The Hebrew word Hôwdayvâhûw, represented by H1939, is the proper name Hodaiah. It appears only 1 time in 1 unique verse in the Bible. As a variant form of Hodajvah, its sole purpose in scripture is to identify a specific Israelite individual within a genealogical record.
The single biblical mention of H1939 is found in a list of descendants. In the book of 1 Chronicles, Hodaiah is named as one of the seven sons of Elioenai. The verse serves to document the family line, stating, "And the sons of Elioenai were, Hodaiah, and Eliashib, and Pelaiah, and Akkub, and Johanan, and Dalaiah, and Anani, seven" 1 Chronicles 3:24. This places Hodaiah squarely within the historical and ancestral records of Israel.
Hodaiah is listed alongside several brothers, whose names also appear in the same genealogical context:
The significance of H1939 is primarily historical rather than theological, as it functions as a proper name.
- Genealogical Marker: The name's importance comes from its role in preserving the lineage of Israel. It serves as a vital piece of data in the meticulous records found in 1 Chronicles.
- Context of Faith: While the dossier does not provide a theological definition for Hodaiah, he is part of a family whose names often express faith in God. He is named with brothers like ʼElyâshîyb, meaning "God will restore" H475, and Dᵉlâyâh, meaning "Jah has delivered" H1806, placing his identity within a heritage of God-centered names.
In summary, H1939 Hôwdayvâhûw is the name Hodaiah, an individual mentioned once in the Old Testament. Its singular appearance in 1 Chronicles 3:24 firmly establishes its function as a genealogical identifier, marking a person within the lineage of Elioenai. Though a minor figure, Hodaiah's inclusion is a testament to the scriptural emphasis on ancestry and is contextualized by the faith-based names of his brothers.
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