Adna עַדְנָא
Priest during the high priesthood of Joiakim
Who is Adna in the Bible?
Adna was a priest who served during the high priesthood of Joiakim in the post-exilic period, as recorded in Nehemiah 12:15. He is listed among the heads of priestly families who ministered in the Jerusalem temple after the Jewish people returned from Babylonian exile. Joiakim, under whose leadership Adna served, was the son of Jeshua, the high priest who had led the initial return with Zerubbabel. While Adna's inclusion in Nehemiah's registry of temple personnel indicates his prominence among the priestly leadership, Scripture provides no additional details about his specific duties or family lineage. His mention underscores the restoration of proper temple worship and priestly order in the rebuilt Jewish community.
Biography
Adna is mentioned in Neh.12.15 as one of the priests who served during the high priesthood of Joiakim, the son of Jeshua. Jeshua was the high priest who returned from the Babylonian exile along with Zerubbabel (Ezr.3.2).
The context of Nehemiah 12 is a list of priests and Levites who served in the temple after the return from exile. This list includes the heads of priestly families during the time of Joiakim, as well as the Levites who were responsible for praise and thanksgiving in the temple service.
Adna's inclusion in this list indicates that he was a prominent priest during the post-exilic period, serving under the leadership of the high priest Joiakim. However, no further details are provided about Adna's specific role, family background, or personal life.
The mention of Adna in this context highlights the continuity of priestly service in the temple, even after the disruption of the Babylonian exile, and the importance of documenting the lineage and service of the priests and Levites in the restored community.
In Scripture
1 biblical book ; 1 with study contentNehemiah 1 verse
- Nehemiah 12:15
"of Harim, Adna; of Meraioth, Helkai;"
Study Nehemiah →
Names & Aliases
| Form | Language | Script |
|---|---|---|
| Named | Hebrew | עַדְנָא |