a form of הוֹדַוְיָה; Hodevah (or Hodevjah), an Israelite; Hodevah.
Transliteration:Hôwdᵉvâh
Pronunciation:ho-dev-aw'
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew term הוֹדְוָה (Hôwdᵉvâh), Strong's H1937, is a proper noun, specifically a personal name. Its base definition indicates it is "a form of הוֹדַוְיָה" (H1938), which is Hodaviah. This connection is crucial for understanding its core meaning. The name הוֹדַוְיָה (Hodaviah) is a theophoric name, meaning it incorporates a divine element. It is typically understood as a compound of הוֹד (hôd), meaning "splendor," "majesty," or "glory" (related to `{{H1935}}`), and the shortened form of the divine name Yahweh, namely יָה (Yah) (related to `{{H3050}}`). Therefore, הוֹדַוְיָה, and by extension הוֹדְוָה, carries the meaning "My splendor is Yah" or "Yah is my splendor," or perhaps "Give thanks to Yah." The slight variation in spelling for H1937 likely represents a scribal or dialectal difference in pronunciation or transcription, rather than a distinct semantic shift.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The name הוֹדְוָה (Hôwdᵉvâh), H1937, appears only once in the Hebrew Bible:
* [[Nehemiah 7:43]]: "The Levites: the children of Jeshua, of Kadmiel, and of the children of Hodevah, seventy-four."
This verse is part of a detailed genealogical list of those who returned from the Babylonian exile with Zerubbabel and Jeshua. This list in Nehemiah 7 is a near-parallel to the list found in Ezra 2. Significantly, in the corresponding verse in Ezra:
* [[Ezra 2:40]]: "The Levites: the children of Jeshua and Kadmiel, of the children of Hodaviah, seventy-four."
Here, the name is given as הוֹדַוְיָה (Hodaviah), H1938. This confirms the direct relationship between Hodevah (H1937) and Hodaviah (H1938) as variant spellings for the same individual or, more likely, the same family line of Levites. The context places Hodevah/Hodaviah within the lineage of Levites who were essential for re-establishing temple worship and order in post-exilic Jerusalem. Their inclusion in these vital lists underscores their role in the restoration of the covenant community.
### Related Words & Concepts
The primary related word is הוֹדַוְיָה (Hodaviah), `{{H1938}}`, which is considered the more complete or standard form from which הוֹדְוָה (Hodevah) is derived. Understanding the components of Hodaviah illuminates the meaning:
* **הוֹד (hôd):** This root (`{{H1935}}`) signifies "majesty," "splendor," "glory," "honor," or "praise." It is often used to describe the majestic presence or attributes of God, as seen in passages like [[Psalm 8:1]] ("How majestic is your name in all the earth!").
* **יָה (Yah):** This is a shortened, poetic form of the divine name Yahweh (`{{H3050}}`), frequently found in theophoric names (e.g., Isaiah, Jeremiah, Hezekiah). Its presence signifies that God is the source, object, or recipient of the name's meaning.
The concept of theophoric names itself is highly relevant. Such names were common in ancient Israel and served as declarations of faith, theological statements, or prayers. They often reflected the parents' spiritual convictions or hopes for their child. Other names ending in "-yah" or beginning with "Yeho-" or "Yo-" (e.g., Jedidiah, Jonathan, Joel) share this characteristic.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of Hodevah (H1937) is primarily derived from its meaning as "My splendor is Yah" or "Yah is my splendor," reflecting the fuller form Hodaviah (H1938).
1. **Declaration of Divine Glory:** The name serves as a theological affirmation that God (Yahweh) is the ultimate source and embodiment of splendor and majesty. In a post-exilic context, after the trauma of exile and the destruction of the temple, such a name would have been a powerful statement of faith. It would declare that despite the apparent loss of national glory, God's splendor remained undiminished and was the true glory of His people.
2. **Expression of Thanksgiving:** Alternatively, if "hôd" is understood in the sense of "praise" or "thanksgiving," the name could mean "Thanksgiving to Yah." This would align with the Levites' role in leading worship and praise in the temple. It would signify a spirit of gratitude to God for the return from exile and the opportunity to rebuild.
3. **Identity Rooted in God:** For an individual or family line named Hodevah/Hodaviah, their very identity was intrinsically linked to God's glory and presence. This would have served as a constant reminder of their dependence on Yahweh and His centrality to their existence and purpose within the restored community.
4. **Continuity of Faith:** The appearance of such a name among the returnees demonstrates the continuity of faith across generations, even through periods of severe judgment and displacement. It highlights that the covenant relationship with Yahweh endured.
### Summary
Hodevah (H1937) is a proper noun, a personal name appearing once in [[Nehemiah 7:43]] as part of the list of those returning from Babylonian exile. It is recognized as a variant spelling of Hodaviah (H1938), which appears in the parallel list in [[Ezra 2:40]]. The name is a theophoric compound derived from הוֹד (hôd - splendor, majesty, praise) and יָה (Yah - a short form of Yahweh). Thus, Hodevah signifies "My splendor is Yah" or "Yah is my splendor," or potentially "Thanksgiving to Yah." Its theological significance lies in its declaration of God's enduring glory, even amidst national hardship, and as an expression of faith and gratitude to Yahweh, particularly within the context of the Levites' role in the post-exilic restoration of worship. The name serves as a testament to an identity deeply rooted in the divine.
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