קַדְמִיאֵל (qad.mi.el)
qad.mi.el
Kadmiel
N:N-M-PQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 7 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- N:N-M-P
Word Overview
Kadmiel is a proper name found in the books of Ezra and Nehemiah, appearing seven times in connection with the return from exile. The name combines qadom, meaning "ancient" or "former," with El, referring to God, resulting in the meaning "God is the ancient one." This etymology reflects a theological emphasis on the enduring nature of God amidst the historical upheaval of the Babylonian captivity.
Scripture identifies Kadmiel as a Levite and descendant of Hodaviah. He held significant responsibility during the rebuilding efforts, serving as an overseer for temple construction (Ezra 2:40; Nehemiah 3:9). Additionally, he is listed among the leaders who guided the people in public confession and covenant renewal (Nehemiah 9:4-5), highlighting his role not just in physical restoration but in spiritual reformation.
As a personal name rather than a common noun, Kadmiel does not carry abstract theological weight like words for "holiness" or "justice." Instead, it serves as a historical marker. Its presence in the genealogies and leadership lists underscores the continuity of Levitical service from before the exile through to the re-established community in Jerusalem.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
Kadmiel is not a word that describes an action or a feeling; it is a name. In Hebrew, it means "God is the ancient one." This name belonged to a Levite who played a key role in the return from exile. His presence in the lists of Ezra and Nehemiah reminds us that God’s people are connected across generations. The faithfulness of those who came before us lays the foundation for our own walk with Him today.
When we look at Kadmiel, we see someone who served in both physical rebuilding and spiritual worship. He oversaw temple work and led the people in confession. This shows that true service involves both practical labor and heartfelt prayer. We are part of a long line of believers who have trusted in God’s enduring nature.
Even when history seems chaotic, God remains constant. The name Kadmiel points to this stability. It encourages us to trust in the God who was there before our struggles and will be there after them. We find comfort in knowing that our service, like his, contributes to a story much larger than ourselves.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 7 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- Kadmiel4×
- and/ Kadmiel2×
- of/ Kadmiel1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- קַדְמִיאֵל֙1×
- קַדְמִיאֵ֨ל1×
- קַדְמִיאֵ֧ל1×
- קַדְמִיאֵ֥ל1×
- לְ/קַדְמִיאֵ֛ל1×
- וְ֠/קַדְמִיאֵל1×
- וְ/קַדְמִיאֵ֛ל1×
Key Verses
-
Ezra 3:9
Then Jeshua stood with his sons and his brothers, Kadmiel and his sons, the sons of Judah, together to have the oversight of the workmen in God’s house: the sons of Henadad, with their sons and their brothers the Levites.
This verse highlights Kadmiel’s practical leadership role in overseeing the temple construction workers, showing how spiritual devotion was expressed through organized labor.
-
Nehemiah 9:4
Then Jeshua, Bani, Kadmiel, Shebaniah, Bunni, Sherebiah, Bani, and Chenani of the Levites stood up on the stairs, and cried with a loud voice to Yahweh their God.
Here Kadmiel stands with other Levites to lead a public cry to God, demonstrating that restoration required both physical rebuilding and communal repentance.
-
Nehemiah 12:8
Moreover the Levites were Jeshua, Binnui, Kadmiel, Sherebiah, Judah, and Mattaniah, who was over the thanksgiving songs, he and his brothers.
Kadmiel is listed among those responsible for thanksgiving songs, linking his name directly to the joy and worship that marked the completed temple service.