from יָדַע; knowing; Jaddua, the name of two Israelites; Jaddua.
Transliteration:Yaddûwaʻ
Pronunciation:yad-doo'-ah
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word `{{H3037}}` (Yaddûwaʻ) is a proper noun, a personal name, derived from the root `{{H3045}}` (yadaʻ), which means "to know," "to perceive," "to experience," or "to discern." As a passive participle or an adjectival form of this root, `{{H3037}}` carries the core meaning of "knowing," "known," or "one who knows/is known." This etymology suggests a character trait or a divine recognition associated with the individual bearing the name. The semantic range, therefore, extends beyond mere intellectual apprehension to encompass a deeper, possibly experiential or relational knowledge, mirroring the rich meaning of its root verb.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The name `{{H3037}}` (Jaddua) appears in the biblical text referring to two distinct individuals:
1. **Jaddua, a chief of the people:** Mentioned in [[Nehemiah 10:21]] as one of the heads of the people who sealed the covenant alongside Nehemiah and the priests and Levites. This covenant renewal was a pivotal moment in post-exilic Judah, signifying a recommitment to God's law and the restoration of communal life. Jaddua's inclusion among those who sealed the document indicates his standing and leadership within the community, suggesting he was a man of known integrity or wisdom.
2. **Jaddua, the High Priest:** This Jaddua is referenced in [[Nehemiah 12:11]] as the son of Jonathan (or Johanan) and the father of Onias. He is further mentioned in [[Nehemiah 12:22]] as the high priest during the reign of Darius the Persian. This places him historically at the very end of the Old Testament period, making him the last high priest explicitly named in the biblical narrative. His position as high priest implies a profound responsibility for knowing and upholding the Law, interceding for the people, and maintaining the purity of worship. The name "Jaddua" — "knowing" or "one who knows" — would be particularly fitting for such a figure, emphasizing the deep knowledge of God's ways required for his sacred office. While extra-biblical sources (like Josephus) connect this Jaddua to Alexander the Great, the biblical text itself concludes with his mention, marking a significant transition point in the historical record of Israel's leadership.
### Related Words & Concepts
The primary related word to `{{H3037}}` is its root, `{{H3045}}` (yadaʻ). This verb is foundational to understanding many aspects of biblical theology, encompassing a wide array of "knowing":
* **Intellectual Knowledge:** Understanding facts, laws, or divine commands (e.g., [[Deuteronomy 4:39]]).
* **Experiential Knowledge:** Knowing through personal experience, often implying intimacy or relationship (e.g., [[Genesis 4:1]] for sexual union; [[Amos 3:2]] for God's unique knowledge of Israel).
* **Discernment and Wisdom:** The ability to distinguish between good and evil, truth and falsehood (e.g., [[1 Kings 3:9]]).
* **Recognition and Acknowledgment:** To acknowledge or confess (e.g., [[Isaiah 1:3]]).
* **Divine Knowledge:** God's perfect and comprehensive knowledge of all things, including the hearts of humanity (e.g., [[Psalm 139:1-6]]).
The name Jaddua, therefore, places its bearer within this rich semantic field of "knowing." It implicitly connects to the concept of wisdom (`{{H2451}}`) and understanding (`{{H998}}`), particularly as these relate to covenant fidelity and divine revelation. The high priest Jaddua, in particular, would have been seen as a keeper of this sacred knowledge.
### Theological Significance
The name `{{H3037}}` (Jaddua), meaning "knowing" or "one who knows," carries significant theological weight, especially in the context of the high priesthood.
1. **Knowledge as a Prerequisite for Leadership:** For the high priest, "knowing" was not merely intellectual assent but a profound, experiential understanding of God's Law and His character. This knowledge enabled him to discern God's will, administer justice, and perform the sacred rituals correctly. Jaddua's name underscores the vital role of spiritual and theological knowledge for those in positions of spiritual authority.
2. **Covenantal Knowledge:** The act of "knowing" God in the Old Testament is deeply tied to the covenant relationship. To "know the Lord" (`{{H3045}}` YHWH) implies loyalty, obedience, and intimate communion. Jaddua, both as a covenant sealer and as high priest, would have been expected to embody this covenantal knowledge, guiding the people in their relationship with God.
3. **Divine Recognition:** The meaning "one who is known" could also suggest that Jaddua was known by God, implying divine favor or election. This resonates with biblical passages where God declares He "knows" His people (e.g., [[Psalm 1:6]], [[Jeremiah 1:5]]).
4. **A Bridge to the Future:** As the last high priest mentioned in the Old Testament, Jaddua stands at a historical threshold. His name, "knowing," could symbolically represent the culmination of the revealed knowledge of God's ways up to that point, preparing the way for future revelations and the coming of the Messiah, who is the ultimate embodiment of divine knowledge and wisdom (`{{G1108}}`, `{{G4678}}`).
### Summary
`{{H3037}}` (Yaddûwaʻ), transliterated as Jaddua, is a Hebrew proper noun meaning "knowing" or "one who knows," derived from the fundamental verb `{{H3045}}` (yadaʻ). The biblical text identifies two individuals by this name: a chief who sealed the covenant in Nehemiah's time and, most significantly, the last high priest named in the Old Testament narrative. The name's etymology highlights the crucial biblical concept of "knowledge," which encompasses intellectual understanding, deep experiential intimacy, and divine recognition. For the high priest Jaddua, his name fittingly underscored the profound knowledge of God's law, covenant, and character required for his sacred office. Theologically, Jaddua's name points to the importance of wisdom, discernment, and the covenantal relationship with God, marking a significant point in the unfolding history of God's people as they awaited further divine revelation.
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