קְלִיטָא (qe.li.ta)
qe.li.ta
Kelita
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 proper noun qe.li.ta, or Kelita, identifies a specific Levite during the post-exilic restoration period. The sources link this name to the Hebrew root meaning "crippled" or "lame," suggesting a descriptive nickname rather than a standard given name. This individual appears in two key passages that document the community’s efforts to reestablish religious purity after returning from Babylon.
Kelita is first mentioned in Nehemiah 8:7, where he assists Ezra in reading and explaining the Law to the assembled people. Later, in Ezra 10:23, he is listed among those who had taken foreign wives and subsequently put them away to align with the covenant requirements. The text also notes that he was known by the alternative name Kelaiah (H7041), highlighting the fluidity of personal names in this historical record.
Though his role is minor compared to the leaders, Kelita’s inclusion in these lists underscores the communal nature of the return. His presence illustrates how ordinary Levites participated in the spiritual and social restructuring of Jerusalem, serving as bridges between the text and the people during a critical era of renewal.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
Kelita appears in the Bible not as a famous leader, but as one of many faithful servants helping to rebuild the community after exile. His name, which may mean "crippled" or "lame," reminds us that God uses people with every kind of strength and weakness. In Nehemiah 8:7, he stands alongside other Levites to help the people understand God’s Law. This shows that spiritual renewal is a team effort, where ordinary believers play vital roles in teaching and supporting one another.
His presence in Ezra 10:23, where he is listed among those who made difficult personal changes to follow covenant requirements, highlights the seriousness of commitment. It was not just the leaders who had to adjust; everyone, including those with physical limitations or humble backgrounds, participated in restoring purity and order. This encourages us that our contributions matter, no matter how small they seem.
Whether helping to explain Scripture or making personal sacrifices for the community’s good, Kelita’s life points to a shared responsibility among God’s people. We are all part of this story, called to support each other in faith and obedience.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 2 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- [is] Kelita1×
- Kelita1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- קְלִיטָ֣א1×
- קְלִיטָ֔א1×
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.
This verse shows Kelita actively participating with other Levites to help the people understand the Law, highlighting his role in spiritual education.
-
Ezra 10:23
Of the Levites: Jozabad, Shimei, Kelaiah (also called Kelita), Pethahiah, Judah, and Eliezer.
Here, Kelita is named among the Levites who put away foreign wives, demonstrating his personal commitment to covenant renewal.