The Hebrew name Hôwdîyâh, represented by H1940, is a proper name, Hodiah, defined as a feminine form meaning a Jewess. It appears just 1 time across 1 unique verse in the Bible.
The sole appearance of H1940 is within a genealogical record in the book of 1 Chronicles. Hodiah is identified as a wife H802 and the sister H269 of Naham. The passage is primarily concerned with listing her descendants, identifying "the father of Keilah the Garmite, and Eshtemoa the Maachathite" as the sons born through her marriage 1 Chronicles 4:19.
Several related words in the verse clarify Hodiah's role within this lineage:
- H802 'ishshâh (wife): This term establishes Hodiah's marital status and her role as a mother within the family line being documented 1 Chronicles 4:19. It is a general Hebrew term for a woman or female.
- H269 'âchôwth (sister): This word defines her familial relationship to Naham, connecting her lineage to another individual mentioned in the record 1 Chronicles 4:19.
- H1121 bên (son): Defined as a "builder of the family name," this word highlights the purpose of mentioning Hodiah—to trace the lineage of her sons 1 Chronicles 4:19.
- H5163 Nacham (Naham): This proper name, meaning "consolation," identifies Hodiah's brother, further cementing her place within the kinship network 1 Chronicles 4:19.
Though mentioned only briefly, the inclusion of H1940 carries significance within the biblical text.
- Preservation of Lineage: The mention of Hodiah demonstrates the detailed nature of biblical genealogies. Her identity as a wife H802 is essential for documenting the heritage of her descendants, who are named in relation to her 1 Chronicles 4:19.
- Role of Women in Heritage: By being named explicitly, Hodiah underscores the important role of women in carrying on family lines. The record specifies the lineage proceeds through the sons H1121 of her husband's wife, Hodiah.
- Foundation of Identity: The descriptions of her descendants, "the father of Keilah H7084 the Garmite H1636" and "Eshtemoa H851 the Maachathite H4602," show how these genealogies established not just family connections but also geographic and group identities.
In summary, H1940 Hôwdîyâh is a name that appears once in scripture to identify the woman Hodiah. While not a central figure in any narrative, her inclusion is vital to the integrity of the genealogical record in 1 Chronicles. Her role as a wife and sister serves to anchor the lineage of her sons, demonstrating the importance of each individual in the preserved biblical lineage.
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