from קָלָה; insignificance; Kelajah, an Israelite; Kelaiah.
Transliteration:Qêlâyâh
Pronunciation:kay-law-yaw'
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word קֵלָיָה (Qêlâyâh), Strong's `{{H7041}}`, is a proper noun, a masculine personal name. Its base definition is "insignificance." This name is derived from the root קָלָה (qālāh), Strong's `{{H7034}}`, which carries a broad semantic range. The primary sense of `{{H7034}}` is "to be light" or "to be swift." From this core meaning, various extensions develop:
1. **To be lightly esteemed, despised:** When something is "light," it can lack substance or weight, leading to it being regarded as trivial or contemptible (e.g., [[1 Samuel 18:23]], [[Isaiah 16:14]]).
2. **To be cursed:** Related to being despised or treated as worthless (e.g., [[Deuteronomy 27:16]]).
3. **To be withered, dried up:** Pertaining to vegetation, losing its life and substance (e.g., [[Psalm 37:2]]).
4. **To be roasted:** Referring to the lightness or crispness achieved through heat (e.g., [[Leviticus 2:14]]).
In the context of the name קֵלָיָה (Qêlâyâh), the meaning "insignificance" directly stems from the sense of being "lightly esteemed" or "despised." Thus, the name itself carries a connotation of lowliness or lack of importance.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The name קֵלָיָה (Qêlâyâh), transliterated as Kelaiah, appears only once in the Hebrew Bible, within the post-exilic book of Ezra:
* [[Ezra 10:23]]: "Of the Levites: Jozabad, Shimei, Kelaiah (that is, Kelita), Pethahiah, Judah, and Eliezer."
This verse lists Kelaiah as one of the Levites who had taken foreign wives during the period of Judah's return from Babylonian exile. The context of Ezra 9-10 details the spiritual crisis faced by the community due to intermarriage with foreign peoples, which was a violation of God's covenant commands (e.g., [[Deuteronomy 7:3-4]]). Under the leadership of Ezra, a radical covenant renewal was initiated, requiring the men to divorce their foreign wives and put away their children born of these unions. Kelaiah is explicitly named among those who confessed their sin and participated in this act of purification and repentance. The parenthetical "that is, Kelita" in some translations suggests an alternative or fuller name, or perhaps a scribal note indicating identity with the Kelita mentioned elsewhere (e.g., `{{H7035}}`). Regardless, Kelaiah is identified as a Levite, a member of the tribe responsible for temple service and instruction in the Law, making his participation in this sin and subsequent repentance particularly noteworthy.
### Related Words & Concepts
The primary related word is the root קָלָה (qālāh), `{{H7034}}`, from which קֵלָיָה (Qêlâyâh) is derived. Understanding the full semantic range of `{{H7034}}` enriches our grasp of the name's potential implications:
* **Lightness/Insignificance:** This core idea links to concepts of humility (`{{H6035}}` עָנָו - anav), lowliness (`{{H8217}}` שָׁפָל - shaphal), or even contempt (`{{H959}}` בָּזָה - bazah).
* **Swiftness:** While not directly applicable to the name's meaning of "insignificance," the idea of quickness or fleetingness can sometimes connect to the transient nature of things deemed unimportant.
* **Despised/Cursed:** This connects the name to the state of being scorned or experiencing divine disfavor, often due to unfaithfulness (e.g., [[Malachi 1:6]]).
* **Withered/Roasted:** These meanings, though physical, metaphorically speak to a loss of vitality or being consumed, which can be linked to a state of spiritual barrenness or judgment.
The theological concepts related to "insignificance" often include God's choice of the humble and weak (e.g., [[1 Corinthians 1:27-28]]), the importance of humility before God (`{{H6031}}` עָנָה - anah), and the paradox of God using seemingly "unimportant" individuals to accomplish His significant purposes.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of Kelaiah's name lies in the profound paradox it presents when viewed against his biblical context. A name meaning "insignificance" is attached to an individual who participates in a highly significant act of national repentance and covenant renewal.
1. **God's Use of the "Insignificant":** Kelaiah's inclusion in the list of those who confessed and repented underscores a recurring biblical theme: God often chooses and uses those who are perceived as insignificant or lowly by human standards to accomplish His mighty works. This resonates with the divine principle articulated by the Apostle Paul, that God chooses "what is foolish in the world to shame the wise; God chose what is weak in the world to shame the strong; God chose what is low and despised in the world, even things that are not, to bring to nothing things that are" ([[1 Corinthians 1:27-28]]). Kelaiah, despite a name suggesting worthlessness, is counted among those instrumental in the spiritual restoration of Israel.
2. **The Nature of Repentance and Grace:** Kelaiah's act of putting away his foreign wife was a deeply personal and culturally challenging act of obedience. His presence on this list signifies that even those whose names might suggest a lack of inherent worth are called to and capable of profound repentance. God's grace extends to all who turn to Him, regardless of their perceived status or the implications of their names. The focus shifts from the individual's inherent "insignificance" to their obedient response to God's call.
3. **Humility and Obedience:** The name "insignificance" might have served as a constant reminder of humility for Kelaiah. His participation in the difficult act of purification demonstrates a willingness to humble himself and obey God's Law, even when it came at great personal cost. This exemplifies the truth that true significance in God's eyes comes not from one's earthly standing or even one's name, but from a heart of obedience and faith.
### Summary
קֵלָיָה (Qêlâyâh), Strong's `{{H7041}}`, is a Hebrew personal name meaning "insignificance," derived from the root קָלָה (qālāh), `{{H7034}}`, which denotes "to be light," "to be despised," or "to be withered." This name appears once in [[Ezra 10:23]], identifying a Levite who had taken a foreign wife and subsequently participated in the national repentance and covenant renewal under Ezra's leadership. The theological significance of Kelaiah's name lies in the profound paradox: an individual named "insignificance" plays a part in a highly significant act of obedience and purification for the people of God. This highlights God's consistent practice of using seemingly humble or "insignificant" individuals for His redemptive purposes, emphasizing that true worth and importance are found not in human perception or nomenclature, but in faithful obedience and a repentant heart before the Almighty.
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