### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew name **Yᵉdaʻyâh**, represented by `{{H3048}}`, means **Jah has known**. This name appears **11 times** across **11 unique verses** in the Bible and is associated with at least two Israelites. It signifies a person known by God, a theme that aligns with the roles these individuals play in the biblical narrative, particularly during the restoration of Israel after the exile.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In the biblical narrative, `{{H3048}}` is primarily used to identify a **priest** `{{H3548}}` and the head of a priestly family. In the organization of temple service, the second `{{H8145}}` lot `{{H1486}}` for the priestly courses came forth `{{H3318}}` to Jedaiah [[1 Chronicles 24:7]]. He is repeatedly listed among the priests who returned to Jerusalem after the Babylonian captivity ([[1 Chronicles 9:10]]; [[Nehemiah 11:10]]). The "children of Jedaiah," from the house `{{H1004}}` of Jeshua `{{H3442}}`, comprised a significant group of nine `{{H8672}}` hundred `{{H3967}}` seventy `{{H7657}}` and three `{{H7969}}` returning priests ([[Ezra 2:36]]; [[Nehemiah 7:39]]). Jedaiah is also named as one of the exiles from Babylon `{{H894}}` who was part of a prophetic act involving crowns `{{H5850}}` for a memorial `{{H2146}}` in the temple `{{H1964}}` ([[Zechariah 6:10]], [[Zechariah 6:14]]).
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words provide deeper context for the role of Jedaiah:
* `{{H3548}}` **kôhên** (priest): This term is fundamental to Jedaiah's identity, as he is consistently listed among the priests who served after the return from Babylon [[Nehemiah 11:10]] and was a chief `{{H7218}}` of the priests [[Nehemiah 12:7]].
* `{{H1473}}` **gôwlâh** (exile/captivity): Jedaiah’s story is situated within the return from exile. He is explicitly named as one of those from the captivity `{{H1473}}` who came from Babylon `{{H894}}` [[Zechariah 6:10]].
* `{{H1486}}` **gôwrâl** (lot): This word clarifies how priestly duties were assigned. The selection of Jedaiah for the second priestly course was determined by lot [[1 Chronicles 24:7]], signifying a divinely ordered process for restoring worship.
* `{{H1004}}` **bayith** (house): Jedaiah is identified not just as an individual but as the head of a family, with his descendants referred to as the "children of Jedaiah, of the house of Jeshua" [[Ezra 2:36]], highlighting his role in a prominent priestly lineage.
### Theological Significance
The theological weight of `{{H3048}}` is connected to the theme of divine restoration.
* **Restoration of Priestly Order:** The assignment of Jedaiah's course by lot [[1 Chronicles 24:7]] underscores the re-establishment of an orderly, divinely sanctioned system of worship following the disruption of the exile.
* **God's Faithfulness:** Jedaiah represents the fulfillment of God's promise to bring His people back from captivity `{{H1473}}` [[Zechariah 6:10]]. His presence as a chief priest and the large number of his family returning [[Ezra 2:36]] serve as a testament to God's faithfulness in restoring Israel's religious life.
* **A Living Memorial:** The name Jedaiah, "Jah has known," finds a special resonance in Zechariah’s prophecy. He is chosen to be part of a group for whom crowns are made as a memorial `{{H2146}}` in the temple `{{H1964}}`, symbolizing that God has indeed known and remembered His people and their leaders [[Zechariah 6:14]].
### Summary
In summary, `{{H3048}}` is more than just a name in a genealogy. It belongs to a key priestly figure instrumental in the narrative of Israel's restoration. Through Jedaiah, we see the re-establishment of the priesthood by lot [[1 Chronicles 24:7]], the return of a significant priestly family from captivity [[Ezra 2:36]], and a prophetic symbol of God's remembrance [[Zechariah 6:14]]. His name, "Jah has known," is a fitting descriptor for a person whose life exemplifies God's faithfulness in restoring order and hope to His people.
TRV