Etymology and Meaning: The name Nathaniah is derived from the Hebrew name נְתַנְיָהוּ (Nethanyahu), which means "Yahweh has given" or "Gift of Yahweh." This name reflects a common theme in Hebrew nomenclature, where the name of God (Yahweh) is incorporated to signify divine favor or blessing.

Biblical References: Nathaniah is a name that appears in various forms throughout the Old Testament, often as a patronymic or as part of genealogical records. While the name itself is not directly associated with a prominent biblical figure, it is closely related to the more frequently mentioned "Nethaniah."

1. Nethaniah, Son of Elishama: In the context of the Babylonian exile, Nethaniah is noted as the father of Ishmael, who was of royal blood and a captain in the army. Ishmael, son of Nethaniah, is a significant figure in the narrative of the assassination of Gedaliah, the governor appointed by the Babylonians over the remnant in Judah. This event is recorded in 2 Kings 25:23-25 and Jeremiah 41:1-3. The Berean Standard Bible recounts: "In the seventh month, Ishmael son of Nethaniah, the son of Elishama, who was of royal blood and had been one of the king’s officers, came with ten men to Gedaliah son of Ahikam at Mizpah. While they were eating together there, Ishmael son of Nethaniah and the ten men who were with him rose up and struck down Gedaliah son of Ahikam, the son of Shaphan, with the sword, killing the one whom the king of Babylon had appointed over the land" (Jeremiah 41:1-2).

2. Nethaniah, a Levitical Musician: Another mention of Nethaniah is found in the context of the Levitical musicians appointed by King David for the service of the house of the Lord. In 1 Chronicles 25:2, Nethaniah is listed as one of the sons of Asaph, who were set apart for the ministry of prophesying with lyres, harps, and cymbals. This highlights the role of music and prophecy in the worship practices of ancient Israel.

Theological Significance: The name Nathaniah, like many biblical names, underscores the belief in divine providence and the acknowledgment of God's sovereignty in the lives of His people. The individuals associated with this name, particularly in the context of the exile and the return to worship, reflect themes of judgment, restoration, and the enduring presence of God among His people.

Historical and Cultural Context: The period during which individuals named Nethaniah appear in the biblical narrative is marked by significant upheaval and transition for the people of Israel. The Babylonian exile was a time of great trial, yet it also set the stage for renewal and the reaffirmation of covenantal identity. The role of music and prophecy, as seen in the Levitical musician Nethaniah, illustrates the centrality of worship and the arts in maintaining spiritual and communal cohesion.

Related Names and Variants: Nathaniah is closely related to other biblical names such as Nathan, Nathaniel, and Jonathan, all of which share the root meaning of "gift" or "given by God." These names are prevalent throughout the biblical text and often denote individuals who play key roles in the unfolding of God's redemptive plan.Nathaniah (1 Occurrence)

2 Kings 25:25
And it cometh to pass, in the seventh month, come hath Ishmael son of Nathaniah, son of Elishama of the seed of the kingdom, and ten men with him, and they smite Gedaliah, and he dieth, and the Jews and the Chaldeans who have been with him in Mizpah.
(YLT)

Nathaniah (1 Occurrence)
... Multi-Version Concordance Nathaniah (1 Occurrence). 2 Kings 25:25 And it
cometh to pass, in the seventh month, come hath Ishmael ...
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Nathaneel (2 Occurrences)

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Nathanias

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