Jehohanan יְהוֹחָנָן
Son of Eliashib, a priest during Ezra's time
Who is Jehohanan in the Bible?
Jehohanan was the son of the priest Eliashib during the time of Ezra, mentioned in Ezra 10:6. When Ezra learned of the Israelites' unfaithfulness through intermarriage with surrounding nations, he went to Jehohanan's chamber in deep distress, spending the night there mourning and fasting over the exile community's transgression. Though the biblical text provides no further details about Jehohanan himself, his possession of a chamber suggests he held a significant position within the priesthood or temple leadership. His connection to Ezra during this critical moment of spiritual crisis indicates he may have been a trusted ally in the priestly reform efforts that followed.
Biography
Jehohanan is mentioned in Ezr.10.6 as the son of Eliashib, a priest during the time of Ezra. The passage describes Ezra's response to the issue of intermarriage between the Israelites and the surrounding nations. Upon learning of this problem, Ezra tore his garments, pulled out some of his hair and beard, and sat down in shock. He then went to the chamber of Jehohanan, son of Eliashib, where he spent the night, mourning and fasting because of the unfaithfulness of the exiles. The text does not provide any further details about Jehohanan himself, but the mention of his chamber suggests that he may have held a significant position within the temple or the priesthood. The fact that Ezra chose to spend the night in Jehohanan's chamber may also indicate a close relationship or a shared concern for the spiritual well-being of the community.
Family
In Scripture
1 biblical book ; 1 with study contentEzra 1 verse
- Ezra 10:6
"Then Ezra withdrew from before the house of God and walked to the chamber of Jehohanan son of Eliashib. And while he stayed there, he ate no food and drank no water, because he was mourning over the unfaithfulness of the exiles."
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Names & Aliases
| Form | Language | Script |
|---|---|---|
| Named | Hebrew | יְהוֹחָנָן |