### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word **Hôwdîyâh**, represented by `{{H1941}}`, is a proper name for three Israelites named Hodijah. It appears **5 times** across **5 unique verses** in the Bible. The name is consistently associated with key figures, likely Levites, during the period of Israel's restoration after the exile, as documented in the book of Nehemiah.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In the biblical narrative, `{{H1941}}` identifies individuals involved in significant moments of spiritual renewal. Hodijah is listed among the Levites who helped the people **understand** the **law** [[Nehemiah 8:7]]. He is also named as one of the Levites who led the people in a call to worship, saying, "Stand up and **bless** the LORD your God" [[Nehemiah 9:5]]. Furthermore, the name Hodijah appears three times among those who sealed the covenant, affirming their commitment to God ([[Nehemiah 10:10]], [[Nehemiah 10:13]], [[Nehemiah 10:18]]).
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words provide context for the role of the individuals named Hodijah:
* `{{H3881}}` **Lêvîyîy** (a Levite or descendant of Levi): This term identifies the priestly tribe to which individuals named Hodijah belonged. They are explicitly named with the **Levites** in their roles of teaching and worship ([[Nehemiah 8:7]], [[Nehemiah 9:5]]).
* `{{H8451}}` **tôwrâh** (a precept or statute...; law): This is central to Hodijah's ministry, as he was among those who caused the people to understand the **law** [[Nehemiah 8:7]], forming the basis for the community's repentance and renewal.
* `{{H1288}}` **bârak** (to kneel; by implication to bless God): This action is directly commanded by the group including Hodijah in [[Nehemiah 9:5]]. They instructed the people to **bless** the LORD, highlighting a primary function of the Levites in leading worship.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of `{{H1941}}` is seen through the actions of the men who bore this name.
* **Restoration through Understanding:** The involvement of Hodijah in explaining the law underscores the principle that true spiritual revival begins with understanding God's word. He was part of a collective effort to instruct the people [[Nehemiah 8:7]].
* **Leadership in Public Worship:** By joining the call for the people to bless the glorious name of the LORD [[Nehemiah 9:5]], Hodijah exemplifies the role of leadership in guiding the community's praise and adoration towards God.
* **Covenantal Faithfulness:** The inclusion of Hodijah's name multiple times among those sealing the covenant represents a solemn and public pledge of obedience to God's law. This act signifies the importance of personal and corporate commitment to living according to God's precepts ([[Nehemiah 10:10]], [[Nehemiah 10:13]], [[Nehemiah 10:18]]).
### Summary
In summary, `{{H1941}}` **Hôwdîyâh** is not a common noun but the proper name of several Israelites who played a significant role in the re-establishment of Israel's spiritual identity. Their actions in teaching the law, leading public worship, and sealing the covenant place them at the heart of the revival documented in Nehemiah. The name Hodijah is thus associated with the vital work of restoring faithfulness and devotion to God in the post-exilic community.
TRV