of Hebrew origin (יוֹתָם); Joatham (i.e. Jotham), an Israelite:--Joatham.
Transliteration:Iōátham
Pronunciation:ee-o-ath'-am
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek lemma Ἰωάθαμ (Iōátham), Strong's `{{G2488}}`, is a direct transliteration of the Hebrew name יוֹתָם (Yowtham), Strong's `{{H3147}}`. The Hebrew name is commonly understood to mean "Yahweh is perfect" or "Yahweh is upright." As a proper noun, its semantic range is limited to identifying specific individuals bearing this name. In the context of the New Testament, particularly in the genealogies, it refers to Jotham, the son of King Uzziah and father of King Ahaz, who reigned as king of Judah.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The Greek form Ἰωάθαμ (Iōátham) appears exclusively in the New Testament within the genealogies of Jesus:
* [[Matthew 1:9]]: "Uzziah was the father of Jotham, and Jotham the father of Ahaz, and Ahaz the father of Hezekiah." This verse places Jotham directly in the Davidic line leading to Christ.
The primary Old Testament figure corresponding to this name is Jotham, King of Judah, whose reign is detailed in [[2 Kings 15:32-38]] and [[2 Chronicles 27:1-9]]. He served as co-regent with his father Uzziah for several years due to Uzziah's leprosy, and then reigned alone for 16 years.
* **Righteous Reign:** The biblical account describes Jotham as doing "what was right in the eyes of the Lord, according to all that his father Uzziah had done" ([[2 Kings 15:34]], [[2 Chronicles 27:2]]). He did not, however, enter the temple, unlike his father who had presumptuously done so.
* **Building Projects:** Jotham is noted for his construction efforts, particularly building the Upper Gate of the house of the Lord and constructing extensively on the wall of Ophel ([[2 Chronicles 27:3-4]]).
* **Military Success:** He engaged in conflict with the Ammonites, defeating them and imposing a tribute ([[2 Chronicles 27:5]]).
* **Continuity of Corruption:** Despite Jotham's personal righteousness, the people continued in corrupt practices, offering sacrifices and burning incense on the high places ([[2 Kings 15:35]], [[2 Chronicles 27:2]]). This highlights a recurring tension in Israelite history between the piety of a king and the spiritual state of the nation.
Another biblical figure named Jotham is the youngest son of Gideon, who delivered the famous "Fable of the Trees" to the citizens of Shechem after Abimelech massacred his brothers ([[Judges 9:5-21]]). However, the New Testament genealogical reference clearly points to Jotham the king.
### Related Words & Concepts
* **Hebrew Counterpart:** The direct Hebrew origin is יוֹתָם (Yowtham), `{{H3147}}`, which is the name of the King of Judah.
* **Genealogy and Lineage:** The primary context for Ἰωάθαμ in the New Testament is its inclusion in the messianic genealogy of Jesus Christ. This connects it to themes of covenant, promise, and the fulfillment of prophecy concerning the Davidic line.
* **Kingship in Judah:** Jotham's reign is part of the larger narrative of the kings of Judah, representing a period of relative stability and adherence to the Lord, yet also illustrating the ongoing spiritual struggles within the nation.
* **Righteousness and Uprightness:** The meaning of his name ("Yahweh is upright") resonates with the biblical assessment of his character, underscoring the importance of righteous leadership in God's eyes.
### Theological Significance
The inclusion of Jotham in the genealogy of Jesus Christ, as recorded in [[Matthew 1:9]], holds significant theological weight. It demonstrates God's unwavering faithfulness in preserving the promised Davidic line, even through periods of human imperfection and national apostasy. Jotham's personal righteousness, though not leading to a complete spiritual revival among the people, serves as a testament to the possibility of individual devotion to God within a larger context of societal decline. His life, situated between a father who ended in leprosy due to presumption and a son who was notoriously wicked, underscores the sovereign hand of God guiding the course of history toward the ultimate revelation of His Son. The very meaning of his name, "Yahweh is perfect/upright," subtly points to the divine character that undergirds and orchestrates the entire redemptive narrative, culminating in the perfect righteousness of Christ.
### Summary
Ἰωάθαμ (Iōátham), Strong's `{{G2488}}`, is the Greek transliteration of the Hebrew name יוֹתָם (Yowtham), meaning "Yahweh is perfect" or "Yahweh is upright." This name primarily identifies Jotham, the King of Judah, son of Uzziah, and father of Ahaz. His reign, detailed in [[2 Kings]] and [[2 Chronicles]], is characterized by personal adherence to the Lord's commands and significant building achievements, despite the continued idolatry among the populace. His most profound significance in the New Testament is his inclusion in the genealogy of Jesus Christ ([[Matthew 1:9]]), serving as a testament to God's covenant faithfulness in preserving the Davidic lineage through successive generations, ultimately leading to the promised Messiah.
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