from יָדַע and אֵל; knowing God; Jediael, the name of three Israelites; Jediael.
Transliteration:Yᵉdîyʻăʼêl
Pronunciation:yed-ee-ah-ale'
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew name Yᵉdîyʻăʼêl (`{{H3043}}`) is a compound word derived from two significant roots: יָדַע (yada', `{{H3045}}`) and אֵל (El, `{{H410}}`). The root יָדַע carries a rich semantic range in Hebrew, encompassing not merely intellectual apprehension but a deep, experiential, and often intimate knowledge. It can denote recognition, discernment, understanding, and even personal relationship, as seen in its use for conjugal knowledge ([[Genesis 4:1]]). אֵל refers to God, the mighty one, a common designation for the divine.
Given these components, Yᵉdîyʻăʼêl can be interpreted in several profound ways:
1. **"Knowing God"**: This interpretation emphasizes the individual's active pursuit and possession of knowledge concerning God. It suggests a person who has a personal, experiential understanding of the divine will and character. This is the primary rendering provided by the Strong's definition.
2. **"God Knows"**: Here, God is the subject, and the individual is the object of God's knowledge. This points to God's omniscience and His intimate, personal knowledge of individuals, including His foreknowledge and providential care.
3. **"Known of God"**: This passive interpretation suggests that the individual is recognized, acknowledged, or chosen by God. It highlights divine favor and election.
While all three interpretations hold theological weight, the common understanding and the context of personal names in the Bible often lean towards the active "one who knows God," implying a character trait or spiritual disposition.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The name Yᵉdîyʻăʼêl (Jediael) appears in the Old Testament as the name of three distinct Israelites, primarily within the genealogical and historical records of 1 Chronicles. Each occurrence provides a glimpse into the character and role of the individual, consistent with the name's inherent meaning.
1. **Jediael, Son of Benjamin**: He is listed as a son of Benjamin and a mighty man of valor, a head of a family, with numerous sons and mighty men under his command ([[1 Chronicles 7:6]], [[1 Chronicles 7:10-11]]). His description as a "mighty man of valor" (גִּבּוֹר חַיִל, gibbor chayil) suggests not only physical prowess but also moral strength, leadership, and courage. Such attributes would naturally flow from a deep "knowing God" – a reliance on divine strength and wisdom in leadership and warfare. His descendants are also noted for their military strength.
2. **Jediael, the Shimrite**: He is counted among David's mighty men, a select group of elite warriors renowned for their loyalty and bravery ([[1 Chronicles 11:45]]). Being part of this esteemed company implies exceptional skill and dedication. For a warrior, "knowing God" would involve trusting in divine deliverance, seeking God's guidance in battle, and fighting with a sense of divine purpose. This Jediael's inclusion among David's heroes reinforces the idea of his character being shaped by his relationship with God.
3. **Jediael, a Doorkeeper**: He is identified as a son of Meshelemiah, one of the doorkeepers of the tabernacle/temple, specifically for the south gate ([[1 Chronicles 26:2]]). The role of a doorkeeper was one of responsibility, requiring faithfulness, vigilance, and devotion to the sacred space and its service. This context underscores "knowing God" not only in terms of strength and leadership but also in terms of humble, dedicated service within the religious sphere. It speaks to a practical, obedient knowledge of God's requirements for worship and order.
Across these occurrences, the name Yᵉdîyʻăʼêl consistently identifies individuals holding positions of responsibility, strength, or dedicated service, roles that inherently demand or reflect a profound relationship with the divine.
### Related Words & Concepts
The primary root יָדַע (yada', `{{H3045}}`) is central to understanding Yᵉdîyʻăʼêl. This verb's versatility in Hebrew highlights different facets of "knowing":
* **Intellectual Knowledge**: To understand facts or information.
* **Experiential Knowledge**: To have personal experience of something or someone ([[Genesis 4:1]], [[Exodus 1:8]]). This is crucial for understanding the biblical concept of knowing God.
* **Relational Knowledge**: To have a deep, intimate relationship with someone, implying covenant fidelity and mutual recognition ([[Jeremiah 24:7]], [[Hosea 6:6]]).
* **Discernment/Wisdom**: To distinguish between good and evil, truth and falsehood ([[Isaiah 7:15]]).
* **Divine Foreknowledge**: God's knowledge of future events or individuals ([[Amos 3:2]], [[Psalm 139:1-6]]).
The component אֵל (El, `{{H410}}`) is a generic term for God or a mighty one, often used in compound names (e.g., Samuel, Daniel, Ezekiel, Israel). Its presence signifies that the knowledge or the knowing is specifically directed towards or originates from God.
Concepts related to Yᵉdîyʻăʼêl include:
* **Knowledge of God**: This is a foundational theological theme throughout the Bible. It is not mere intellectual assent but a transformative relationship that leads to obedience, trust, and worship ([[Jeremiah 9:23-24]], [[John 17:3]]).
* **Covenant Relationship**: Knowing God is inextricably linked to being in covenant with Him. It implies living in accordance with His commands and experiencing His faithfulness.
* **Divine Sovereignty and Omniscience**: If interpreted as "God Knows," the name points to God's absolute knowledge of all things, including the hearts and paths of individuals.
### Theological Significance
The name Yᵉdîyʻăʼêl carries significant theological weight, reflecting core biblical truths about the nature of God and humanity's relationship with Him.
1. **The Nature of True Knowledge of God**: Yᵉdîyʻăʼêl, particularly in the sense of "knowing God," underscores that authentic knowledge of the divine transcends mere intellectual understanding. It is an experiential, relational, and transformative knowledge that impacts one's character, choices, and actions. The individuals bearing this name, whether mighty warriors or faithful doorkeepers, embody a life lived in active relationship with God, where their strength, leadership, or service are rooted in this deep knowing.
2. **God's Intimate Knowledge and Care**: If interpreted as "God Knows" or "Known of God," the name points to the profound truth of God's omniscience and His personal, intimate knowledge of His people. This concept offers immense comfort and assurance, as it implies God's constant awareness, providential care, and unwavering faithfulness towards those He has known and chosen. It speaks to a God who is not distant but intimately involved in the lives of His creation.
3. **The Ideal of the God-Fearing Individual**: The contexts in which Jediael appears (military leaders, temple servants) suggest an ideal of the Israelite who lives in active relationship with God. Such a person is characterized by strength, integrity, faithfulness, and a willingness to serve. The name itself becomes a theological statement about the character and spiritual disposition expected of those who truly "know God" or are "known by God" within the covenant community.
4. **Contrast with Ignorance of God**: The significance of "knowing God" is amplified when contrasted with biblical warnings against those who "do not know God" ([[1 Samuel 2:12]], [[Jeremiah 4:22]], [[Romans 1:28]]). Such ignorance leads to moral decay, rebellion, and judgment. Thus, Yᵉdîyʻăʼêl stands as a testament to the life-giving and character-shaping power of a genuine relationship with the Creator.
### Summary
Yᵉdîyʻăʼêl (`{{H3043}}`) is a Hebrew personal name meaning primarily "Knowing God," though it can also be understood as "God Knows" or "Known of God." Derived from יָדַע (yada', `{{H3045}}`), signifying deep, experiential knowledge, and אֵל (El, `{{H410}}`), referring to God, the name encapsulates a profound theological concept. Biblical occurrences reveal individuals named Jediael in roles of strength, leadership, and dedicated service—a son of Benjamin and mighty man ([[1 Chronicles 7:6]]), one of David's elite warriors ([[1 Chronicles 11:45]]), and a faithful doorkeeper in the temple ([[1 Chronicles 26:2]]). These contexts consistently align with the name's meaning, suggesting individuals whose lives were characterized by a deep, active relationship with the divine. The name's theological significance lies in its emphasis on the transformative nature of true, experiential knowledge of God, God's intimate omniscience and care for His people, and the ideal character of one devoted to the Lord. It serves as a powerful reminder of the vital importance of a personal, covenantal relationship with the Creator.
TRV