from עָדָה and יָהּ; ornament of Jah; Maadjah, an Israelite; Maadiah. Compare מוֹעַדְיָה.
Transliteration:Maʻădyâh
Pronunciation:mah-ad-yaw'
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew lemma מַעֲדְיָה (Maʻădyâh), Strong's number `{{H4573}}`, is a proper noun, specifically a personal name. Its base definition indicates a compound origin, derived from the verb עָדָה (ʻādâh) `{{H5710}}` and the divine name יָהּ (Yah). The verb עָדָה (ʻādâh) carries the primary meaning of "to pass on, go on," but also significantly "to adorn oneself, to deck." The suffix יָהּ (Yah) is a shortened form of Yahweh, the personal name of God. Therefore, the name Maʻădyâh literally translates to "ornament of Jah" or "adornment of Yahweh." This etymology suggests a profound theological statement, indicating that the individual or their life is considered an embellishment or source of beauty and honor to God. The semantic range is thus confined to this specific personal name and its inherent theological declaration.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The name Maʻădyâh `{{H4573}}` appears in the biblical text in the book of Nehemiah. It is listed among the priests and Levites who returned from Babylonian exile with Zerubbabel and Jeshua. Specifically, the name is found in:
* [[Nehemiah 12:5]]: "of Shemaiah, Joiarib, Jedaiah, Sallu, Amok, Hilkiah, Jedaiah, Maadiah, Bilgah, Shemaiah, Joiarib, Jedaiah." Here, Maʻădyâh is listed as one of the heads of the priestly houses in the time of Jeshua.
* [[Nehemiah 12:17]]: "of Maadiah, Piltai; of Bilgah, Shammua;" In this verse, the name appears again, though some textual traditions and translations render it as "Moadiah" (מוֹעַדְיָה), which is Strong's `{{H4153}}`. The Strong's entry for `{{H4573}}` itself notes the comparison to `{{H4153}}`, suggesting a potential scribal variation or close association. Regardless, the context remains consistent: a list of priestly families during the post-exilic period. The inclusion in such a significant genealogical and administrative record underscores the individual's role and lineage within the restored community of Israel.
### Related Words & Concepts
The primary components of Maʻădyâh `{{H4573}}` are crucial for understanding its depth:
* **עָדָה (ʻādâh) `{{H5710}}`**: This verb signifies "to pass on, go on," but its more pertinent meaning here is "to adorn oneself, to deck, to put on an ornament." This root emphasizes the concept of beauty, embellishment, or something added for honor.
* **יָהּ (Yah)**: The shortened, reverential form of the divine name Yahweh. Its presence in personal names is common in the Hebrew Bible, serving to acknowledge God's sovereignty, character, or blessing over the individual.
* **מוֹעַדְיָה (Moʻadyâh) `{{H4153}}`**: As noted in the base definition and biblical occurrences, this name is closely related, possibly a variant. However, its etymology is different, deriving from יָעַד (yāʻad) `{{H3259}}` ("to appoint, meet") and יָהּ, meaning "appointed time of Jah" or "assembly of Jah." While phonetically similar, the semantic root differs, highlighting the importance of precise etymological analysis. The comparison in the Strong's definition likely points to the textual variant in Nehemiah 12:17.
* **Concepts of Adornment and Glory**: The name Maʻădyâh connects to broader biblical themes of adornment (e.g., priestly garments as adornment for glory and beauty, [[Exodus 28:2]]; the church as a bride adorned for her husband, [[Revelation 21:2]]) and the concept of a human life bringing glory or honor to God.
### Theological Significance
The name Maʻădyâh, "ornament of Jah," carries profound theological weight, particularly for a priest in the post-exilic community.
1. **Divine Source of Beauty and Value**: The name posits that God Himself is the one adorned, or that the individual is an adornment *to* God. This reverses the common human desire to adorn oneself for personal glory, instead attributing all true beauty and value to God as its source and ultimate recipient. It suggests that a life consecrated to Yahweh is itself a beautiful offering.
2. **Purpose of Priestly Service**: For a priest, the name would serve as a constant reminder that his life, service, and very existence were meant to be an "ornament" to God. Priests were set apart to mediate between God and humanity, and their lives were to reflect holiness and glory back to God. Their ministry was not merely functional but was intended to be aesthetically and spiritually pleasing to the Divine.
3. **Identity in God**: In a period of national rebuilding and spiritual renewal after exile, names often bore significant theological hope and confession. Maʻădyâh's name would have affirmed an identity rooted in God, declaring that his worth and purpose were found in being an embellishment to the Almighty, rather than in worldly status or power.
4. **Theological Anthropology**: The name implicitly teaches that humanity, when rightly related to God, can bring Him joy and honor, functioning as a beautiful expression of His creative design and redemptive work.
### Summary
Maʻădyâh `{{H4573}}` is a Hebrew personal name, specifically that of a priest in the post-exilic community, primarily found in the book of Nehemiah. Etymologically, it means "ornament of Jah" or "adornment of Yahweh," derived from the verb עָדָה (ʻādâh) `{{H5710}}` ("to adorn") and the divine name יָהּ. While it appears in genealogical lists, sometimes with a textual variant `{{H4153}}` (Moʻadyâh), its core meaning points to a profound theological truth. The name signifies that the individual's life, especially in the context of priestly service, is intended to be a source of beauty, honor, and glory to God. It underscores the belief that true adornment comes from and is directed towards Yahweh, reflecting a life consecrated to Him and serving as a pleasing offering in His sight.
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