Named by God

Kolaiah

Meaning and Origin

The name Kolaiah is rooted in Hebrew etymology, deriving from the components 'qol,' meaning 'voice,' and 'Yah,' a shortened form of Yahweh, the personal name of God in the Hebrew Bible. Together, Kolaiah translates to 'voice of Jehovah,' signifying a divine communication or proclamation. This name reflects a profound spiritual connection, emphasizing the importance of God's voice as a guiding force in biblical tradition. Historically, names incorporating 'Yah' or 'Jehovah' were common among the Israelites, highlighting their deep reverence for God and His presence in their lives.

Image of Kolaiah

Image of Kolaiah

Name Kolaiah in languages of the Bible

Kolaiah in languages of the Bible

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Popularity Analysis

While Kolaiah is primarily a biblical name, its usage extends beyond the Hebrew context, reflecting a global appreciation for its spiritual and historical roots. The name is found in 13 countries, with notable popularity in Kosovo (XK), Slovakia, and Slovenia. This widespread presence suggests a cross-cultural resonance, likely driven by the universal themes of divine communication and spiritual legacy embodied by the name.

In modern times, Kolaiah's appeal may be attributed to its unique sound and profound meaning, making it a choice for those seeking names with strong biblical connections. Its rarity also adds to its allure, distinguishing it from more common biblical names while retaining its spiritual depth and historical significance.

CountryVariantRank
XKKolaj951
SlovakiaKolaj3872
SloveniaKolaj6025
North MacedoniaKolaj8190
CzechiaKolaja9607
AlbaniaKolaj10208
NepalKolaj12160
HungaryKolaj16119
AustriaKolaja17630
SwitzerlandKolaj21391
NorwayKolaj31896
CroatiaKolaj38885
GreeceKolaj53054
PolandKolaj53892
New ZealandKolaja83884

Showing top 15 of 13 records

Biblical and Cultural Significance

Kolaiah is notably associated with two individuals in the Old Testament, each carrying distinct roles and implications in the biblical narrative. The first mention is as the father of Ahab, a false prophet condemned during the Babylonian Exile (Jeremiah 29:21). This connection situates Kolaiah within a darker spiritual context, as his son’s actions were marked by deception and opposition to God's true prophets. Despite this, the name itself remains untainted, symbolizing the enduring voice of Jehovah amidst human failings.

The second individual bearing this name is a Benjamite listed among the inhabitants of Jerusalem in Nehemiah 11:7. This reference places Kolaiah within the framework of post-exilic restoration, contributing to the rebuilding of the Jewish community and its spiritual heritage. The Divine Proximity Index of 80.8/100 suggests a moderate association with God, while the high Jesus Circle Score of 94.1/100 reflects the name's alignment with themes of redemption and divine communication that resonate with the teachings of Jesus.

Biblical Context

The name Kolaiah appears in two distinct biblical verses, each highlighting different aspects of its narrative importance. In Jeremiah 29:21, Kolaiah is mentioned as the father of Ahab, a false prophet who misled the Israelites during their exile in Babylon. This verse serves as a stern warning against false prophecy and underscores the consequences of deviating from God's truth. The association with Ahab places Kolaiah within a narrative of spiritual conflict and judgment, illustrating the challenges faced by the Israelites during a tumultuous period in their history.

Conversely, Nehemiah 11:7 lists Kolaiah as a Benjamite residing in Jerusalem during the post-exilic era. This context is markedly different, focusing on the restoration and repopulation of the holy city. Here, Kolaiah represents a lineage contributing to the rebuilding of Jerusalem and the reestablishment of God's covenant with His people. This dual appearance in scripture highlights the multifaceted nature of the name's biblical significance, spanning themes of judgment and renewal.

Divine Proximity Metrics

God Proximity

SNA: 1.09 | Percentile: 80.8

Biblical References

  • Jeremiah 29:21
  • Nehemiah 11:7
Kolaiah | Biblical Name Meaning | Named by God