### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew name **ʻĂthâyâh**, represented by `{{H6265}}`, means **Jah has helped**. It appears only **1 time** in **1 unique verse** in the entire Bible. As a proper name, its significance is tied directly to the individual it identifies and the context in which he is mentioned.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The single biblical reference to `{{H6265}}` is found in [[Nehemiah 11:4]]. This passage lists the families who **dwelt** in **Jerusalem** after the return from the Babylonian exile. Athaiah is identified as a man from the tribe of Judah, whose lineage is carefully recorded: "Athaiah the son of Uzziah, the son of Zechariah, the son of Amariah, the son of Shephatiah, the son of Mahalaleel, of the children of Perez". His inclusion in this list marks him as one of the foundational residents of the newly re-inhabited city.
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words from this context provide a fuller picture of Athaiah's identity:
* `{{H3389}}` **Yᵉrûwshâlaim** (Jerusalem): This is the city where Athaiah and others **dwelt** [[Nehemiah 11:4]]. Its name means "founded peaceful," and it is the capital city of Palestine.
* `{{H3063}}` **Yᵉhûwdâh** (Judah): This is the tribe to which Athaiah belonged [[Nehemiah 11:4]]. The name means "celebrated" and identifies one of the primary tribes of Israel.
* `{{H1121}}` **bên** (son/children): This term, meaning "a son (as a builder of the family name)," is used repeatedly to establish Athaiah's specific lineage and his place among the "children of Judah" and the "children of Perez" [[Nehemiah 11:4]].
* `{{H3427}}` **yâshab** (dwelt): This word describes the action of Athaiah and the other returning exiles, meaning "to sit down... by implication, to dwell, to remain." It signifies their role in re-establishing a permanent community in Jerusalem [[Nehemiah 11:4]].
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of `{{H6265}}` is derived from its name and its context within the post-exilic community.
* **A Testimony of Divine Help:** The name itself, meaning "Jah has helped," serves as a personal testimony to God's faithfulness. In the context of Nehemiah, where the people are rebuilding from ruin, a man named Athaiah dwelling in the holy city is a living embodiment of this truth.
* **Genealogical Preservation:** Athaiah's detailed lineage underscores the importance of maintaining tribal and family identity after the exile. It confirmed his legitimate place among the **children of Judah** [[Nehemiah 11:4]] who were resettling the land according to God's covenant promises.
* **The Individual's Role in Restoration:** Though Athaiah is not noted for any specific great act, his presence in **Jerusalem** was vital. His story represents the importance of each individual who returned and chose to **dwell** in the city, contributing to its restoration and future.
### Summary
In summary, `{{H6265}}` **ʻĂthâyâh** is more than just an obscure name in a genealogy. Meaning "Jah has helped," it identifies an Israelite from the tribe of Judah who participated in the crucial resettlement of **Jerusalem**. His single mention in scripture serves as a powerful reminder of God's faithfulness to restore His people and the significance of every individual's role in the fulfillment of His divine plan.
TRV