פְּלָאיָה (pe.la.yah)
pe.la.yah
Pelaiah
N:N-M-PQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 2 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- N:N-M-P
Word Overview
The name Pelaiah, meaning "Yahweh does wonders," appears in only two biblical verses, identifying distinct figures within the lineage of Judah and David. In 1 Chronicles 3:24, he is listed as a son of Elioenai and a brother to several other descendants, anchoring him firmly in the royal genealogy during the period of the divided monarchy.
A second individual with this name surfaces in Nehemiah, where he serves as a priest assisting Ezra in teaching the Law to the returned exiles. This Pelaiah also signed the covenant renewal document recorded in Nehemiah 10:11, linking him directly to the religious restoration efforts in Jerusalem after the exile.
While the name itself carries a theological declaration of divine power, its biblical usage is primarily genealogical and historical rather than narrative. The repetition of the name across these different eras highlights the continuity of faithful families who maintained their identity and role within Israel’s spiritual community through periods of both monarchy and restoration.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The name Pelaiah carries a simple but powerful meaning: "Yahweh does wonders." In the Bible, this name appears for two different men who lived centuries apart, yet both played quiet roles in God’s larger story. One was part of King David’s family line, reminding us that God honors faithful families across generations. The other helped teach God’s Law to people returning from exile, showing how ordinary believers can help others understand Scripture.
For you today, this word points to the wonder of God’s ongoing work. You may not see dramatic miracles every day, but God is still doing wonderful things in your life and community. Whether through family heritage or shared learning, He uses people like Pelaiah to guide, teach, and restore. His wonders are often found in faithful presence and quiet obedience.
We can trust that God’s power works through ordinary moments. When you read about these names, remember that your own life is part of this same story. God continues to do wonders, using everyday people to point others to Him. Rest in the hope that He is at work, even when it is not obvious.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 2 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- and/ Pelaiah1×
- Pelaiah1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- פְּלָאיָה֙1×
- וּ/פְלָיָ֡ה1×
Key Verses
-
Nehemiah 8:7
Also Jeshua, Bani, Sherebiah, Jamin, Akkub, Shabbethai, Hodiah, Maaseiah, Kelita, Azariah, Jozabad, Hanan, Pelaiah, and the Levites, caused the people to understand the law; and the people stayed in their place.
Here, Pelaiah helps Levites teach the Law to the people, demonstrating how ordinary believers participate in spiritual restoration and understanding.