from יָדַע and אֵל; known of God; Deuel, an Israelite; Deuel.
Transliteration:Dᵉʻûwʼêl
Pronunciation:deh-oo-ale'
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The name Dᵉʻûwʼêl (דְּעוּאֵל), Strong's `{{H1845}}`, is a compound Hebrew name derived from two significant elements: the verb יָדַע (yada‘), `{{H3045}}`, meaning "to know, to perceive, to be acquainted with," and the divine name אֵל (ʼEl), `{{H410}}`, meaning "God." The passive construction implied by the vocalization and common usage of such names suggests the meaning "Known of God" or "God has known." This indicates that the knowledge originates from God, rather than the individual possessing knowledge of God. It signifies divine recognition, election, or perhaps a person divinely appointed or acknowledged. The nuance of yada‘ in biblical Hebrew extends beyond mere intellectual apprehension to encompass intimate, experiential, and covenantal knowledge, implying a deep, personal relationship. Thus, "Known of God" carries profound implications of divine favor and intimate acquaintance.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
Dᵉʻûwʼêl appears exclusively in the book of Numbers, consistently identified as the father of Eliasaph, the leader of the tribe of Gad. His name is mentioned in the context of the census and the organization of the Israelite tribes during their wilderness wanderings.
* In [[Numbers 1:14]], Dᵉʻûwʼêl is named as the father of Eliasaph, the chief of the tribe of Gad, during the initial census at Sinai.
* [[Numbers 2:14]] reiterates Eliasaph as the son of Dᵉʻûwʼêl, in the description of the tribal encampment order. Notably, some textual traditions and translations (e.g., KJV, NASB, ESV) render this name as Reuel (רְעוּאֵל - `{{H7467}}`) in this specific verse, likely a scribal variant or a different vocalization of a similar root, but the Masoretic Text predominantly maintains Dᵉʻûwʼêl. The context clearly points to the same individual.
* In [[Numbers 7:42]] and [[Numbers 7:47]], Eliasaph, son of Dᵉʻûwʼêl, presents the offering for the tribe of Gad during the dedication of the tabernacle.
* Finally, [[Numbers 10:20]] lists Eliasaph, son of Dᵉʻûwʼêl, as the leader of the host of the tribe of Gad as they set out on their journey.
The consistent association with Eliasaph, a prominent tribal leader, establishes Dᵉʻûwʼêl as an important ancestral figure, whose name would have carried significance for his lineage. His role is primarily genealogical, serving to identify and legitimize Eliasaph's position within the tribal structure.
### Related Words & Concepts
The core components of Dᵉʻûwʼêl connect to fundamental biblical concepts:
* **יָדַע (yada‘) - `{{H3045}}`**: This verb's semantic range is crucial. Beyond simple cognition (e.g., [[Genesis 2:9]]), it denotes deep, experiential knowing (e.g., [[Genesis 3:7]]), and especially in relation to God, a covenantal and intimate knowledge. When God "knows" someone, it implies a relationship of election, care, and purpose (e.g., [[Amos 3:2]], "You only have I known of all the families of the earth"; [[Jeremiah 1:5]], "Before I formed you in the womb I knew you"). This divine knowing is active and purposeful, often leading to divine action or intervention.
* **אֵל (ʼEl) - `{{H410}}`**: This is a generic Semitic term for "god" but is frequently used in the Old Testament as a name for the one true God, emphasizing His power, might, and sovereignty. It often appears in personal names, such as Israel ("contends with God"), Immanuel ("God with us"), Daniel ("God is my judge"), and Gabriel ("God is my strength"), signifying a direct relationship or attribute concerning God.
* **Divine Election and Providence**: The concept of being "known of God" resonates strongly with the biblical theme of divine election, where God sovereignly chooses individuals or groups for a specific purpose or relationship, not based on their merit but on His grace and foreknowledge (e.g., [[Psalm 1:6]], "For the Lord knows the way of the righteous"). It also speaks to God's providence, His active involvement and care in the lives of His people.
### Theological Significance
The name Dᵉʻûwʼêl, "Known of God," carries profound theological weight. It serves as a powerful reminder that human identity and significance are ultimately rooted in God's active knowledge and recognition.
1. **God's Initiative in Relationship**: The passive construction emphasizes that it is God who takes the initiative in knowing His people. This aligns with the broader biblical narrative of God reaching out to humanity, choosing Abraham, Israel, and ultimately, through Christ, drawing all believers into relationship with Himself. It is not our knowing God that establishes the primary bond, but His prior knowing of us.
2. **Divine Favor and Purpose**: To be "known of God" implies divine favor, protection, and a specific purpose. It suggests that the individual's life is not random but is part of God's overarching plan. For Eliasaph, son of Dᵉʻûwʼêl, this name would have underscored his family's divinely acknowledged standing and leadership role within Israel.
3. **Assurance and Security**: In a theological sense, the name offers deep assurance. If one is known by God, it implies an unbreakable bond and security in His care. This concept is echoed in the New Testament, where believers are said to be "known by God" (e.g., [[1 Corinthians 8:3]], "if anyone loves God, he is known by God").
4. **Covenantal Intimacy**: The name points to the intimate, covenantal relationship God desires with His people. It is a knowledge that is personal, purposeful, and transformative, distinct from mere intellectual awareness.
### Summary
Dᵉʻûwʼêl (דְּעוּאֵל), meaning "Known of God," is a significant Hebrew name found in the book of Numbers, identifying the father of Eliasaph, a leader of the tribe of Gad. Its etymology, combining yada‘ (to know) and ʼEl (God), highlights God's active and intimate knowledge of an individual. This name is not merely a label but a theological statement, underscoring God's initiative in relationship, His divine favor, and His purposeful recognition of His people. It speaks to the profound biblical truth that our ultimate identity and security are found in being known by the sovereign and loving God.
TRV