Heldai
PeopleWhat is the meaning of Heldai in the Bible?
Heldai served as a leader in the temple service, specifically appointed for the twelfth month, and is identified in Ezra 10:15 as one of the laymen who assisted Ezra in addressing the issue of mixed marriages among the returned exiles.
SIGNIFICANCE
Recognizing Heldai helps readers understand the collaborative structure of leadership in the early Second Temple period, where both priests and lay leaders worked together to enforce religious reforms and maintain community identity after the Babylonian exile.
Bible Study Quick-Reference Guide
Genealogy & Community Insight: When reading, notice how the lineage and actions of Heldai reveal God's preservation of family clans and community records across generations.
Bible Study Reflection Prompts:
- Why did the biblical author mention Heldai in this passage?
- What cultural or historical assumption does Heldai clarify?
Scripture Passages Mentioned:
Ezra 10:15
Source Attribution
Built upon the 1915 International Standard Bible Encyclopedia and Easton's Bible Dictionary (1897). Entries have been modernized, checked for academic truthfulness, and shortened for clarity.
How to Cite This Entry
"Heldai." Ancient Context Dictionary. Accessed 2026. https://ancientcontext.com/context/heldai/