Adiel is a name that appears in the Old Testament of the King James Version of the Bible, belonging to at least three different individuals, all of whom are mentioned within genealogical lists or administrative records. The name itself is of Hebrew origin and is understood to mean “Ornament of God.”
The Multiple Figures Named Adiel
The name Adiel identifies distinct men from different tribes and historical periods:
1. Adiel, the Simeonite Prince
This Adiel was a chief man of the tribe of Simeon. He is mentioned in the record of the Simeonite families who, in the days of King Hezekiah, migrated and successfully displaced the inhabitants of Gedor to find new pasture for their flocks.
- KJV Scripture Reference:“And Elioenai, and Jaakobah, and Jeshohaiah, and Asaiah, and Adiel, and Jesimiel, and Benaiah,” (1 Chronicles 4:36, KJV)
2. Adiel, the Ancestor of a Priest
This individual is named as an ancestor of Maasiai (or Maasia), a priest who dwelt in Jerusalem after the Babylonian Exile, when the people returned to the city to rebuild and reestablish temple service. This genealogy is an important record for confirming the legitimate lineage of those ministering in the rebuilt Temple.
- KJV Scripture Reference:“And Adaiah the son of Jeroham, the son of Pashur, the son of Malchijah, and Maasiai the son of Adiel, the son of Jahzerah, the son of Meshullam, the son of Meshillemith, the son of Immer;” (1 Chronicles 9:12, KJV)
3. Adiel, the Father of David’s Treasurer
A third Adiel is recorded as the father of Azmaveth, who was appointed by King David to oversee the royal treasures. This role was a significant position of trust and responsibility within the king’s administration.
- KJV Scripture Reference:“And over the king’s treasures was Azmaveth the son of Adiel: and over the storehouses in the fields, in the cities, and in the villages, and in the castles, was Jehonathan the son of Uzziah:” (1 Chronicles 27:25, KJV)
In all three instances, Adiel is a name found in the careful historical and genealogical record-keeping of the Chronicles, underscoring the importance the ancient Israelites placed on lineage for matters of civil administration, military leadership, and priestly service.