### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word **Hôwshaʻyâh**, represented by `{{H1955}}`, is a proper name meaning **Jah has saved**. It appears 3 times across 3 unique verses in the Bible. The name itself is a declaration of faith, identifying two different Israelite men mentioned in scripture.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In the biblical narrative, `{{H1955}}` first identifies the father of two men who confronted the prophet Jeremiah. One son, Jezaniah, is listed among the captains of the forces who approached Jeremiah [[Jeremiah 42:1]]. Another son, Azariah, is named as one of the "proud men" who accused Jeremiah of speaking falsely when he delivered the Lord's command not to go into Egypt [[Jeremiah 43:2]]. In a separate context, a man named Hoshaiah is identified as one of the princes of Judah who participated in a procession after the rebuilding of Jerusalem's walls [[Nehemiah 12:32]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several individuals are mentioned in direct connection with Hoshaiah and his sons:
* `{{H5838}}` **ʻĂzaryâh** (Jah has helped; Azarjah, the name of nineteen Israelites; Azariah): Identified as the son of Hoshaiah, he openly accuses Jeremiah of falsehood on behalf of a group of proud men [[Jeremiah 43:2]].
* `{{H3153}}` **Yᵉzanyâh** (probably for יַאֲזַנְיָה; Jezanjah, an Israelite; Jezaniah): He is also a son of Hoshaiah and is listed as one of the captains of the forces in the same narrative [[Jeremiah 42:1]].
* `{{H3110}}` **Yôwchânân** (a form of יְהוֹחָנָן; Jochanan, the name of nine Israelites; Johanan): A prominent military captain who is present with the sons of Hoshaiah during the interactions with Jeremiah and ultimately disobeyed the Lord's command ([[Jeremiah 42:1]], [[Jeremiah 43:4]]).
### Theological Significance
The significance of `{{H1955}}` is primarily found in its meaning and the context of the individuals who bear the name.
* **A Name of Faith:** The name "Jah has saved" is a theophoric name, one that incorporates the name of God (`Yâh`). It serves as a personal or ancestral statement of trust in God's saving power.
* **Narrative Contrast:** In the book of Jeremiah, there is a stark contrast between the faith expressed in the name Hoshaiah and the defiant actions of his son, Azariah, who is explicitly described as a "proud" man opposing God's prophet [[Jeremiah 43:2]].
* **Leadership in Judah:** The Hoshaiah mentioned in the book of Nehemiah holds a position of leadership as a "prince of Judah," taking part in the significant events of his time [[Nehemiah 12:32]].
### Summary
In summary, `{{H1955}}` is the proper name Hoshaiah, meaning "Jah has saved." While it appears only three times, it represents two distinct individuals: one, a leader during the time of Nehemiah, and the other, the father of men who, despite their heritage, stood in opposition to the prophet Jeremiah. The name itself is a powerful testament to faith in God's deliverance, a theme that stands in contrast to the disobedient context in which it sometimes appears.
TRV