Abdias is the form of Obadiah used in the Greek and Latin Old Testament, as well as the Portuguese form (used chiefly in Brazil). The name derives from the Hebrew name 'Ovadya (עוֹבַדְיָה), meaning "servant of Yahweh," from the elements ʿavaḏ (to serve, to worship) and yah (referring to the Hebrew God). Etymology The Latin form Abdias comes from the Ancient Greek Ὀβδίας (Obdías), which in turn is a transliteration of the Hebrew עוֹבַדְיָה. The Greek and Latin versions of the Bible adopted this form for the prophet Obadiah, the author of the Book of Obadiah, which predicts the downfall of the nation of Edom. In Portuguese, Abdias is the standard rendering, especially in Brazilian usage, where it has been used as a given name. Notable Bearers Notable bearers of the name include Abdias do Nascimento (1914–2011), a prominent Brazilian actor, artist, and politician who was a leading figure in the Afro-Brazilian civil rights movement. Another is Abdias de Oliveira, a Brazilian footballer. The name also appears in historical contexts, such as Abdias, a 4th-century bishop of Babylon. Cultural Significance In the biblical context, Obadiah is one of the twelve minor prophets, and his book is the shortest in the Old Testament. The name Abdias thus carries religious significance for Christians and Jews, particularly in Portuguese-speaking communities where it is used as a given name. Variants include Abdiou in Biblical Greek, Ovadia in Hebrew, and Avdey in Russian. Meaning: Servant of Yahweh Origin: Hebrew, via Greek and Latin Type: Biblical name Usage Regions: Portuguese (especially Brazil), Greek Bible, Latin Bible