יִדּוֹ

Core Meaning & Semantic Range

The Hebrew word Yiddôw, represented by H3035, is a proper name meaning praised. It appears 2 times across 2 unique verses in the Bible, where it is translated as Iddo or Jadau and used to identify specific Israelite men.

Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis

In the biblical narrative, H3035 appears in two distinct historical contexts. The first instance identifies a leader within Israel's tribal structure, where Iddo is named as the chief officer for the half-tribe of Manasseh in Gilead 1 Chronicles 27:21. The second mention occurs in a list of men who had taken foreign wives during the time of Ezra; in this verse, the name appears as Jadau and is included among the sons of Nebo who participated in the covenant to separate from them Ezra 10:43.

Related Words & Concepts

Several related words help establish the context and identity of the individuals named Iddo:

• H1121 bên (a son): This word establishes lineage and is used to identify Iddo as "the son of Zechariah" 1 Chronicles 27:21. It is a foundational term for generational identity and responsibility, as seen in the command to teach God's laws to "thy sons, and thy sons' sons" Deuteronomy 4:9.
• H2148 Zᵉkaryâh (Jah has remembered; Zecarjah, the name of twenty-nine Israelites; Zachariah, Zechariah): This is the name of Iddo's father 1 Chronicles 27:21. The name Zechariah is associated with individuals in significant spiritual roles, such as the priest upon whom the Spirit of God came 2 Chronicles 24:20.

Theological Significance

The significance of H3035 is tied to the roles of the individuals who carried the name.

• Administrative Leadership: The mention of Iddo in 1 Chronicles highlights his position of authority within the tribal system of Israel, representing the organized civil structure of the nation 1 Chronicles 27:21.
• Covenantal Faithfulness: The appearance of the name as Jadau in the book of Ezra places the individual within a crucial moment of national repentance and rededication to God's law, demonstrating personal accountability within the covenant community Ezra 10:43.

Summary

In summary, while H3035 is a rare name in the Old Testament, its two occurrences point to individuals participating in the civic and religious life of Israel. From a tribal leader named Iddo to a man named Jadau involved in Ezra's reforms, the name is connected to themes of leadership, order, and covenantal responsibility.