from יְהֹוָה and שָׁמַע; Jehovah has heard; Hoshama, an Israelite; Hoshama.
Transliteration:Hôwshâmâʻ
Pronunciation:ho-shaw-maw'
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew proper name הוֹשָׁמָע (Hôwshâmâʻ, `{{H1953}}`) is a compound word derived from two significant elements: the divine name יְהֹוָה (YHWH, or Jehovah, `{{H3068}}`) and the verb שָׁמַע (shamaʻ, "to hear, listen, obey", `{{H8085}}`). The base definition, "Jehovah has heard," accurately captures the etymological components. As a personal name, it functions as a theological statement, reflecting a profound truth about the character of God. It signifies not merely a passive act of hearing, but an active, attentive, and often responsive listening on the part of the Divine. The name itself is a testament to the belief that YHWH is a God who is present and engaged with His creation, particularly His covenant people, hearing their prayers, cries, and circumstances.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The name Hoshama (הוֹשָׁמָע, `{{H1953}}`) appears only once in the Hebrew Bible, specifically within the genealogical records of the Chronicler:
* [[1 Chronicles 3:18]]: "And the sons of Jeconiah: Assir, Shealtiel his son, Malchiram also, and Pedaiah, and Shenazzar, Jekamiah, Hoshama, and Nedabiah."
In this context, Hoshama is listed as one of the seven sons of Jeconiah (also known as Jehoiachin), a king of Judah who was exiled to Babylon. This places Hoshama within the Davidic royal lineage, specifically among those born during or after the Babylonian exile. The inclusion of such a name in a post-exilic genealogy is particularly poignant. For a people undergoing the trauma of exile and the challenges of return, a name like "YHWH has heard" would have served as a powerful reminder of God's enduring attentiveness and faithfulness to His covenant, even when His people were in a state of apparent desolation or judgment. The name functions as a beacon of hope, affirming that despite their circumstances, God had not abandoned His promises or forgotten His people.
### Related Words & Concepts
The meaning of Hoshama (`{{H1953}}`) resonates deeply with several core biblical concepts and other personal names:
* **YHWH (`{{H3068}}`):** The divine name itself, signifying God's self-existence, covenant faithfulness, and active presence. The "hearing" attributed to God in Hoshama is rooted in His very nature as the covenant-keeping God.
* **Shamaʻ (`{{H8085}}`):** This foundational Hebrew verb means "to hear," but often implies "to listen attentively," "to understand," and crucially, "to obey." In the context of Hoshama, it emphasizes God's active perception of human circumstances and prayers.
* **Names with Divine Elements:** Many biblical names incorporate elements of God's name (Yah/Yehovah or El), forming a theological statement. Examples include:
* Ishmael (יִשְׁמָעֵאל, `{{H3458}}`): "God hears," similarly emphasizing divine attentiveness.
* Samuel (שְׁמוּאֵל, `{{H8050}}`): Often interpreted as "heard of God" or "name of God," highlighting a connection to divine hearing or declaration.
* Jehoshaphat (יְהוֹשָׁפָט, `{{H3092}}`): "YHWH has judged," showing another active divine attribute.
These related names underscore a pervasive biblical theme: that God is not distant but actively involved in human affairs, often responding to the cries and needs of His people. The concept of God hearing prayer and responding is central to Israelite faith.
### Theological Significance
The name Hoshama (הוֹשָׁמָע, `{{H1953}}`) carries profound theological weight, especially within its historical context:
* **Divine Attentiveness and Responsiveness:** At its core, Hoshama declares God's character as one who listens. This is not a passive act but implies active engagement, compassion, and the potential for divine intervention. It affirms that the prayers, laments, and even the silent suffering of humanity do not go unnoticed by the Almighty.
* **Covenant Faithfulness in Adversity:** Placed within the Davidic lineage during a period of national upheaval (exile and return), Hoshama serves as a powerful reminder of God's unwavering faithfulness to His covenant promises. Despite the apparent collapse of the Davidic monarchy and the nation's suffering, the name "YHWH has heard" would have instilled hope, signifying that God remained mindful of His covenant with David and his descendants.
* **Hope and Assurance:** For the exiles and those returning to a desolate land, such a name would have been a source of immense comfort and assurance. It spoke to the reality that their plight was known to God, and that He was actively listening to their cries for restoration and deliverance. It reinforces the biblical truth that God is an empathetic and immanent God who hears the groans of His people.
* **Theological Declaration:** Like many biblical names, Hoshama functions as a concise theological declaration. It encapsulates a fundamental truth about God's nature and His relationship with humanity, serving as a perpetual reminder of His readiness to hear and respond.
### Summary
Hoshama (הוֹשָׁמָע, `{{H1953}}`) is a Hebrew proper name meaning "YHWH has heard" or "Jehovah has heard," derived from the divine name YHWH (`{{H3068}}`) and the verb *shamaʻ* (`{{H8085}}`). Its sole biblical occurrence is in [[1 Chronicles 3:18]], where it identifies a son of King Jeconiah within the Davidic lineage, likely born during or after the Babylonian exile. The name carries significant theological weight, serving as a powerful declaration of God's active attentiveness, responsiveness, and unwavering covenant faithfulness, particularly in times of national distress. It embodies the hope and assurance that God hears the prayers and cries of His people, affirming His empathetic and engaged presence in their lives.
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