of Hebrew origin (יְהוֹשָׁפָט); Josaphat (i.e. Jehoshaphat), an Israelite:--Josaphat.
Transliteration:Iōsaphát
Pronunciation:ee-o-saf-at'
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek lemma Ἰωσαφάτ (Iōsaphát), Strong's `{{G2498}}`, is a direct transliteration of the Hebrew name יְהוֹשָׁפָט (Yehoshaphat), Strong's `{{H3092}}`. The Hebrew name is a theophoric compound, meaning it incorporates a divine name. It is formed from "Yahweh" (יהו, Yeho-), the covenant name of God, and the verb שָׁפָט (shaphat), Strong's `{{H8199}}`, meaning "to judge," "to govern," or "to administer justice." Therefore, the name Yehoshaphat, and by extension Iōsaphát, signifies "Yahweh has judged" or "Yahweh judges/governs." As a proper noun, its semantic range is confined to the specific individual(s) bearing the name. However, the embedded meaning within the name itself carries a profound theological statement concerning God's sovereign authority, His role as the ultimate arbiter of justice, and His active governance over creation and humanity.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The name Ἰωσαφάτ (Iōsaphát) appears in the New Testament exclusively within the genealogies of Jesus Christ. Specifically, it is found in [[Matthew 1:8]]: "Asa begot Jehoshaphat, Jehoshaphat begot Joram, and Joram begot Uzziah." This places Jehoshaphat within the royal lineage of David, through which the Messiah was prophesied to come.
In the Old Testament, where his reign is extensively detailed in 1 Kings 22 and 2 Chronicles 17-20, Jehoshaphat was the fourth king of Judah, reigning for approximately 25 years (c. 870-846 BC). His reign was largely characterized by religious reform and a commitment to seeking the Lord. He initiated a program of spiritual instruction, sending officials throughout Judah to teach the Law of the Lord [[2 Chronicles 17:7-9]]. He is particularly remembered for his profound trust in God during the formidable invasion by the Moabites, Ammonites, and Meunites, leading the people in prayer and praise, which resulted in a miraculous divine deliverance [[2 Chronicles 20:1-30]]. Despite his overall piety, Jehoshaphat did make questionable political alliances, notably with the wicked King Ahab of Israel, which brought divine rebuke and personal danger [[2 Chronicles 19:2]].
In the New Testament, the inclusion of Jehoshaphat in Matthew's genealogy underscores the continuity of God's covenant promises through the Davidic line. His name, "Yahweh has judged," serves as a subtle yet powerful reminder of divine sovereignty over human history and the meticulous unfolding of God's redemptive plan, even through the lives of imperfect human agents.
### Related Words & Concepts
* **Hebrew Origin:** The most directly related word is the Hebrew original, יְהוֹשָׁפָט (Yehoshaphat), Strong's `{{H3092}}`, from which Ἰωσαφάτ is transliterated.
* **Root Verb:** The foundational meaning of the name is derived from the Hebrew verb שָׁפָט (shaphat), Strong's `{{H8199}}`, meaning "to judge," "to rule," or "to administer justice."
* **Divine Names:** The prefix "Yeho-" points to Yahweh (YHWH), the personal covenant name of God, emphasizing the divine agent behind the judgment and governance.
* **Concepts:**
* **Divine Justice and Judgment:** The core meaning of the name directly points to God's righteous character as the ultimate Judge and His active involvement in human affairs.
* **Divine Sovereignty:** The name highlights God's absolute rule and control over nations, kings, and the course of history.
* **The Davidic Covenant:** As a king in the Davidic lineage, Jehoshaphat's inclusion in the genealogy reinforces God's faithfulness to His eternal covenant with David concerning a perpetual dynasty [[2 Samuel 7:12-16]].
* **Messianic Lineage:** The presence of Ἰωσαφάτ in the genealogy of Jesus affirms Christ's connection to the royal line of Judah and His fulfillment of Old Testament prophecies concerning the Messiah.
### Theological Significance
The name Ἰωσαφάτ, meaning "Yahweh has judged," carries profound theological weight, especially in its placement within the Davidic lineage leading to Jesus Christ.
Firstly, the name inherently proclaims God's active role as the supreme Judge and Governor of the universe. This is not a passive attribute but an dynamic engagement in human history, affairs, and ultimately, salvation. It testifies to God's moral order and His ultimate accountability for all creation.
Secondly, Jehoshaphat's inclusion in the genealogy [[Matthew 1:8]] serves as a powerful testament to God's unwavering faithfulness to His covenant promises, particularly the Davidic covenant. Despite the imperfections and failures of human kings within the lineage, God meticulously preserved the line through which the Messiah would come, demonstrating His steadfast love and commitment to His divine plan.
Finally, the name subtly foreshadows the coming of Jesus Christ, who is the ultimate embodiment of divine justice and righteous rule. As the "Son of David," Jesus fulfills the kingly role, not merely as a human monarch, but as the divine King whose judgment is perfect, whose reign is eternal, and who brings forth ultimate salvation and righteous governance. His advent inaugurated a new era of God's judgment and grace upon humanity.
### Summary
The Greek lemma Ἰωσαφάτ (Iōsaphát), Strong's `{{G2498}}`, is a transliteration of the Hebrew name יְהוֹשָׁפָט (Yehoshaphat), meaning "Yahweh has judged" or "Yahweh judges." This proper noun identifies the fourth king of Judah, a figure extensively documented in the Old Testament for his religious reforms and his reliance on God, though his reign was not without its moral complexities. In the New Testament, the name appears in [[Matthew 1:8]], establishing Jehoshaphat's crucial place within the royal lineage of Jesus Christ. The theological significance of Ἰωσαφάτ is rich, affirming God's sovereign role as the ultimate Judge and Governor of all creation. Its presence in the Messianic genealogy underscores God's unwavering faithfulness to His covenant promises and subtly points to Jesus as the righteous King who perfectly embodies divine justice, bringing forth God's ultimate judgment and salvation. The study of Ἰωσαφάτ thus serves as a compelling reminder of God's active involvement in human history and His unwavering purpose to establish His righteous kingdom through His chosen Messiah.
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