Kelita קְלִיטָא
A Levite who taught the Law and sealed the covenant
Who is Kelita in the Bible?
Kelita was a Levite who served during the spiritual renewal of Judah under Nehemiah's leadership in the fifth century BC. In Nehemiah 8:7, he is listed among the Levites who assisted Ezra in teaching God's Law to the people, explaining its meaning so they could understand what was being read. Later, in Nehemiah 10:10, Kelita is named among the Levites who sealed the covenant by which the people committed themselves to follow God's Law, including observances such as the Sabbath, avoiding intermarriage with pagans, and supporting temple worship. His participation in both teaching the Law and ratifying the covenant demonstrates his important role in the post-exilic community's spiritual restoration and their renewed commitment to obedience to God's commandments.
Biography
Kelita is mentioned in Neh.8.7 and Neh.10.10 as a Levite who played a significant role in the spiritual renewal of the people during the time of Nehemiah.
In Neh.8.7, Kelita is listed among the Levites who helped Ezra teach the Law to the people. Along with the other Levites, he explained the meaning of the Law to the people, making it clear and giving insight so that they could understand what was being read (Neh.8.7-8).
Later, in Neh.10.10, Kelita is among the Levites who sealed the covenant made by the people to follow the Law of God. This covenant included commitments to avoid intermarriage with the pagan peoples, to observe the Sabbath, to support the temple service, and to obey the commandments of God (Neh.10.28-39).
Kelita's involvement in teaching the Law and sealing the covenant highlights his role as a Levite in the spiritual instruction and leadership of the people during the post-exilic period.
Apart from these two mentions in Nehemiah, no other information is provided about Kelita's background or specific responsibilities.
In Scripture
1 biblical book ; 1 with study contentNehemiah 2 verses
- Nehemiah 8:7
"The Levites—Jeshua, Bani, Sherebiah, Jamin, Akkub, Shabbethai, Hodiah, Maaseiah, Kelita, Azariah, Jozabad, Hanan, and Pelaiah—instructed the people in the Law as they stood in their places."
Study Nehemiah → - Nehemiah 10:10
"and their associates: Shebaniah, Hodiah, Kelita, Pelaiah, Hanan,"
Study Nehemiah →
Names & Aliases
| Form | Language | Script |
|---|---|---|
| Named | Hebrew | קְלִיטָא |