from יְהֹוָה and הוּא; Jehovah (is) He; Jehu, the name of five Israelites; Jehu.
Transliteration:Yêhûwʼ
Pronunciation:yay-hoo'
Detailed Word Study
AI-Generated
Loading Study...
### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew name יֵהוּא (Yêhûwʼ), Strong's number `{{H3058}}`, is a composite theophoric name derived from two distinct elements: the divine name יְהֹוָה (YHWH, or Jehovah), represented by `{{H3068}}`, and the independent personal pronoun הוּא (hûʼ), meaning "he" or "it," represented by `{{H1931}}`. The etymological meaning is therefore "Jehovah is He" or "YHWH is He." This construction serves as a profound theological statement, affirming the active existence and identity of God. As a proper noun, its primary semantic range is limited to identifying specific individuals within biblical narratives.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The name Yêhûwʼ is attributed to five distinct individuals in the Hebrew Bible, with varying degrees of prominence:
1. **Jehu, King of Israel (Son of Nimshi):** This is the most significant bearer of the name, whose story is primarily recounted in 2 Kings. He was anointed by a prophet sent by Elisha to execute divine judgment upon the house of Ahab and Jezebel, and to eradicate Baal worship from Israel. His reign is characterized by swift, decisive, and often brutal action, reflecting the zealous fulfillment of God's command [[2 Kings 9:1-10:36]]. His actions demonstrate the powerful truth of his name: YHWH is indeed the one who acts and executes His will.
2. **Jehu, Son of Hanani:** A prophet from Judah who first delivered a divine oracle against King Baasha of Israel [[1 Kings 16:1-7]]. Later, he rebuked King Jehoshaphat of Judah for his alliance with wicked King Ahab [[2 Chronicles 19:1-3]]. His prophetic ministry underscores the meaning of his name, as it was YHWH who spoke through him and held kings accountable.
3. **Jehu, a Judahite:** Mentioned as a descendant of Hezron through Caleb, specifically the son of Obed [[1 Chronicles 2:38]]. His mention is purely genealogical.
4. **Jehu, a Benjamite:** One of the mighty men who joined David at Ziklag while David was still fleeing from Saul [[1 Chronicles 12:3]]. His inclusion highlights the loyalty and prowess of those who rallied to David.
5. **Jehu, a Simeonite:** Listed as the father of Azariah in the genealogy of the tribe of Simeon [[1 Chronicles 4:35]]. Like the Judahite Jehu, his mention is primarily for genealogical record.
### Related Words & Concepts
The name Yêhûwʼ is intrinsically linked to:
* **`{{H3068}}` (YHWH):** The Tetragrammaton, the personal and covenant name of God, which forms the foundational element of Jehu's name. Understanding the nature and character of YHWH is crucial to grasping the full import of "Jehovah is He."
* **`{{H1931}}` (hûʼ):** The pronoun "he," which, in this context, affirms the divine identity and active agency of YHWH.
* **Theophoric Names:** Yêhûwʼ belongs to a broad category of Hebrew names that incorporate divine elements (e.g., Elijah, Isaiah, Jeremiah). These names often served as declarations of faith, prayers, or theological statements, reflecting the parents' understanding of God or their hopes for their child. They affirm God's presence and involvement in human life.
* **Divine Sovereignty and Judgment:** The narrative of King Jehu particularly highlights these concepts. His actions, though severe, were a direct manifestation of God's sovereign will to judge wickedness and restore covenant purity.
* **Prophetic Anointing:** The anointing of King Jehu by a prophet of Elisha underscores the divine initiative behind his rise to power and the execution of his mission.
### Theological Significance
The name "Jehovah is He" carries profound theological weight. It is not merely an identification but a declaration of God's self-existence, His active presence, and His ultimate authority. For King Jehu, his name served as a constant, implicit reminder of the divine mandate under which he operated. His zeal for the Lord, even if imperfectly executed, was a living embodiment of the truth that "YHWH is He" – the one who is, who acts, and who judges. The name affirms God's immutability and His unwavering commitment to His covenant and His justice. In the broader biblical context, the frequent use of theophoric names like Jehu reinforces the pervasive understanding among the Israelites that their lives, their history, and their very identities were inextricably bound up with the person and actions of YHWH. It highlights the concept of divine initiative and the execution of divine decree in human affairs.
### Summary
The name יֵהוּא (Yêhûwʼ), meaning "Jehovah is He," is a powerful theological statement affirming the active existence and sovereignty of YHWH. While borne by five individuals in the Old Testament, its most significant bearer is King Jehu of Israel, who served as a zealous instrument of God's judgment against the house of Ahab and Baal worship. The name's etymology, derived from `{{H3068}}` (YHWH) and `{{H1931}}` (hûʼ), places it within the category of theophoric names, which profoundly shaped Israelite identity and theology. Ultimately, the name Jehu serves as a biblical testament to God's active involvement in history, His unwavering justice, and the truth that He alone is the sovereign Lord who executes His will.
TRV