a form of הוֹדַוְיָה; Hodajvah, an Israelite; Hodaiah.
Transliteration:Hôwdayvâhûw
Pronunciation:ho-dah-yeh-vaw'-hoo
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew lemma `{{H1939}}` (Hôwdayvâhûw) is a proper name, transliterated as Hodaviah or Hodajvah in various English versions. It is identified as a variant form of `{{H1938}}` (Hôwdayvâh or Hôwdavyâhû). The name is a compound word, incorporating the Hebrew root `{{H1935}}` (hôd), which signifies "splendor, majesty, glory, vigor, or honor." The final element, "-yâhû" or "-yâh," is a common theophoric suffix, representing a shortened form of Yahweh, the personal name of God. Therefore, the name `{{H1939}}` semantically conveys the profound theological statement: "Yahweh is my splendor," "My majesty is Yahweh," or "Yahweh is my glory." It speaks to the divine source of an individual's dignity, honor, and inherent worth.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The specific form `{{H1939}}` occurs only once in the Hebrew Bible, appearing in the book of Chronicles. In [[1 Chronicles 5:24]], Hodaviah (הוֹדַיְוָהוּ) is listed among the chiefs of the half-tribe of Manasseh who lived in Gilead. The verse states: "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." The context is a genealogical record, emphasizing the lineage and prominence of these individuals within their tribal structure. The inclusion of Hodaviah in this list of "mighty men of valour" and "famous men" suggests a figure of some significance, whose name itself would have served as a testament to his family's faith in Yahweh as the source of their honor and strength. The singular occurrence of this precise spelling underscores its uniqueness while its relation to `{{H1938}}` indicates a shared theological heritage.
### Related Words & Concepts
The primary related word to `{{H1939}}` is `{{H1938}}` (Hôwdayvâh or Hôwdavyâhû), which is essentially the same name with a slightly different Masoretic vocalization or orthography. `{{H1938}}` appears more frequently in Scripture, notably in [[Nehemiah 9:5]] and [[Ezra 8:19]], often referring to Levites or others involved in the post-exilic community.
The root `{{H1935}}` (hôd) is crucial for understanding the name's meaning. This root is used throughout the Old Testament to describe divine majesty ([[Psalm 8:1]], [[Psalm 21:5]]), royal splendor ([[Daniel 11:21]]), and the inherent glory or dignity of individuals or nations.
Conceptually, `{{H1939}}` connects to the broader biblical theme of theophoric names, which are names that incorporate a divine element (e.g., "El" for God, or "Yah/Yahu" for Yahweh). Such names were common in ancient Israel and served as personal confessions of faith, declarations of divine blessing, or prayers. They reflect a worldview where God's character and actions were intimately woven into the fabric of daily life and identity.
### Theological Significance
The name Hodaviah (`{{H1939}}`), meaning "Yahweh is my splendor/majesty," carries profound theological weight. It serves as a personal theological statement, affirming that true honor, dignity, and glory do not originate from human achievement, lineage, or material wealth, but solely from Yahweh. In a culture where honor and reputation were paramount, such a name would have redirected attention from human pride to divine grace. For Hodaviah, a "mighty man of valour" in a genealogical list, his name would have testified that his strength and fame were ultimately gifts from God, not self-generated. This stands in contrast to the pursuit of self-glory or the worship of created things. The name implicitly acknowledges God's sovereignty and His role as the ultimate source of all good things, including personal significance and communal standing. It resonates with the biblical truth that "Not to us, O Lord, not to us, but to your name give glory" ([[Psalm 115:1]]).
### Summary
`{{H1939}}` (Hôwdayvâhûw), transliterated as Hodaviah, is a Hebrew proper name meaning "Yahweh is my splendor" or "Yahweh is my glory." As a variant of `{{H1938}}`, it embodies a deep theological conviction. Its sole occurrence in [[1 Chronicles 5:24]] places Hodaviah as a prominent chief among the half-tribe of Manasseh, whose very name proclaimed his reliance on God as the source of his honor and position. This name underscores the biblical concept that true human dignity and glory are divinely bestowed, serving as a perpetual reminder of God's sovereignty and His benevolent provision of all that is truly valuable.
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