Seraiah, Azariah, Jeremiah,

NEHEMIAH 10:2KJV
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Nehemiah 10:2 (KJV)

What does Nehemiah 10:2 mean?

Nehemiah 10:2 lists three names—Seraiah, Azariah, and Jeremiah—as part of a larger group who are making a formal agreement or covenant. This verse is part of a record showing the leaders who publicly committed themselves to the covenant described in the surrounding verses.

In the book of Nehemiah, these names are among the first signers of a written agreement to follow God's law after the return from exile. Nehemiah, as the governor, is documenting the leaders of the community who are pledging themselves to this renewed commitment. The listing of names shows the seriousness and public nature of the covenant being made.

The Hebrew behind Nehemiah 10:2

  • סְרָיָה (Seraiah, transliterated "Seraiah") means "Yahweh is ruler" or "Yahweh has prevailed." The inclusion of this name highlights the religious heritage and faith of those making the covenant.
  • עֲזַרְיָה (Azariah, transliterated "Azariah") means "Yahweh has helped." This name reflects a sense of dependence on God, fitting for a community seeking to renew its faithfulness.
  • יִרְמְיָה (Yirmeyah, transliterated "Jeremiah") means "Yahweh will exalt" or "Yahweh has appointed." The presence of this name among the signers connects the covenant to the prophetic tradition and God's ongoing work among His people.

Why Nehemiah 10:2 matters

  • Listing these specific names at the start of the covenant signers emphasizes the leadership's responsibility and example in spiritual renewal.
  • The verse connects the act of covenant-making to real individuals, grounding the story in history and community.
  • Understanding the meaning of these names adds depth, showing how the people's faith and hope in God are woven even into the details of the text.

Where else these words appear

“Seraiah” Hebrew H8304 · used in 18 verses

  • 2 Samuel 8:17 And Zadok the son of Ahitub, and Ahimelech the son of Abiathar, were the priests; and Seraiah was the scribe;
  • 1 Chronicles 4:35 And Joel, and Jehu the son of Josibiah, the son of Seraiah, the son of Asiel,
  • Nehemiah 12:12 And in the days of Joiakim were priests, the chief of the fathers: of Seraiah, Meraiah; of Jeremiah, Hananiah;

“Azariah” Hebrew H5838 · used in 44 verses

  • 1 Kings 4:2 And these were the princes which he had; Azariah the son of Zadok the priest,
  • 1 Chronicles 6:9 And Ahimaaz begat Azariah, and Azariah begat Johanan,
  • 2 Chronicles 29:12 Then the Levites arose, Mahath the son of Amasai, and Joel the son of Azariah, of the sons of the Kohathites: and of the sons of Merari, Kish the son of Abdi, and Azariah the son of Jehalelel: and of the Gershonites; Joah the son of Zimmah, and Eden the son of Joah:

“Jeremiah” Hebrew H3414 · used in 133 verses

  • 2 Kings 23:31 Jehoahaz was twenty and three years old when he began to reign; and he reigned three months in Jerusalem. And his mother's name was Hamutal, the daughter of Jeremiah of Libnah.
  • Jeremiah 29:1 Now these are the words of the letter that Jeremiah the prophet sent from Jerusalem unto the residue of the elders which were carried away captives, and to the priests, and to the prophets, and to all the people whom Nebuchadnezzar had carried away captive from Jerusalem to Babylon;
  • Jeremiah 38:9 My lord the king, these men have done evil in all that they have done to Jeremiah the prophet, whom they have cast into the dungeon; and he is like to die for hunger in the place where he is: for there is no more bread in the city.