### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew term `{{H3036}}` (Yâdôwn) is a proper noun, a personal name, derived directly from the verb `{{H3034}}` (yādāh). The root `{{H3034}}` carries a rich semantic range encompassing "to praise," "to give thanks," and "to confess" (often in the sense of acknowledging or throwing forth praise/confession). Therefore, Yâdôwn inherently signifies "thankful," "one who gives thanks," or "one who praises." As a personal name, it likely reflects either a characteristic of the individual, a hope or prayer of the parents, or a prophetic declaration concerning the person's life or role. The core meaning is deeply rooted in the concept of expressing gratitude and adoration, particularly towards God.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The name `{{H3036}}` (Yâdôwn) appears only once in the biblical text, specifically in the book of Nehemiah:
* [[Nehemiah 3:7]]: "Next to them repaired Melatiah the Gibeonite, and Jadon the Meronothite, the men of Gibeon, and of Mizpah, unto the throne of the governor on this side the river."
In this passage, Jadon is identified as "the Meronothite," indicating his geographical origin. He is listed among the numerous individuals who actively participated in the crucial work of rebuilding the wall of Jerusalem under the leadership of Nehemiah. The context is one of communal effort, dedication, and restoration after the Babylonian exile. While the text provides no further biographical details about Jadon, his inclusion in this list signifies his personal involvement in a divinely ordained and historically significant task. His name, "thankful," may subtly underscore the spirit of gratitude and willing service that characterized those who contributed to the rebuilding, viewing it as an act of devotion and thanksgiving to God for His faithfulness.
### Related Words & Concepts
The primary lexical connection for `{{H3036}}` is its root verb, `{{H3034}}` (yādāh). This verb is foundational to understanding the concept of praise and thanksgiving in the Old Testament. From `{{H3034}}`, other significant terms and concepts emerge:
* `{{H8426}}` (tôdāh): This noun, often translated as "thanksgiving," "thank offering," or "praise," is directly related to `{{H3034}}` and frequently appears in contexts of worship and sacrifice, signifying a public expression of gratitude.
* The broader semantic field includes other Hebrew verbs for praise, such as `{{H1984}}` (hālal, "to praise, to boast"), `{{H7623}}` (shābaḥ, "to praise, to laud"), and `{{H2167}}` (zāmar, "to sing praise, to make music"). While distinct, these terms collectively articulate the diverse ways in which praise and thanksgiving are expressed in the Israelite tradition.
* Concepts of confession, acknowledgment, and surrender are also implicitly linked, as `{{H3034}}` can also mean "to confess" sins or "to acknowledge" God's righteous judgments. This suggests that true thanksgiving often involves a humble recognition of one's own state before a holy God.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of `{{H3036}}` (Yâdôwn) is primarily derived from the profound importance of its root, `{{H3034}}` (yādāh), in biblical theology. The name "Jadon" serves as a microcosm of the biblical emphasis on thanksgiving and praise as fundamental responses to God.
1. **Response to Divine Faithfulness:** The act of rebuilding the wall in Nehemiah's time was a testament to God's faithfulness in restoring His people. Jadon's name, "thankful," aligns perfectly with the appropriate human response to such divine grace and provision. It suggests that participation in God's redemptive work should be motivated by a spirit of gratitude.
2. **Essence of Worship:** Praise and thanksgiving are core components of biblical worship. To be "thankful" (Yâdôwn) is to embody a posture of heart that is pleasing to God. The very act of giving thanks acknowledges God's sovereignty, goodness, and active involvement in human affairs.
3. **Prophetic Naming:** While speculative, the name could also be seen as a subtle prophetic statement. A people who are "thankful" (represented by Jadon) are those who will experience God's blessing and participate in His restoration. It underscores the idea that character, often reflected in names, matters in God's economy.
4. **Humble Service:** Jadon's role in the rebuilding, though not elaborated upon, highlights that even seemingly ordinary individuals, whose names carry deep meaning, contribute significantly to God's purposes. His "thankful" spirit would have been essential for the arduous and often dangerous work.
### Summary
`{{H3036}}` (Yâdôwn) is a Hebrew proper noun meaning "thankful" or "one who gives thanks," directly derived from the verb `{{H3034}}` (yādāh), "to praise, to give thanks, to confess." Its sole biblical occurrence is in [[Nehemiah 3:7]], where Jadon the Meronothite is listed as one of the individuals who participated in the rebuilding of Jerusalem's wall. Though briefly mentioned, his name carries significant theological weight, embodying the biblical emphasis on thanksgiving and praise as essential responses to God's faithfulness and as integral components of worship and devoted service. The name serves as a subtle reminder that a spirit of gratitude is foundational to participating in God's redemptive work and acknowledging His sovereignty.
TRV