from יָדָה and יָהּ; praised of Jah; Jedajah, the name of two Israelites; Jedaiah.
Transliteration:Yᵉdâyâh
Pronunciation:yed-aw-yaw'
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew name Yᵉdâyâh (`{{H3042}}`) is a theophoric name derived from two components: the verb יָדָה (yadah, `{{H3034}}`) and the shortened form of the divine name יָהּ (Yah, `{{H3050}}`), an abbreviation of Yahweh. The root verb יָדָה (yadah) primarily signifies "to throw" or "to cast," but in its Hiphil stem, it carries the meaning "to praise," "to give thanks," or "to confess." Therefore, Yᵉdâyâh is most commonly understood as "Praised of Jah" or "Yahweh has praised." This interpretation suggests either that the individual is the recipient of divine praise or favor, or that the individual is one who offers praise to Yahweh. The passive sense, "praised of Jah," is generally preferred in scholarly interpretations of the name's meaning.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The name Yᵉdâyâh (`{{H3042}}`) appears in several contexts within the Old Testament, referring to at least two distinct individuals or families:
1. **Jedaiah the Simeonite:** Mentioned in the genealogies of [[1 Chronicles 4:37]]. He is listed as a descendant of Shimri, belonging to the tribe of Simeon. The text provides no further details about his life or actions, placing him within the lineage of those who expanded their territory.
2. **Jedaiah, a Priestly Family/Individual:** This is the more prominent occurrence, referring to a priestly line that returned from Babylonian exile and played a significant role in the post-exilic community.
* **Return from Exile:** The descendants of Jedaiah are listed among the priests who returned with Zerubbabel and Jeshua ([[Nehemiah 7:39]], [[Nehemiah 12:6]], [[Nehemiah 12:19]]). They are identified as one of the twenty-four courses of priests established by David.
* **Covenant Signatories:** A representative of the Jedaiah family, possibly an individual named Jedaiah, signed the covenant of faithfulness with Nehemiah and the people of Israel ([[Nehemiah 10:21]]). This indicates their commitment to upholding the Law and rebuilding the nation.
* **Rebuilding the Wall:** A Jedaiah, son of Harumaph, is noted as one of the repairers of the Jerusalem wall during Nehemiah's time ([[Nehemiah 3:10]]), suggesting active participation and leadership in the restoration efforts.
* **Prophetic Context:** In Zechariah, Jedaiah is mentioned among those who brought silver and gold to Zechariah for the crowning of Jeshua the high priest, symbolizing the coming Branch ([[Zechariah 6:10]], [[Zechariah 6:14]]). This highlights their involvement in the spiritual and physical restoration of the temple and the messianic hope.
The recurring presence of the priestly Jedaiahs underscores their importance in the re-establishment of temple worship and the covenant community after the exile. Their name, "Praised of Jah," could reflect their devotion to God and their role in leading the people in praise and worship, or it could signify God's favor and blessing upon their lineage and service.
### Related Words & Concepts
The primary related word is the verbal root יָדָה (yadah, `{{H3034}}`), from which Yᵉdâyâh is derived. This root is fundamental to understanding the concept of praise, thanksgiving, and confession in the Old Testament. It often appears in contexts of corporate worship, individual lament, and expressions of gratitude for divine deliverance.
Other related concepts include:
* **Theophoric Names:** Names incorporating divine elements (like "Yah" or "El") were common in ancient Israel, serving as declarations of faith, theological statements, or prayers. Yᵉdâyâh exemplifies this tradition, linking the individual directly to God's character or action.
* **Praise (תּוֹדָה, todah):** The noun form of the Hiphil of יָדָה, meaning "thanksgiving offering" or "hymn of praise," underscores the central role of praise in Israelite worship.
* **Covenant Faithfulness:** The participation of the priestly Jedaiahs in signing the covenant and rebuilding the wall demonstrates their commitment to the covenant relationship with Yahweh.
* **Restoration:** The return from exile and the rebuilding efforts are central themes in the books of Ezra, Nehemiah, and Zechariah, in which the Jedaiah family plays an active part.
### Theological Significance
The name Yᵉdâyâh carries significant theological weight, particularly in its primary meaning "Praised of Jah."
* **God as the Object of Praise:** The name inherently points to Yahweh as the one worthy of all praise and adoration. It serves as a constant reminder of God's sovereignty, goodness, and faithfulness, which evoke praise from His people.
* **God's Initiative in Praise:** If interpreted as "Yahweh has praised" or "Yahweh has honored," the name highlights God's active role in bestowing favor, blessing, or even commendation upon His chosen servants. This underscores divine election and empowerment for service.
* **Identity Rooted in Worship:** For the priestly family of Jedaiah, their name would have served as a profound reminder of their vocation: to lead Israel in the praise of Yahweh. Their very identity was intertwined with the act of worship, reflecting the core purpose of the Levitical priesthood. Their involvement in rebuilding the temple and the city walls can be seen as an extension of their worship—a practical act of devotion to the God whom they praised.
* **Enduring Legacy of Faith:** The presence of the name across generations, particularly within a significant priestly lineage, speaks to the enduring nature of faith and the transmission of spiritual heritage. The name itself becomes a testament to the faithfulness of God and the faithful response of His people.
### Summary
Yᵉdâyâh (`{{H3042}}`) is a Hebrew proper name meaning "Praised of Jah" or "Yahweh has praised," derived from the verb יָדָה (yadah, `{{H3034}}`) "to praise" and the divine name יָהּ (Yah, `{{H3050}}`). Biblically, it identifies a Simeonite in [[1 Chronicles 4:37]] and, more prominently, a significant priestly family. This priestly line returned from Babylonian exile, played a crucial role in the post-exilic restoration by signing the covenant ([[Nehemiah 10:21]]), participating in the rebuilding of Jerusalem's walls ([[Nehemiah 3:10]]), and being mentioned in prophetic contexts related to the temple's restoration ([[Zechariah 6:10]], [[Zechariah 6:14]]). The name's theological significance lies in its declaration of God's praiseworthiness, His active role in honoring His servants, and the centrality of worship and covenant faithfulness in the life of Israel, particularly through the priestly ministry.
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