### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew lemma `{{H3035}}` (Yiddôw) is a masculine proper noun, a personal name. Its base definition indicates derivation from the verb `{{H3034}}` (yādâ), which primarily signifies "to praise," "to give thanks," or "to confess." Consequently, the name `{{H3035}}` carries the meaning "Praised" or "He is Praised." As a proper noun, its semantic range is inherently limited to the individuals who bore this name, with its significance residing in the etymological root of praise. This etymology suggests a character trait, a parental hope, or a divine acknowledgment associated with the individual.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The name `{{H3035}}` appears in the Old Testament referring to several distinct individuals, highlighting its recurrence within different periods of Israelite history:
1. **Iddo the Prophet/Seer:** This is arguably the most prominent figure bearing the name. He is mentioned as a contemporary of King Solomon and Rehoboam, whose prophetic writings served as historical sources:
* [[2 Chronicles 9:29]]: "Now the rest of the acts of Solomon, from first to last, are they not written in the book of Nathan the prophet, and in the prophecy of Ahijah the Shilonite, and in the visions of Iddo the seer concerning Jeroboam the son of Nebat?"
* [[2 Chronicles 12:15]]: "Now the acts of Rehoboam, from first to last, are they not written in the chronicles of Shemaiah the prophet and Iddo the seer, in the genealogies?"
* [[2 Chronicles 13:22]]: "The rest of the acts of Abijah, and his ways and his sayings, are written in the annals of the prophet Iddo."
Iddo's inclusion among significant prophets and seers whose writings were consulted for historical records underscores his recognized authority and divine inspiration. His work contributed to the prophetic tradition and the historical record of the kings of Judah and Israel.
2. **Iddo, Father of Zechariah (a Manassite Prince):**
* [[1 Chronicles 27:21]]: "of Manasseh, Iddo the son of Zechariah; of Gilead, Joah the son of Pedaiah." (Note: The Hebrew text here reads "Iddo the son of Zechariah," which differs from some English translations that might reverse the order. The Masoretic Text reads יִדּוֹ בֶן־זְכַרְיָה, "Iddo son of Zechariah," indicating Iddo is the father of Zechariah, or Zechariah is from the house of Iddo. However, the context of the list is a census of tribal leaders, where it states "of Manasseh, Iddo the son of Zechariah" referring to a leader. Some interpret this as Zechariah son of Iddo. Given the nature of this list, it's more likely Zechariah is the leader and Iddo his father. This is a point of minor textual ambiguity in translation.) This Iddo lived during the time of King David.
3. **Iddo, the Head of a Priestly House:**
* [[Nehemiah 12:4]]: "Shemaiah, Amariah, Malluch, Hattush, Shecaniah, Rehum, Meremoth, Iddo, Ginnethoi, Abijah..." This lists heads of priestly houses who returned with Zerubbabel.
* [[Nehemiah 12:16]]: "of Iddo, Zechariah; of Ginnethon, Meshullam;" This verse lists the heads of the priestly houses in the days of Joiakim, indicating Zechariah was the head of the house of Iddo. This Iddo was a priest in the post-exilic period.
4. **Iddo, Chief at Casiphia:**
* [[Ezra 8:17]]: "And I sent them to Iddo, the chief at the place Casiphia, and I told them what to say to Iddo and his relatives, the temple servants in Casiphia, that they should bring us ministers for the house of our God." This Iddo was a significant figure among the temple servants (Netinim) in exile, playing a crucial role in providing personnel for the rebuilt temple in Jerusalem.
The presence of multiple individuals named Iddo across different eras suggests that "Praised" was a favored or meaningful name within Israelite society, perhaps reflecting a common aspiration or a family's theological conviction.
### Related Words & Concepts
The primary related word is the verbal root `{{H3034}}` (yādâ), from which `{{H3035}}` is derived. This root is fundamental to understanding the name's depth. `{{H3034}}` encompasses a rich semantic field:
* **Praise/Thanksgiving:** Often used in the context of praising God for His mighty acts, steadfast love, and faithfulness (e.g., [[Psalm 7:17]], [[Psalm 107:15]]). It signifies an outward expression of gratitude and adoration.
* **Confession:** Can also mean to confess sins or acknowledge God's justice (e.g., [[Leviticus 5:5]], [[Nehemiah 9:2]]). This aspect of "confession" is also an act of acknowledging truth, which can lead to praise for God's mercy.
The name `{{H3035}}` thus connects directly to the core Israelite practices of worship and acknowledgement of God. Bearing a name meaning "Praised" could signify that the individual was:
* **Praised by God:** Blessed or favored by the Almighty.
* **Praised by Men:** Held in high esteem within their community, as seen with Iddo the prophet.
* **One who Praises:** A life dedicated to offering praise and thanksgiving to God.
The concept of a name reflecting character or destiny is a significant biblical theme (e.g., Abraham, Jacob/Israel). For Iddo, the name resonates with a life that either received praise or was dedicated to the act of praising God.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of `{{H3035}}` (Iddo, "Praised") is multifaceted, touching upon themes of divine recognition, human worship, and the role of individuals in God's plan.
Firstly, the name implicitly points to the **object of praise**. While the name means "he is praised," the ultimate recipient of all true praise in the biblical worldview is God. Thus, an individual named Iddo could be seen as one through whom God is praised, or one whose life itself is a testament to God's praiseworthy character. The prophet Iddo, in particular, would have delivered messages that called for praise to God, or that revealed God's praiseworthy attributes and actions. His very existence as a prophet, divinely chosen to speak for God, suggests a life acknowledged and "praised" by God Himself.
Secondly, the name emphasizes the **importance of praise in the life of faith**. The act of *yādâ* (`{{H3034}}`) is central to Israelite worship and personal devotion. It is an expression of gratitude, awe, and submission to God. For individuals to bear a name meaning "Praised" could serve as a constant reminder of this fundamental spiritual duty and privilege. It reflects a culture that valued and understood the power and necessity of praise.
Thirdly, the name can signify **divine favor or human esteem**. The Iddo mentioned in [[Ezra 8:17]] as the chief at Casiphia, entrusted with a vital mission by Ezra, was clearly a man of recognized authority and trustworthiness, suggesting he was "praised" or respected by his community and by Ezra. Similarly, the prophet Iddo's writings being recorded and referenced ([[2 Chronicles 9:29]], [[2 Chronicles 12:15]], [[2 Chronicles 13:22]]) indicates his high standing and the enduring impact of his prophetic ministry, a form of historical praise.
In essence, the name `{{H3035}}` serves as a microcosm of the biblical emphasis on praise: praise directed *to* God, praise *from* God (in the form of favor or blessing), and praise *among* men for those who fulfill their divine calling.
### Summary
`{{H3035}}` (Yiddôw), transliterated as Iddo, is a Hebrew proper noun meaning "Praised" or "He is Praised," derived from the verb `{{H3034}}` (yādâ), "to praise, give thanks, confess." This name was borne by several significant individuals in the Old Testament, including a prophet whose visions and annals contributed to the historical record of the kings of Judah and Israel ([[2 Chronicles 9:29]], [[2 Chronicles 12:15]], [[2 Chronicles 13:22]]), a chief of temple servants during the return from exile ([[Ezra 8:17]]), and a head of a priestly house in the post-exilic period ([[Nehemiah 12:4]], [[Nehemiah 12:16]]). The recurrence of this name underscores the deep cultural and theological significance of "praise" within ancient Israel. The name Iddo points both to the individual who is esteemed and, more profoundly, to the ultimate recipient of all praise, the Almighty God. It serves as a reminder of the centrality of worship and thanksgiving in the life of faith, reflecting either a life dedicated to praising God or a life that God Himself has honored and blessed.
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