Bible Dictionary
Kelaiah
Kelaiah, also called Kelita, was one of the priests who had taken a foreign wife after the exile. The name may refer to the same person as Kelita in related lists.
Definition
Kelaiah, also called Kelita, was one of the priests listed among those who had foreign wives after the return from exile. The name is associated with the meaning “swift for Yah” or “swift messenger of Jehovah.”
Biblical Usage
Kelaiah appears in the list of priests with foreign wives. A person named Kelita helped Ezra explain the law and appears among those associated with the covenant, though the sources caution that these references may not concern the same individual.
Historical Background
In the parallel list of 1 Esdras, Kelaiah likewise has a double name, Colius and Calitas. The identity of the persons in the related lists is not certain.
Scripture References
Related Figures
Historical Bible Dictionaries
Smith's Bible Dictionary
(swift messenger of Jehovah) = Kelita. (Ezra 10:23)
International Standard Bible Encyclopedia (ISBE)
<p>ke-la'-ya, ke-li'-a (qelayah, "swift for Yah"[?]; Kolios; Codex Vaticanus, Konos): One of the priests who had "foreign wives" (Ezr 10:23, also "Kelita"). In parallel list of 1 Esdras 9:23, he again has a double name--"Colius" and "Calitas." A "Kelita" is named as helping Ezra at the expounding of the law (Ne 8:7; compare /RAPC 1Es 9:48, "Calitas"), and also among the signatories of the covenant (Ne 10:9; for nature of covenant see Ne 10:28). They may not, however, be the same person.</p>