the city.
The rarity of this name in Scripture underscores the specific historical moment it captures. While many names from this era emphasize God's help or salvation, Ataiyah’s mention serves as a concrete link to the individuals who repopulated Jerusalem. It reminds readers that the restoration was not just a political event but involved real families carrying names that testified to their faith.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The name Ataiyah means "Jehovah has helped." It appears in Nehemiah 11:4 among those who returned to Jerusalem after exile. This brief mention reminds us that God’s help is not just a grand historical event but also present in the daily lives of ordinary people rebuilding their community.
When we face challenges, it is easy to feel small or forgotten. Yet this verse shows that God notices and values each individual. Your life, like Ataiyah’s, contributes to a larger story of restoration and faith. Trusting in His help brings peace and purpose.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 1 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- Athaiah1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- עֲתָיָ֨ה1×
Key Verses
-
Nehemiah 11:4
Some of the children of Judah and of the children of Benjamin lived in Jerusalem. Of the children of Judah: Athaiah the son of Uzziah, the son of Zechariah, the son of Amariah, the son of Shephatiah, the son of Mahalalel, of the children of Perez;
This verse lists Athaiah as part of the Judahite lineage returning to Jerusalem, highlighting his role in the post-exilic community's restoration.