Bible Dictionary
Anaiah
Anaiah was the name of a Levite who assisted Ezra in reading the Law and of a person who sealed the covenant in Nehemiah’s time. These may have been the same man.
Definition
Anaiah, meaning “Yah has answered,” was the name of a Levite who assisted Ezra in reading the Law to the people. Another Anaiah was among those who sealed the covenant in Nehemiah’s time, and he may have been the same person.
Biblical Usage
Anaiah participated in the public reading of the Law and may also have formally affirmed the covenant made by the restored community.
Historical Background
The supplied material suggests that the first Anaiah may correspond to Ananias mentioned in Esdras, and that the two references in Nehemiah may describe one individual.
Scripture References
Related Figures
Historical Bible Dictionaries
Smith's Bible Dictionary
(whom Jehovah answers).
International Standard Bible Encyclopedia (ISBE)
<p>an-a-i'-a, a-ni'-a (`anayah, "Yah has answered"):</p><p>(1) a Levite who assisted Ezr in reading the law to the people (Ne 8:4), perhaps the person called Ananias in Esdras 9:43.</p><p>(2) One of those who sealed the covenant (Ne 10:22). He may have been the same as Anaiah (1).</p>