רְעֵלָיָה (re.e.la.yah)
re.e.la.yah
Reelaiah
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 Reelaiah, meaning "Yahweh bears" or "bearer of Jehovah," identifies a specific individual from the post-exilic period. He appears in Ezra 2:2 as one of the leaders who returned to Jerusalem with Zerubbabel, marking his presence among the community rebuilding their lives and worship after the Babylonian captivity.
A notable textual detail arises when comparing parallel passages. While Ezra lists him as Reelaiah, Nehemiah 7:7 records the same person under the variant name Raamiah. This discrepancy highlights the natural variations in manuscript traditions and oral transmission during this era, without altering the historical identity of the figure.
Though he is mentioned only once by his primary name, Reelaiah represents the many unnamed faithful whose names were preserved in genealogical records. His inclusion underscores the importance of lineage and community continuity for those reestablishing their identity in the land.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The name Reelaiah means "Yahweh bears," a quiet reminder that God carries His people through difficult transitions. In Ezra 2:2, this leader is listed among those who returned from Babylon to rebuild Jerusalem. His presence shows that restoration was not just about buildings, but about community and shared identity.
Even though he appears only once in Scripture, his name was preserved for a reason. It reminds us that God knows each person by name. Whether you feel overlooked or significant, your place in God's story matters. The continuity of faith relies on many faithful individuals like Reelaiah, who trusted God enough to return home.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 1 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- Reelaiah1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- רְֽעֵלָיָ֜ה1×
Key Verses
-
Ezra 2:2
who came with Zerubbabel, Jeshua, Nehemiah, Seraiah, Reelaiah, Mordecai, Bilshan, Mispar, Bigvai, Rehum, and Baanah. The number of the men of the people of Israel:
This verse lists Reelaiah as a key leader returning with Zerubbabel, highlighting his role in the community's restoration.