Judah יְהוּדָה
Leader of Judahites living in Jerusalem
Who is Judah in the Bible?
Judah was a leader of the Jewish people living in Jerusalem after their return from exile in Babylon, identified in Nehemiah 11:9 as the son of Senuah. He held the position of being "second over the city," indicating he served as a high-ranking official under the primary city governor. While little is known about his personal life or specific accomplishments, Judah's leadership role demonstrates the administrative structure that the returning Jewish community established in Jerusalem. He should not be confused with the patriarch Judah, son of Jacob, whose name became associated with the entire tribe and kingdom of Judah. His significance lies in representing the Jewish community's restoration and reorganization during the post-exilic period.
Biography
Judah is identified as the son of Senuah in a list of leaders living in Jerusalem after some of the Jewish exiles returned from Babylon (Neh.11.9). He is described as being "second over the city," likely indicating a position of authority under the primary city official. The people under his leadership were from the tribe of Judah. No other details are provided about Judah's life or achievements. He is not to be confused with the patriarch Judah, son of Israel (or 'Jacob'), or the tribe and kingdom that bore his name.
Family
In Scripture
1 biblical book ; 1 with study contentNehemiah 1 verse
- Nehemiah 11:9
"Joel son of Zichri was the officer over them, and Judah son of Hassenuah was over the Second District of the city."
Study Nehemiah →
Names & Aliases
| Form | Language | Script | Transliteration | Meaning |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Named | Hebrew | יְהוּדָה | yĕhûdāh | Jehudah (or Judah), the name of five Israelites; also of the tribe descended from the first, and of its territory |