The Hebrew word Maʻădyâh, represented by H4573, is the proper name of an Israelite. It appears 1 time across 1 unique verse in the Bible. The name's definition, ornament of Jah, suggests a person of value in God's sight, identifying the individual as Maadiah.
The single biblical occurrence of H4573 is found within a genealogical list in the book of Nehemiah. This appearance serves to document the individuals involved in the priestly service of Israel. In the specific text, Maadiah is named in a sequence with other figures, as recorded in the list of priests Nehemiah 12:5.
The names appearing alongside Maadiah help establish its context within a specific group of people:
- H4326 Mîyâmin (a form for מִנְיָמִין; Mijamin, the name of three Israelites; Miamin, Mijamin): This name is listed immediately before Maadiah in the record found in Nehemiah 12:5.
- H1083 Bilgah (desistance; Bilgah, the name of two Israelites; Bilgah): This individual is listed directly after Maadiah, further defining him as part of this specific priestly company Nehemiah 12:5.
The significance of H4573 is primarily derived from its meaning and its placement within the biblical text.
- Ornament of Jah: The name itself carries theological weight, implying that the person named Maadiah was considered a treasure or a valuable part of the community dedicated to God.
- Priestly Identity: Its inclusion in the list in Nehemiah 12 confirms the individual's role within the formal structure of Israel's worship, highlighting the importance of each person in maintaining the priestly lineage.
- Historical Record: The name's preservation in scripture underscores the biblical practice of carefully recording genealogies to maintain the identity and history of the covenant people.
In summary, H4573 is a specific personal name, Maadiah, rather than a common word. Its sole appearance in scripture places this individual within a list of priestly figures in Nehemiah, documenting a specific person in Israel's history. Though its usage is limited, the name's meaning as "ornament of Jah" offers a glimpse into the value ascribed to the individual who held it.
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