### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew name **Nᵉchemyâh**, represented by `{{H5166}}`, means **consolation of Jah**. This name, which appears **8 times** in **8 unique verses**, is associated with three distinct Israelites who played significant roles during the restoration of Israel after the exile.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The most prominent individual named **Nehemiah** `{{H5166}}` is the son of Hachaliah [[Nehemiah 1:1]]. He served in **Shushan** `{{H7800}}` the **palace** `{{H1002}}` before becoming the **governor** `{{H6346}}` of Jerusalem [[Nehemiah 12:26]]. He is also identified by the title **Tirshatha** `{{H8660}}`, or governor, and worked with **Ezra** `{{H5830}}` the **priest** `{{H3548}}` to teach the **law** `{{H8451}}` to the people [[Nehemiah 8:9]]. Another **Nehemiah** `{{H5166}}` is listed among those who returned from exile with **Zerubbabel** `{{H2216}}` ([[Ezra 2:2]], [[Nehemiah 7:7]]). A third **Nehemiah** `{{H5166}}`, the son of Azbuk, was a **ruler** `{{H8269}}` who **repaired** `{{H2388}}` a section of Jerusalem's wall [[Nehemiah 3:16]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words help establish the identity and context of the primary Nehemiah:
* `{{H2446}}` **Chăkalyâh** (Hachaliah): This is the name of Nehemiah's father, identifying his lineage at the start of his account and when he sealed the covenant ([[Nehemiah 1:1]], [[Nehemiah 10:1]]).
* `{{H8660}}` **Tirshâthâʼ** (Tirshatha, the title of a Persian deputy or governor): This formal title is applied to **Nehemiah** `{{H5166}}`, emphasizing his official authority and position in the Persian administration ([[Nehemiah 8:9]], [[Nehemiah 10:1]]).
* `{{H6346}}` **pechâh** (captain, deputy, governor): This term is also used to describe the office of **Nehemiah** `{{H5166}}`, further defining his role as a leader during the time of restoration [[Nehemiah 12:26]].
* `{{H5830}}` **ʻEzrâʼ** (Ezra, an Israelite; Ezra): He was a key contemporary who worked alongside **Nehemiah** `{{H5166}}` as a **priest** `{{H3548}}` and **scribe** `{{H5608}}` to lead Israel in spiritual renewal [[Nehemiah 12:26]].
### Theological Significance
The name **Nᵉchemyâh** `{{H5166}}` carries significant themes of restoration and divine comfort in action.
* **Leadership and Restoration:** Nehemiah the governor embodies divinely-appointed leadership. He organized the people to repair the city's defenses [[Nehemiah 3:16]] and re-establish civil and religious order, acting as the **Tirshatha** `{{H8660}}` [[Nehemiah 10:1]].
* **Covenant Fidelity:** A central act of Nehemiah was to lead the people in recommitting to God. He was the first to **seal** `{{H2856}}` a binding covenant to follow the **law** `{{H8451}}` of **God** `{{H430}}` [[Nehemiah 10:1]].
* **Consolation for the People:** True to his name's meaning, Nehemiah brought "consolation of Jah." This is seen in the return from exile [[Ezra 2:2]] and in his ensuring that the **Levites** `{{H3881}}` and temple workers received their appointed **portions** `{{H4521}}`, thus restoring proper worship [[Nehemiah 12:47]].
### Summary
In summary, **Nᵉchemyâh** `{{H5166}}` is more than a name; it is a thematic marker for a period of divine consolation and national rebuilding. Through the figures who bore this name—most notably the governor who rebuilt Jerusalem's walls and revived its people's faith—the word signifies leadership, faithfulness to God's covenant, and the tangible restoration of Israel's spiritual and physical security.
TRV