The name Adna appears twice in the post-exilic historical books of the Bible, identifying two distinct individuals during the time of the return and rebuilding of Jerusalem under Ezra and Nehemiah. Both figures are mentioned in the context of the community’s effort to re-establish the purity of their spiritual and religious life in accordance with the Mosaic Law.
1. Adna the Israelite (Ezra)
The first mention of Adna is found in the Book of Ezra, where he is listed among those who had taken “strange wives,” meaning women from the surrounding idolatrous nations, an action that violated the covenant.
- KJV Scripture Reference:“And of the sons of Pahathmoab; Adna, and Chelal, Benaiah, Maaseiah, Mattaniah, Bezaleel, and Binnui, and Manasseh.” (Ezra 10:30, KJV)
This Adna belonged to the sons of Pahath-moab, a prominent family who had returned from Babylonian captivity with Zerubbabel. The listing of his name in this chapter indicates his participation in the solemn act of repentance and purification, wherein the men of Israel made a covenant to put away their foreign wives to cleanse the community and preserve the holy seed, a key theme in the restoration under Ezra’s leadership.
2. Adna the Priest (Nehemiah)
The second individual named Adna is identified as a priest during the time of Nehemiah, placing him in a position of spiritual leadership for the restored community.
- KJV Scripture Reference:“And in the days of Joiakim were priests, the chief of the fathers: of Seraiah, Meraiah; of Jeremiah, Hananiah;… Of Harim, Adna; of Meraioth, Helkai;” (Nehemiah 12:12, 15, KJV)
This Adna is recorded as the head of a priestly house, specifically from the lineage of Harim, serving during the high-priesthood of Joiakim. These chief priests were essential for the re-establishment of the temple services and the maintenance of true worship. The Book of Nehemiah often lists such men to demonstrate the organizational structure and commitment of the returned exiles to uphold the divinely mandated order for the sanctuary.
The two mentions of the name Adna—meaning “pleasure” or “rest”—highlight different facets of the post-exilic work: the painful necessity of personal and communal repentance (Ezra), and the steady, generational dedication required for the restored worship of God (Nehemiah).