Bible Dictionary

Pethahiah

The name Pethahiah means “the Lord opening; gate of the Lord”.

Easton's Bible Dictionary 1897

Loosed of the Lord. (1.) The chief of one of the priestly courses (the nineteenth) in the time of David (1 Chr. 24:16). (2.) A Levite (Ezra 10:23). (3.) Neh. 9:5. (4.) A descendant of Judah who had some office at the court of Persia (Neh. 11:24).

Smith's Bible Dictionary 1863

(freed by Jehovah).
  1. A priest, over the nineteenth course in the reign of David. (1 Chronicles 24:16) (B.C. 1020.)
  2. A Levite in the time of Ezra, who had married a foreign wife. (Ezra 10:23) He is probably the same who is mentioned in (Nehemiah 9:5) (B.C. 458.)
  3. The son of Meshezabeel, and descendant of Zerah. (Nehemiah 11:24) (B.C. 446.)

International Standard Bible Encyclopedia 1915

peth-a-hi'-a (Pethachyah, "Yah opens up"):

(1) Chief of the 19th course of priests (1Ch 24:16).

(2) One of the Levites having "foreign wives" (Ezr 10:23; Ne 9:5; "Patheus" in 1 Esdras 9:23).

(3) Son of Meshezabeel, descendant of Judah, who was "at the king's hand in all matters concerning the people" (Ne 11:24).