from הוֹד and יָהּ; majesty of Jah; Hodavjah, the name of three Israelites; Hodaviah.
Transliteration:Hôwdavyâh
Pronunciation:ho-dav-yaw'
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew name הוֹדַוְיָה (Hôwdavyâh), Strong's number `{{H1938}}`, is a compound theophoric name, meaning "Majesty of Yah" or "Yah is my majesty." It is derived from two primary components: הוֹד (hôwd), Strong's number `{{H1935}}`, meaning "splendor, majesty, glory, honor," and יָהּ (yah), Strong's number `{{H3050}}`, a shortened form of the divine name YHWH (Yahweh).
The root הוֹד (hôwd) itself carries a rich semantic range, often referring to a majestic splendor that can be attributed to God, kings, or even a nation. When applied to God, it speaks of His inherent, overwhelming glory and sovereign power. When combined with יָהּ (Yah), the name הוֹדַוְיָה (Hôwdavyâh) becomes a direct declaration of God's magnificent nature. It suggests a parental hope or a personal confession that God Himself is the source and embodiment of true majesty, perhaps even that His majesty is reflected in the life of the bearer. This name, therefore, functions as a miniature theological statement, affirming the divine attribute of glory.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The name הוֹדַוְיָה (Hôwdavyâh) appears in the biblical text referring to two distinct individuals:
1. **Hodaviah of Manasseh**: Mentioned in [[1 Chronicles 5:24]], Hodaviah is listed as one of the "chief men" of the half-tribe of Manasseh who settled east of the Jordan. The verse reads: "And these were the heads of the house of their fathers, even Epher, and Ishi, and Eliel, and Azriel, and Jeremiah, and Hodaviah, and Jahdiel, mighty men of valour, famous men, and heads of the house of their fathers." In this context, Hodaviah is presented as a prominent and "mighty man of valour," suggesting a person of strength, influence, and renown within his tribal lineage. The name "Majesty of Yah" would thus align with his status as a "famous man" whose strength and renown might be seen as a reflection of God's majesty working through him.
2. **Hodaviah the Levite**: This individual (or family head) is mentioned in the post-exilic lists of those who returned from Babylonian captivity.
* In [[Ezra 2:40]], "The singers: the children of Asaph, one hundred twenty and eight. The children of Hodaviah..."
* Similarly, in [[Nehemiah 7:43]], "The Levites: the children of Jeshua, of Kadmiel, and of the children of Hodaviah, seventy and four."
In both instances, Hodaviah is identified as the head of a family of Levites, specifically associated with the singers (Ezra) or Levites generally (Nehemiah, which is a parallel list to Ezra 2). The Levites, particularly the singers, played a crucial role in temple worship, leading the people in praise and adoration of God's glory. For a Levite family to bear the name "Majesty of Yah" is profoundly fitting, as their very vocation was to magnify and declare the majesty of God in the sanctuary. Their service was a living testament to the truth embedded in their name.
### Related Words & Concepts
The primary root related to הוֹדַוְיָה (Hôwdavyâh) is הוֹד (hôwd), `{{H1935}}`, which denotes "splendor, majesty, glory, honor, beauty." This term is frequently used to describe:
* **God's Majesty**: God is often depicted as clothed with majesty and splendor ([[Psalm 104:1]], [[Psalm 21:5]]). His glory fills the earth ([[Isaiah 6:3]]). The concept of God's הוֹד (hôwd) speaks to His inherent greatness, His awe-inspiring presence, and His sovereign power.
* **Royal Majesty**: Kings are also said to possess הוֹד (hôwd), reflecting their divinely appointed authority or earthly splendor ([[Daniel 11:21]]).
* **Human Dignity/Honor**: In some contexts, הוֹד (hôwd) can refer to the honor or dignity bestowed upon humanity, particularly in their created state ([[Psalm 8:5]]).
The second component, יָהּ (yah), `{{H3050}}`, is a short form of the tetragrammaton YHWH, the ineffable name of God. Its presence in names like Hodaviah signifies a direct connection to the covenant God of Israel. Many biblical names are theophoric, incorporating divine elements to express faith, hope, or a characteristic of God. Examples include Isaiah ("Salvation of Yah"), Jeremiah ("Yah Exalts"), Hezekiah ("Yah Strengthens"), and Jedidiah ("Beloved of Yah"). The inclusion of "Yah" in הוֹדַוְיָה (Hôwdavyâh) elevates the concept of "majesty" from a general attribute to a specific declaration of God's unique and supreme glory.
### Theological Significance
The name הוֹדַוְיָה (Hôwdavyâh), "Majesty of Yah," carries significant theological weight.
Firstly, it serves as a **confession of God's absolute sovereignty and glory**. In a world prone to elevating human power or idolatrous deities, a name like Hodaviah stands as a constant reminder that true majesty belongs to Yahweh alone. It acknowledges that all genuine splendor, honor, and authority ultimately emanate from Him.
Secondly, the name reflects a **theological hope or a parent's prayer** that the individual's life would somehow embody or display the majesty of God. For Hodaviah of Manasseh, a "mighty man of valour," his strength and fame could be seen not as self-derived, but as a manifestation of God's majesty working through him. For Hodaviah the Levite, whose family served in the temple, their very ministry of praise and worship was a direct declaration and magnification of God's splendor. Their lives were dedicated to making God's majesty known.
Thirdly, the name implicitly **contrasts divine majesty with fleeting human glory**. While humans may possess temporary honor or splendor, only God's majesty is eternal and unchangeable. Bearing a name that attributes all majesty to God serves as a humble recognition of humanity's dependence on the Divine for any true and lasting honor. It underscores the biblical theme that all glory should be given to God alone ([[Psalm 115:1]]).
### Summary
The name הוֹדַוְיָה (Hôwdavyâh), Strong's number `{{H1938}}`, beautifully encapsulates the meaning "Majesty of Yah." Composed of הוֹד (hôwd), "splendor/majesty," and יָהּ (yah), the divine name, it functions as a profound theological statement. Biblically, it designates two distinct individuals: a "mighty man of valour" from the tribe of Manasseh ([[1 Chronicles 5:24]]) and a Levite family head whose descendants served as temple singers after the exile ([[Ezra 2:40]], [[Nehemiah 7:43]]). In both contexts, the name resonates deeply with the individuals' roles and the surrounding narrative, suggesting that their lives or service were intended to reflect or declare the supreme glory of God. Theologically, Hodaviah serves as a constant affirmation of God's absolute sovereignty and splendor, reminding believers that all true majesty originates from and belongs to Yahweh alone.
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