Maaseiah is a Hebrew name originating from the Bible, borne by numerous Old Testament characters. It is derived from the Hebrew name Maʿaseya (מַעֲשֵׂיָה), meaning "work of Yahweh." The name combines the elements maʿase ("deed, work") and yah, a shortened form of the Hebrew God's name Yahweh.
Usage in the Bible
According to Wikipedia's list of minor Hebrew Bible figures, several individuals named Maaseiah are mentioned as minor characters. For example, in the Books of Chronicles, Maaseiah appears among various genealogies and officials, often with little additional information. The name reflects the common biblical practice of forming theophoric names that express devotion to God.
Etymology and Linguistic Notes
The root maʿase refers to an act or deed, frequently used in the Hebrew Bible to describe God's works. The element yah is a shortened form of Yahweh, the Tetragrammaton, whose name was considered too sacred to pronounce. The original pronunciation of Yahweh is lost, but it is thought to derive from the Hebrew root hawa meaning "to be."
Notable Bearers
Minor figures bearing the name Maaseiah in the Hebrew Bible include:
- One of the priests or Levites during the reign of King David (1 Chronicles 15:18, 20).
- A commander of hundreds under Jehoiada the priest (2 Chronicles 23:1).
- An officer of King Uzziah (2 Chronicles 26:11).
- One of the sons of King Ahaz of Judah (2 Chronicles 28:7).
- A governor of Jerusalem during the time of King Josiah (2 Chronicles 34:8).
- Several other individuals in Ezra, Nehemiah, and Jeremiah.
- Meaning: Work of Yahweh
- Origin: Biblical Hebrew
- Type: Theophoric first name
- Usage regions: English Bible translations, Jewish tradition
Sources: Wikipedia — List of minor Hebrew Bible figures, L–Z