### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
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.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
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]].
### Related Words & Concepts
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]].
### Theological Significance
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.
### Summary
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.
TRV