Meraiah מְרָיָה

Male H4811 1 book

A priest during the high priesthood of Joiakim.

Who is Meraiah in the Bible?

Meraiah was a priest who served in Jerusalem during the high priesthood of Joiakim in the post-exilic period (Nehemiah 12:12). He is mentioned among the priestly leaders who returned from Babylon with Zerubbabel and Jeshua, playing a role in the restoration of worship in the rebuilt temple. As one of the heads of his father's house during Joiakim's time, Meraiah represented the continuity of the priestly line and the reestablishment of proper temple service after the exile. His inclusion in the official record of priests demonstrates the importance the post-exilic community placed on maintaining genealogical records and legitimate priestly succession.

Biography

Meraiah was a priest who served during the time of Joiakim, the high priest in Jerusalem after the Babylonian exile (Neh.12.12). He is mentioned in the list of priests and Levites who went up to Jerusalem with Zerubbabel, the governor of Judah, and Jeshua, the high priest (Neh.12.1). Meraiah is specifically listed among the priests who were heads of their fathers' houses during the days of Joiakim (Neh.12.12).

In Scripture

1 biblical book ; 1 with study content
Nehemiah 1 verse
  • Nehemiah 12:12

    "In the days of Joiakim, these were the heads of the priestly families: of the family of Seraiah, Meraiah; of Jeremiah, Hananiah;"

    Study Nehemiah →

Names & Aliases

Form Language Script
Named Hebrew מְרָיָה
Encyclopedia Article

Meraiah

ISBE 1915 (Public Domain)

efEzr 7:1).