Persons of the Bible: Letter H
As we explore the people of the Bible whose names begin with H, we meet a rich variety of individuals—prophets and kings, faithful women, courageous leaders, and humble servants. Hannah teaches us how God hears the cries of the brokenhearted. Huldah affirms the truth of God’s Word and sparks a national revival. Hezekiah’s devotion renews the nation’s worship, while Hosea’s life reveals the depth of God’s pursuing love. Even the many lesser-known names—Levites, gatekeepers, craftsmen, and family leaders—remind us that every life plays a part in God’s unfolding plan. Through these stories, we see God’s mercy, justice, and faithfulness leading His people toward the hope fulfilled in Jesus Christ.
Haammi-el
Haammiel (also spelled Haammi-el) was the father of Pagiel, a leader of the tribe of Asher during the wilderness period.
Scripture: Numbers 1:13
Habaiah
Habaiah was the ancestor of a priestly family unable to prove their genealogy after the exile.
Scripture: Ezra 2:61
Habakkuk
Habakkuk was a prophet who wrestled with questions of suffering and justice. His dialogue with God reminds us that faith trusts even when answers are not yet seen, and his closing prayer points toward steadfast hope in the Lord.
Scripture: Habakkuk 1–3
Habazziniah
Habazziniah was the ancestor of the Rechabites, a family commended for their faithfulness to their forefather’s commands.
Scripture: Jeremiah 35:3
Hacaliah
Hacaliah was the father of Nehemiah, the governor who rebuilt Jerusalem’s walls.
Scripture: Nehemiah 1:1
Hachmoni
Hachmoni was the father or ancestor of Jashobeam, one of David’s mighty warriors.
Scripture: 1 Chronicles 27:32
Hachmonite
Refers to one from the family of Hachmon
Scripture: 1 Chronicles 11:11
Hadad
Hadad appears as the name of several individuals, including Edomite kings and an adversary whom God raised against Solomon. Hadad’s story shows how God can use even opposing nations to discipline His people and accomplish His purposes.
Scripture: Genesis 36:35; 1 Kings 11:14–25
Hadadezer
Hadadezer was the king of Zobah, defeated by David. His downfall expanded Israel’s borders during David’s reign.
Scripture: 2 Samuel 8:3–10
Hadlai
Hadlai was the father of Amasa, a chief of Ephraim involved in the release of prisoners during Ahaz’s reign.
Scripture: 2 Chronicles 28:12
Hagab
Hagab was one of the temple servants who returned from exile.
Scripture: Ezra 2:46
Hagar
Hagar was the Egyptian servant of Sarah and the mother of Ishmael. God met her in her distress, called her by name, and revealed Himself as “the God who sees.” Her story reminds us that God cares deeply for the oppressed and hears the cries of the hurting.
Scripture: Genesis 16; Genesis 21:8–21
Haggai
Haggai was a prophet who encouraged the returned exiles to rebuild the temple. His messages reminded the people that obedience brings blessing, and his prophecies pointed forward to God’s greater glory revealed in Christ.
Scripture: Haggai 1–2
Haggiah
Haggiah was a Levite descended from Merari, listed among those serving in the temple.
Scripture: 1 Chronicles 6:30
Haggith
Haggith was one of King David’s wives and the mother of Adonijah, who attempted to take the throne during David’s final days.
Scripture: 2 Samuel 3:4; 1 Kings 1:5
Hakkoz
Hakkoz was a priestly ancestor whose family returned from Babylon; some of his descendants faced questions about their genealogy.
Scripture: Ezra 2:61; Nehemiah 3:4
Hakupha
Hakupha was an ancestor of temple servants who returned from exile.
Scripture: Ezra 2:51; Nehemiah 7:53
Halaiah
Halaiah was the father of one of the men who stood with Ezra during the public reading of the Law.
Scripture: Nehemiah 8:4
Hallohesh
Hallohesh was a leader who helped repair the wall of Jerusalem.
Scripture: Nehemiah 3:12
Haman
Haman was a high official in Persia who plotted to destroy the Jews during the time of Esther. His downfall displayed God’s protection over His people and became central to the celebration of Purim.
Scripture: Esther 3–7
Hammedatha
Hammedatha was the father of Haman, noted in the book of Esther.
Scripture: Esther 3:1
Hammelech
A title meaning “the king” that may refer to the father of Malchiah
Scripture: Jeremiah 38:6
Hammoni
Hammoni was one of the sons of Shimei, a Levite.
Scripture: 1 Chronicles 6:13
Hamor
Hamor was the father of Shechem. His interactions with Jacob’s family and the resulting violence reveal the dangers of deceit and misplaced trust.
Scripture: Genesis 33:19; Genesis 34
Hanameel
Hanameel was Jeremiah’s cousin, from whom Jeremiah purchased a field as a sign of future restoration.
Scripture: Jeremiah 32:7–15
Hanan
Hanan appears multiple times in Scripture as the name of Levites, gatekeepers, and faithful servants who helped in reading the Law or rebuilding.
Scripture: Nehemiah 8:7; Nehemiah 13:13
Hananiah
Hananiah is a name shared by several individuals. One was the prophet who falsely contradicted Jeremiah; another was a faithful leader. Hananiah’s story shows the need to test messages against God’s truth.
Scripture: Jeremiah 28; Nehemiah 3:8
Hanani
Hanani was the seer who rebuked King Asa for relying on Syria instead of the Lord. Another Hanani was Nehemiah’s brother and a faithful leader in Jerusalem.
Scripture: 2 Chronicles 16:7–10; Nehemiah 1:2; Nehemiah 7:2
Hananiah
Besides the prophet in Jeremiah’s time, several other men named Hananiah served in priestly, musical, and leadership roles.
Scripture: 1 Chronicles 25:23; Nehemiah 3:8
Haniel
Haniel was a leader of the tribe of Manasseh during the division of the land.
Scripture: Numbers 34:23
Hanun
Hanun was the king of the Ammonites who humiliated David’s servants, provoking conflict.
Scripture: 2 Samuel 10:1–4
Haran
Haran was the brother of Abram and father of Lot. His early death in Ur shaped the family lines that would later become central to the covenant story through Abraham.
Scripture: Genesis 11:26–32
Harbona
Harbona was one of the king’s eunuchs who served in the court of Ahasuerus during Esther’s time.
Scripture: Esther 1:10; Esther 7:9
Harhaiah
Harhaiah was the father of one of the builders who repaired Jerusalem’s walls.
Scripture: Nehemiah 3:8
Harhas
Harhas was the grandfather of Shallum, husband of Huldah the prophetess.
Scripture: 2 Kings 22:14
Harhur
Harhur was an ancestor of the temple servants who returned after the exile.
Scripture: Ezra 2:51; Nehemiah 7:53
Harim
Harim was the ancestor of several priestly and Levitical families, with multiple descendants listed among those who returned from exile.
Scripture: Ezra 2:39; Nehemiah 7:42
Hariph
Hariph was one of the men who sealed the covenant in Nehemiah’s time.
Scripture: Nehemiah 10:19
Harnepher
Harnepher was a descendant of Ephraim listed among the sons of Ephraim’s later generations.
Scripture: 1 Chronicles 7:36
Haroeh (Reaiah)
Haroeh, also known as Reaiah, was a descendant of Judah.
Scripture: 1 Chronicles 2:52
Harodite
The term Harodite refers to two of David’s mighty men—Shammah the Harodite and Elika the Harodite.
Scripture: 2 Samuel 23:25
Harsha
Harsha was the ancestor of a family of temple servants who returned from exile.
Scripture: Ezra 2:52; Nehemiah 7:54
Harum
Harum was the father of Shobal, a descendant of Judah.
Scripture: 1 Chronicles 4:1
Harumaph
Harumaph was the father of one of the men who helped rebuild the wall of Jerusalem.
Scripture: Nehemiah 3:10
Haruphite
Describes one from the family of Haruph; mentioned in lists of warriors.
Scripture: 2 Samuel 23:35
Hasadiah
Hasadiah was a descendant of Solomon, listed among the royal family lines.
Scripture: 1 Chronicles 3:20
Hashabiah
Hashabiah appears numerous times as the name of Levites who served in the temple, assisted Nehemiah, and oversaw work among the tribes.
Scripture: 1 Chronicles 6:45; Nehemiah 9:5
Hashabniah
Hashabniah was one of the leaders who helped Ezra during the corporate confession of the people.
Scripture: Nehemiah 9:5
Hashbaddanah
Hashbaddanah was one of the leaders who stood with Ezra during the reading of the Law.
Scripture: Nehemiah 8:4
Hashem
Hashem was one of David’s mighty warriors listed in the group called “the Thirty.”
Scripture: 2 Samuel 23:32
Hashub
Hashub was a leader who helped rebuild the walls of Jerusalem after the exile.
Scripture: Nehemiah 3:11
Hashum
Hashum was the ancestor of a family of returnees; some of his descendants had married foreign women and were called to repent.
Scripture: Ezra 2:19; Ezra 10:33
Hashupha
Hashupha appears among those who helped rebuild Jerusalem in Nehemiah’s time.
Scripture: Nehemiah 3:17
Hasrah
Hasrah (also called Asrah) was the grandfather of Shallum, the husband of Huldah the prophetess.
Scripture: 2 Chronicles 34:22
Hassenaah (Senaah)
Hassenaah was the father of temple gatekeepers who returned from the exile.
Scripture: Ezra 2:35; Nehemiah 3:3
Hatach
Hatach was a servant in the court of King Ahasuerus who acted as a messenger between Esther and Mordecai during the crisis.
Scripture: Esther 4:5–10
Hatipha
Hatipha was an ancestor of a group of temple servants who returned from exile with Zerubbabel.
Scripture: Ezra 2:54; Nehemiah 7:56
Hatita
Hatita was a leader among the gatekeepers who returned to Jerusalem after the exile.
Scripture: Ezra 2:42; Nehemiah 7:45
Hattil
Hattil was the ancestor of a family of temple servants who returned from Babylon.
Scripture: Ezra 2:57; Nehemiah 7:59
Havilah
Havilah was the name of a descendant of Cush and also a descendant of Joktan, listed in the genealogies of Genesis.
Scripture: Genesis 10:7; Genesis 10:29
Hazael
Hazael was king of Syria, anointed by Elijah and confirmed by Elisha. He brought judgment upon Israel as foretold by the prophets.
Scripture: 1 Kings 19:15; 2 Kings 8:7–15
Hazaiah
Hazaiah was an ancestor of families who settled in Jerusalem after the exile.
Scripture: Nehemiah 11:5
Hazarmaveth
Hazarmaveth was a son of Joktan and an ancestor of the Arabian tribes.
Scripture: Genesis 10:26
Hazobai
Hazobai was the ancestor of a family of temple servants who returned from Babylon.
Scripture: Ezra 2:53; Nehemiah 7:55
Heber
Heber appears multiple times in Scripture, including as a descendant of Asher and also as the husband of Jael, whose family lived peaceably among the Canaanites.
Scripture: Genesis 46:17; Judges 4:11
Hebron
Hebron was a descendant of Levi, one of the sons of Kohath.
Scripture: Exodus 6:18
Hegai (or Hege)
Hegai was the eunuch in charge of the women in the Persian court who assisted Esther.
Scripture: Esther 2:3–15
Helah
Helah was one of the wives of Asher’s son Jediael.
Scripture: 1 Chronicles 7:18
Heldai
Heldai was one of the men who returned from exile and was instructed by Zechariah to make a symbolic crown for Joshua, the high priest.
Scripture: Zechariah 6:10
Heleb
Heleb (also called Heled) was one of David’s mighty warriors, counted among “the Thirty.”
Scripture: 2 Samuel 23:29; 1 Chronicles 11:30
Heled
Heled was another of David’s warriors, the son of Baanah.
Scripture: 1 Chronicles 11:30
Helek
Helek was a son of Gilead and an ancestor of the Helekite clan within the tribe of Manasseh.
Scripture: Numbers 26:30
Helem
Helem was the son of Zophah, a descendant of Asher.
Scripture: 1 Chronicles 7:35
Heleph
Heleph was a son of Asher listed among the tribal families.
Scripture: 1 Chronicles 7:36
Helez
Helez was a distinguished warrior under David, a Pelonite who served in “the Thirty.”
Scripture: 2 Samuel 23:26; 1 Chronicles 11:27
Helon
Helon was the father of Eliab, the leader of Zebulun during Israel’s census in the wilderness.
Scripture: Numbers 1:9
Hemam
Hemam was a chief descended from Esau through Eliphaz.
Scripture: Genesis 36:22
Hemdan (Hamdan)
Hemdan was a descendant of Seir the Horite, listed among tribal families.
Scripture: Genesis 36:26
Hen
Hen was the son of Zephaniah, one of the men whose silver and gold were used for Zechariah’s symbolic crowning of Joshua the high priest.
Scripture: Zechariah 6:10–14
Henadad
Henadad was the ancestor of Levites who helped rebuild the walls of Jerusalem after the exile.
Scripture: Nehemiah 3:18; Nehemiah 10:9
Henoch (variant of Enoch)
Henoch is the Greek/Latin rendering of Enoch, preserved in some genealogical and apocryphal traditions.
Scripture: Variant of Genesis 5:18–24
Hepher
Hepher was a descendant of Gilead and the ancestor of the Hepherites.
Scripture: Numbers 26:32
Hephzibah
Hephzibah was the mother of King Manasseh and wife of King Hezekiah. Her name appears again symbolically in Isaiah to speak of God’s delight in restored Zion.
Scripture: 2 Kings 21:1; Isaiah 62:4
Heresh
Heresh was a Levite among those who returned from exile under Nehemiah.
Scripture: Nehemiah 11:15
Hermas
Hermas was a Christian greeted by Paul in his letter to the Romans, likely a believer active in the early church at Rome.
Scripture: Romans 16:14
Hermes
Hermes was another believer greeted by Paul, possibly a servant or freedman common in Roman households, reminding us of the gospel's reach across social boundaries.
Scripture: Romans 16:14
Hermogenes
Hermogenes deserted Paul during his imprisonment, showing the pressure early Christians faced and the contrast between steadfast and faltering faith.
Scripture: 2 Timothy 1:15
Herod the Great
Herod the Great was the Roman-appointed king of Judea at Jesus’ birth. Known for grand building projects and ruthless ambition, his attempt to kill the infant Messiah highlights the spiritual conflict surrounding Christ’s arrival.
Scripture: Matthew 2:1–18
Herod Antipas
Herod Antipas ruled Galilee during Jesus’ ministry, imprisoned John the Baptist, and participated in the trial of Jesus. His life shows how fear and political pressure can harden the heart against truth.
Scripture: Matthew 14:1–12; Luke 23:7–12
Herod Archelaus
Archelaus was son of Herod the Great and ruler over Judea for a short time. Joseph avoided settling in Judea because of him.
Scripture: Matthew 2:22
Herod Philip (Herod II)
This Herod appears in discussions surrounding Herodias and John the Baptist; a member of the Herodian dynasty.
Scripture: Matthew 14:3 (contextual)
Herod Philip the Tetrarch
A different Philip from Herod II, he ruled Iturea and Trachonitis; he appears in the context of John the Baptist’s ministry.
Scripture: Luke 3:1
Herodians
A political group aligned with the Herodian dynasty
Scripture: Mark 3:6
Herodias
Herodias was involved in the events leading to John the Baptist’s execution. Her actions and influence reveal the moral corruption of Herod’s court.
Scripture: Matthew 14:3–11; Mark 6:17–28
Herodion
Herodion was a believer greeted by Paul, called “my kinsman,” suggesting Jewish heritage.
Scripture: Romans 16:11
Hesed
Hesed was the son of Hur and an officer under Solomon over the region of Aruboth.
Scripture: 1 Kings 4:10
Hezir
Hezir was the head of the seventeenth priestly division established by David.
Scripture: 1 Chronicles 24:15
Hezro (also Hezrai)
Hezro was one of David’s mighty warriors.
Scripture: 2 Samuel 23:35
Hezron
Hezron was a significant ancestor in the tribe of Judah and appears in the genealogy leading to King David and ultimately to Jesus.
Scripture: Ruth 4:18–22; 1 Chronicles 2:5
Hiddai
Hiddai (also called Hurai) was one of David’s mighty men from the brooks of Gaash.
Scripture: 2 Samuel 23:30
Hiel
Hiel the Bethelite rebuilt Jericho at the cost of his sons, fulfilling Joshua’s ancient curse—showing how seriously God treats His word.
Scripture: 1 Kings 16:34
Hilkiah
Hilkiah was the high priest who discovered the Book of the Law during King Josiah’s reign. His faithfulness helped spark a major revival in Judah. He also appears in other genealogical and prophetic contexts, showing the prominence of his priestly line.
Scripture: 2 Kings 22:8–14; 2 Chronicles 34:14–22; Jeremiah 1:1
Hilluel
Hilluel was the father of Ammizabad, who served under King David.
Scripture: 1 Chronicles 27:20
Hirah
Hirah was a friend of Judah who appears in the narrative surrounding Judah and Tamar.
Scripture: Genesis 38:12
Hiram of Tyre
Hiram, king of Tyre, was an ally of David and Solomon. He provided cedar, craftsmen, and materials for the temple, illustrating how God used even foreign kings to support His purposes.
Scripture: 2 Samuel 5:11; 1 Kings 5:1–12
Hiram of Naphtali
A highly skilled craftsman who worked on Solomon’s temple furnishings.
Scripture: 1 Kings 7:13–14
Hittite
Refers to individuals from the Hittite people, such as Uriah the Hittite.
Scripture: 2 Samuel 11:3
Hivite
Refers to a people group living in Canaan
Scripture: Genesis 34:2
Hobaiah
Hobaiah was an ancestor of priests whose descendants could not prove their genealogy after the exile.
Scripture: Ezra 2:61
Hobab
Hobab, thought to be Moses’ brother-in-law or father-in-law depending on interpretation, was invited to guide Israel through the wilderness.
Scripture: Numbers 10:29–32
Hodesh
Hodesh was a wife of Shaharaim, an exile from Benjamin.
Scripture: 1 Chronicles 8:9
Hodiah
Hodiah appears several times as a leader among the Levites and as a family head among returnees.
Scripture: Nehemiah 8:7; Nehemiah 10:10
Hoham
Hoham was the king of Hebron who fought against Israel during the conquest.
Scripture: Joshua 10:3
Homam
Homam was a descendant of Seir the Horite.
Scripture: Genesis 36:22
Hophni
Hophni, one of Eli’s sons, served as a priest but acted wickedly before the Lord, contrasting sharply with God’s call to holiness.
Scripture: 1 Samuel 2:12–36
Hori
Hori appears both as a descendant of Seir the Horite and as the father of Shaphat, a spy sent to explore Canaan.
Scripture: Genesis 36:22; Numbers 13:5
Hosah
Hosah was a Merarite Levite appointed as a gatekeeper during David’s reign, entrusted with care of the temple entrances.
Scripture: 1 Chronicles 26:10–16
Hosea
Hosea was a prophet whose life and message revealed God’s faithful love toward an unfaithful people. His marriage to Gomer became a living picture of the Lord’s pursuit of Israel, pointing forward to Christ’s redeeming love for His church.
Scripture: Hosea 1–14
Hosea (king of Israel)
Hoshea, the last king of the northern kingdom of Israel, witnessed the fall of Samaria to Assyria. His reign marked the final stage of Israel’s rebellion before exile.
Scripture: 2 Kings 17:1–6
Hoshama
Hoshama was one of the sons of Jehoiakim, listed among the royal descendants.
Scripture: 1 Chronicles 3:18
Hoshaphat
Hoshaphat was a gatekeeper who helped repair the wall during Nehemiah's time.
Scripture: Nehemiah 12:22–25
Hoshaiah
Hoshaiah was a leader who opposed Nehemiah’s adversaries and helped resist intimidation during the rebuilding of Jerusalem’s walls.
Scripture: Nehemiah 6:10
Hotham
Hotham was a descendant of Asher, whose sons were listed among the tribal families.
Scripture: 1 Chronicles 7:32
Hothir
Hothir was a son of Heber, listed among the descendants of Asher.
Scripture: 1 Chronicles 7:32
Hozai
Hozai was the title of a source mentioned in the account of King Manasseh’s reign, traditionally associated with prophetic writings.
Scripture: 2 Chronicles 33:19
Huldah
Huldah was a prophetess in Jerusalem during Josiah’s reign. When the Book of the Law was found, she confirmed its truth and warned of judgment while offering hope. Her faithful response played a crucial role in Judah’s spiritual renewal.
Scripture: 2 Kings 22:14–20; 2 Chronicles 34:22–28
Hupham
Hupham was a descendant of Benjamin, listed among the founders of tribal families.
Scripture: Numbers 26:39
Huppah
Huppah was a priest who returned from exile with Zerubbabel.
Scripture: Nehemiah 7:42
Hur
Hur was a leader who supported Moses during the battle with Amalek, lifting his hands alongside Aaron. He later appears in connection with leadership and craftsmanship among Israel. Hur’s faithfulness illustrates how God uses helpers to strengthen His servants.
Scripture: Exodus 17:10–13; Exodus 24:14; 1 Chronicles 2:19–20
Huri
Huri was the father of Abihail, a chief of the Gadites living in Gilead.
Scripture: 1 Chronicles 5:14
Hushah
Hushah was a descendant of Judah listed among the clans of Hezron.
Scripture: 1 Chronicles 4:4
Hushai
Hushai the Archite was a wise advisor of David who acted as a loyal friend and covert ally during Absalom’s rebellion. His counsel helped protect David and delayed Absalom’s plans.
Scripture: 2 Samuel 15:32–37; 2 Samuel 17:1–16
Husham (Edomite king)
Husham was a king of Edom before Israel’s monarchy.
Scripture: Genesis 36:34
Hushim
Hushim was one of the sons of Dan.
Scripture: Genesis 46:23
Hymenaeus
Hymenaeus was an opponent of Paul who rejected sound teaching and misled others. His example serves as a warning against straying from the truth of the gospel.
Scripture: 1 Timothy 1:20; 2 Timothy 2:17
Hasenuah
Hasenuah was the father of Ephraim’s descendants listed in Benjamin’s genealogy.
Scripture: 1 Chronicles 9:7
Hathath
Hathath was the son of Othniel, Israel’s first judge.
Scripture: 1 Chronicles 4:13
Hattush
Hattush appears multiple times—once as a descendant of David and again among those returning from exile.
Scripture: Ezra 8:2; Nehemiah 10:4
The names in the letter H show how God works through people in every kind of circumstance—times of restoration, seasons of rebellion, moments of courage, and moments of weakness. From trusted counselors to repentant kings, from faithful women to ordinary families returning from exile, each story adds to the beautiful tapestry of Scripture.
As we move forward into the letter I, we will meet another set of individuals whose lives continue to reveal God’s patience, His promises, and His redemptive purpose in Christ.
