רְחַבְיָהוּ (re.chav.yah)
re.chav.yah
Rehabiah
N:N-M-PQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 3 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- N:N-M-P
Word Overview
The name Reḥavyahu, transliterated as Rehabiah, appears in three verses within 1 Chronicles, specifically identifying a Levite from the time of the Exodus and wilderness wanderings. He is recorded as the son of Eliezer and the father of Isshiah, placing him directly in the lineage of Moses.
Etymologically, the name combines the root for "broad" or "enlarge" with the divine name Yahweh, yielding the meaning "Jehovah has enlarged." This etymology highlights a personal testimony of God’s provision or expansion of family and legacy. As a grandson of Moses, his inclusion in the genealogical records serves to anchor the priestly lines within the foundational history of Israel.
While the narrative does not detail his specific deeds, his presence in 1 Chronicles 23:17 underscores the continuity of the Levitical service across generations. The brevity of his mention reflects the chronicler’s focus on structural lineage rather than individual biography, preserving his identity as a link between the patriarchal era and the established temple order.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The name Rehabiah means 'Jehovah has enlarged.' It is a quiet reminder that God often expands our lives in ways we do not expect. In the Bible, names carry weight and memory. This one points to a life where family and legacy grew under God’s care.
He appears in 1 Chronicles as part of Moses’ lineage. Though the text does not record his personal stories, his place in the genealogy shows how God keeps promises across generations. He is a link between the wilderness years and the established temple service. His presence reminds us that our own lives are part of a larger story written by God.
When we feel small or insignificant, this name offers hope. God enlarges not just for personal gain, but to serve others and honor Him. Your life, like Rehabiah’s, matters in the grand tapestry of faith. Trust that He is working even when your role seems hidden.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 3 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- Rehabiah4×
- for/ Rehabiah1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- רְחַבְיָ֨הוּ1×
- רְחַבְיָ֣ה1×
- רְחַבְיָ֖ה1×
- רְחַבְיָ֔הוּ1×
- לִ/רְחַבְיָ֑הוּ1×
Key Verses
-
I Chronicles 23:17
The son of Eliezer was Rehabiah the chief; and Eliezer had no other sons, but the sons of Rehabiah were very many.
This verse establishes Rehabiah as a chief among the sons of Eliezer, highlighting his leadership role within the Levitical family line.
-
I Chronicles 24:21
Of Rehabiah: of the sons of Rehabiah, Isshiah the chief.
Here, Rehabiah is listed as the head of a specific division of priests, showing how his lineage continued to serve in the temple.
-
I Chronicles 26:25
His brothers: of Eliezer, Rehabiah his son, and Jeshaiah his son, and Joram his son, and Zichri his son, and Shelomoth his son.
This genealogy confirms his position in the broader family structure of Moses’ descendants, linking him to other key Levitical figures.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the name Rehabiah mean?
Who was Rehabiah in the Bible?
Why is Rehabiah important to know?
Every Occurrence (3 verses across 1 books)
I Chronicles 3 verses
The son of Eliezer was Rehabiah the chief; and Eliezer had no other sons, but the sons of Rehabiah were very many.
I Chronicles 24:21Of Rehabiah: of the sons of Rehabiah, Isshiah the chief.
I Chronicles 26:25His brothers: of Eliezer, Rehabiah his son, and Jeshaiah his son, and Joram his son, and Zichri his son, and Shelomoth…