Original Word: קַדְמִיאֵל
Part of Speech: Proper Name Masculine
Transliteration: Qadmiy'el
Pronunciation: kad-mee-EL
Phonetic Spelling: (kad-mee-ale')
KJV: Kadmiel
NASB: Kadmiel
Word Origin: [from H6924 (קֶדֶם קֵדמָה - East) and H410 (אֵל - God)]

1. presence of God
2. Kadmiel, the name of three Israelites

Kadmiel

From qedem and 'el; presence of God; Kadmiel, the name of three Israelites -- Kadmiel.

see HEBREW qedem

see HEBREW 'el

Word Origin
from qedem and el
Definition
"God is the ancient one," a Levite name
NASB Translation
Kadmiel (8).

קַדְמִיאֵל proper name, masculine Καδμιηλ, ᵐ5^L Κεδμιηλ; Levite name (El is the ancient one; compare Sabean אלקדם DHM^{ZMG xxxvii (1883), 374}); — Ezra 2:40 = Nehemiah 7:43; Ezra 3:9; Nehemiah 9:4,5; Nehemiah 10:10; Nehemiah 12:8,24.

קָדְקֹד see II. קדד.

Biblical Occurrences

Kadmiel is named eight times in the Old Testament (Ezra 2:40; Ezra 3:9; Nehemiah 7:43; Nehemiah 9:4; Nehemiah 9:5; Nehemiah 10:9; Nehemiah 12:8; Nehemiah 12:24). Every reference places him among the Levites who returned from the Babylonian exile and helped re-establish covenant worship in Jerusalem.

Historical Setting

The first mention (Ezra 2:40) lists Kadmiel among the seventy-four Levites who accompanied Zerubbabel and Jeshua in the initial return to Judah around 538 BC. The group’s small size underscores the scarcity of Levites willing to leave Babylon, making Kadmiel’s presence significant for the worship infrastructure of the restored community.

Genealogical and Levitical Role

Kadmiel is repeatedly linked with Jeshua and the clan of Hodaviah (Ezra 2:40; Nehemiah 7:43). This connection places him within the Levites charged with temple service, instruction in the Law, and choral praise. His family line continues at least one generation, for “Jeshua son of Kadmiel” later appears among the leaders of praise (Nehemiah 12:24), indicating a legacy of faithful ministry.

Supervision of the Temple Rebuild

At the laying of the second temple’s foundation, Kadmiel stood among the chief builders:

“Then Jeshua with his sons and brothers, and Kadmiel with his sons, sons of Judah together supervised those working on the house of God” (Ezra 3:9).

His role blended spiritual oversight with practical administration, ensuring that both craftsmanship and worship were conducted “according to the ordinance of David” (cf. Ezra 3:10).

Leadership in Corporate Confession and Praise

Years later, during the assembly for national repentance, Kadmiel helped lead the people in confession:

“On their places stood the Levites—Jeshua, Bani, Kadmiel… and they cried out with a loud voice to the LORD their God” (Nehemiah 9:4).

He is again named in verse 5 among the Levites who exhorted the congregation, “Stand up and bless the LORD your God from everlasting to everlasting.” His presence highlights the Levites’ revived teaching ministry in post-exilic Judah.

Signatory of the Covenant Renewal

Nehemiah 10 lists the leaders who affixed their seals to the renewed covenant of obedience. Verse 9 records, “The Levites: Jeshua son of Azaniah, Binnui of the sons of Henadad, Kadmiel.” By pledging himself publicly, Kadmiel modeled wholehearted commitment to the Law for the remnant community.

Choral and Liturgical Service

Nehemiah 12:8 names Kadmiel among the Levites “in charge of the songs of thanksgiving,” aligning him with the tradition of temple choirs established under David. Later, “Jeshua son of Kadmiel” joins Hashabiah and Sherebiah to stand opposite their colleagues, giving praise “by the command of David” (Nehemiah 12:24). The alternating antiphonal arrangement reflects careful adherence to biblical patterns of worship.

Theological Significance

1. Covenant Fidelity: Kadmiel’s repeated appearance at key spiritual milestones—foundation laying, public confession, covenant sealing—demonstrates that true restoration hinges on renewed loyalty to God’s Word.
2. Priestly Service Restored: His supervision of temple construction and choral leadership signify the re-establishment of Levitical functions essential for Israel’s identity.
3. Generational Continuity: The mention of his son among later leaders testifies that faithful ministry can bear fruit beyond one lifetime.

Lessons for Today

• Serve with both hands—Kadmiel balanced practical oversight and spiritual leadership, showing that ministry often requires administrative diligence alongside public worship.
• Lead in repentance—his voice in corporate confession illustrates that leaders must stand foremost in acknowledging national and personal sin.
• Secure the future—investing in younger generations, as Kadmiel apparently did, preserves doctrinal purity and worship vitality.

Summary

Kadmiel emerges from the post-exilic records as a Levite who combined hands-on supervision, doctrinal teaching, and musical leadership to guide Israel back to faithful covenant life. His steady presence across decades of rebuilding, repentance, and rejoicing marks him as a model of enduring, multi-faceted service to the glory of God.

וְ֠קַדְמִיאֵל וְקַדְמִיאֵ֛ל וקדמיאל לְקַדְמִיאֵ֛ל לקדמיאל קַדְמִיאֵ֥ל קַדְמִיאֵ֧ל קַדְמִיאֵ֨ל קַדְמִיאֵֽל׃ קַדְמִיאֵל֙ קדמיאל קדמיאל׃ kadmiEl lə·qaḏ·mî·’êl lekadmiEl ləqaḏmî’êl qaḏ·mî·’êl qaḏmî’êl vekadmiEl wə·qaḏ·mî·’êl wəqaḏmî’êlInterlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel Texts