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.
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.
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.
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.
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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