or נֵרִיָּהוּ; from נִיר and יָהּ; light of Jah; Nerijah, an Israelite; Neriah.
Transliteration:Nêrîyâh
Pronunciation:nay-ree-yaw'
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew lemma נֵרִיָּה (Nêrîyâh), Strong's number `{{H5374}}`, is a proper noun, specifically a personal name. Its etymology provides its core meaning: it is a compound word derived from two elements. The first element is נִיר (nîyr), which in this context means "lamp" or "light." The second element is יָהּ (Yāh), a shortened poetic form of the divine name YHWH (Yahweh). Therefore, the name Neriah literally translates to "Light of Yah" or "Lamp of Yah." As a proper noun, its semantic range is fixed by its etymology, pointing to a personal identity bearing this specific meaning. The name itself is a theological statement, attributing the source of light to the divine.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
Neriah (`{{H5374}}`) appears exclusively in the book of Jeremiah, where he is identified as the father of two significant figures: Baruch and Seraiah.
* **Baruch son of Neriah:** Baruch served as Jeremiah's faithful scribe, responsible for writing down and reading the prophet's words. His full designation, "Baruch son of Neriah," is found in [[Jeremiah 32:12]], [[Jeremiah 32:16]], [[Jeremiah 36:4]], [[Jeremiah 36:32]], [[Jeremiah 43:3]], and [[Jeremiah 45:1]]. Baruch's role was crucial for the preservation and dissemination of Jeremiah's prophecies, acting as a direct conduit for divine revelation during a tumultuous period in Judah's history. His steadfastness and personal burden are highlighted in [[Jeremiah 45:1-5]], where the Lord speaks directly to him through Jeremiah.
* **Seraiah son of Neriah:** Seraiah is mentioned in [[Jeremiah 51:59]] as the quartermaster (or chief chamberlain) who accompanied King Zedekiah to Babylon. Jeremiah entrusted Seraiah with a scroll containing a prophecy against Babylon, instructing him to read it aloud in Babylon and then cast it into the Euphrates River as a symbolic act of Babylon's future downfall. This demonstrates that Neriah's family was not only involved in the recording of prophecy but also in its symbolic enactment and transmission to foreign lands.
The consistent identification of Baruch and Seraiah as "son of Neriah" underscores Neriah's lineage and the significant roles his sons played in the prophetic ministry of Jeremiah, thereby indirectly connecting Neriah to the transmission of God's word.
### Related Words & Concepts
The name Neriah connects to several important biblical concepts and other Hebrew words:
* **נִיר (nîyr) - Light/Lamp:** This root is significant. While in some contexts it can refer to "fallow ground" or "to break up fallow ground" (e.g., [[Hosea 10:12]], [[Jeremiah 4:3]]), its use in Neriah clearly aligns with the meaning of "light" or "lamp" as seen in passages like [[1 Kings 11:36]] (a lamp for David) or [[Psalm 132:17]] (a lamp for God's anointed). Light in the Bible often symbolizes divine presence, guidance, truth, and life.
* **יָהּ (Yāh) - Yahweh:** As a shortened form of the divine name YHWH, this element frequently appears in Israelite names (theophoric names), signifying a personal relationship with or dedication to God. Examples include Isaiah (Yesha'yahu - "Salvation of Yahweh"), Jeremiah (Yirmeyahu - "Yahweh will raise up"), and Hezekiah (Hizqiyahu - "Yahweh strengthens"). This common naming convention highlights the pervasive awareness of God's active involvement in the lives of His people.
* **Divine Revelation and Transmission:** The roles of Baruch and Seraiah, Neriah's sons, are intrinsically linked to the concept of divine revelation and its transmission. Baruch was the scribe who recorded Jeremiah's prophecies, ensuring God's word was preserved. Seraiah was the messenger who carried a prophetic scroll to Babylon. Their actions embody the principle that God's "light" (His truth and word) is communicated through human agents.
* **Scribes and Prophets:** The connection to Baruch places Neriah's family within the sphere of prophetic and scribal activity, vital for the spiritual life of Israel. Scribes like Baruch were instrumental in the administration and preservation of sacred texts, serving as crucial links in the chain of divine communication.
### Theological Significance
The name Neriah, "Light of Yah," carries profound theological significance, especially when considered in light of his sons' roles.
1. **God as the Source of Light:** The name directly attributes light to Yahweh, affirming God as the ultimate source of all illumination—spiritual, moral, and intellectual. This resonates with numerous biblical declarations, such as [[Psalm 27:1]], "The Lord is my light and my salvation," or [[Isaiah 60:19]], "The Lord will be your everlasting light."
2. **God's Word as Light:** In the biblical worldview, God's word is frequently depicted as light, guiding the path of His people ([[Psalm 119:105]]). Neriah's sons, by faithfully recording and delivering Jeremiah's prophecies, were instrumental in ensuring that God's "light" continued to shine upon a nation steeped in spiritual darkness and facing judgment. Their work was a tangible manifestation of the name's meaning.
3. **Divine Providence in Human Affairs:** The fact that Neriah, whose name means "Light of Yah," fathered individuals so central to the preservation of prophetic revelation, can be seen as an subtle instance of divine providence. God orchestrates circumstances and raises up individuals, even those whose names bear a quiet witness to His nature, to fulfill His purposes. The name Neriah serves as a quiet reminder that God's light penetrates even the darkest times through His chosen instruments.
4. **Legacy of Faithfulness:** While Neriah himself does not have a speaking role, the consistent mention of his name in connection with his sons' faithfulness suggests a household that likely fostered devotion to Yahweh. The "light of Yah" may have been a guiding principle within their family, preparing Baruch and Seraiah for their critical, albeit dangerous, ministries.
### Summary
Neriah (`{{H5374}}`, נֵרִיָּה), meaning "Light of Yah," is a proper name appearing exclusively in the book of Jeremiah. He is known as the father of Baruch, Jeremiah's faithful scribe, and Seraiah, who delivered a prophecy to Babylon. While Neriah himself is not an active figure, his name's profound meaning—attributing light to God—is subtly echoed in the roles of his sons. Baruch and Seraiah were instrumental in preserving and transmitting God's prophetic word, which is consistently portrayed as divine light guiding humanity. The name Neriah thus serves as a quiet yet powerful theological statement, affirming Yahweh as the ultimate source of truth and illumination, a light that shines even through the dedicated service of His people.
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