### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew name **Hôwshâmâʻ**, represented by `{{H1953}}`, is defined as **"Jehovah has heard."** This name appears only **1 time** in **1 unique verse** in the Bible, where it identifies a specific Israelite.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The single appearance of `{{H1953}}` is found within a genealogical record in the book of 1 Chronicles. The name is included in a list of individuals, identifying **Hoshama** alongside Malchiram, Pedaiah, Shenazar, Jecamiah, and Nedabiah [[1 Chronicles 3:18]]. The context is strictly a lineage list, and no further actions or details about the person named **Hoshama** are provided in the text.
### Related Words & Concepts
Several other names are mentioned in the same list as Hoshama, providing context for the lineage being recorded:
* `{{H4443}}` **Malkîyrâm** (king of a high one (i.e. of exaltation); Malkiram): An individual named Malchiram who appears in the same verse [[1 Chronicles 3:18]].
* `{{H6305}}` **Pᵉdâyâh** (Jah has ransomed; Pedajah): The name Pedaiah, also listed alongside Hoshama [[1 Chronicles 3:18]].
* `{{H8137}}` **Shenʼatstsar** (apparently of Babylonian origin; Shenatstsar): Shenazar is another individual included in this genealogical record [[1 Chronicles 3:18]].
* `{{H3359}}` **Yᵉqamyâh** (Jah will rise; Jekamjah): The name Jecamiah, mentioned in the same list as Hoshama [[1 Chronicles 3:18]].
* `{{H5072}}` **Nᵉdabyâh** (largess of Jah; Nedabjah): An Israelite named Nedabiah, whose name appears in the verse [[1 Chronicles 3:18]].
### Theological Significance
The theological weight of `{{H1953}}` is derived entirely from its definition.
* **Divine Attentiveness:** The meaning "Jehovah has heard" is a direct statement about the character of God, portraying Him as one who listens to His people.
* **A Declaration of Faith:** The name itself functions as a personal or parental declaration of faith, acknowledging a past or hoped-for instance of God's intervention.
* **A Memorial in Lineage:** Though appearing only in a genealogy, the name Hoshama embeds this theological concept within the historical record of Israel, serving as a reminder of God's relationship with His people.
### Summary
In summary, **Hôshâmâʻ** `{{H1953}}` is a name whose significance lies in its meaning rather than its frequency. Found only once in a list of names in 1 Chronicles, it identifies an Israelite. However, its definition, "Jehovah has heard," encapsulates a foundational element of Israelite faith: the belief in a personal and attentive God who hears. The name itself is a testament to this conviction.
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