### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew name **Yêhûwʼ**, represented by `{{H3058}}`, means "Jehovah (is) He" and is derived from `{{H3068}}` יְהֹוָה and הוּא. It appears **58 times** across **54 unique verses** in the Bible and is the name given to five different Israelites. The most prominent of these is Jehu, a king of Israel known for his zealous execution of divine judgment.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In the biblical narrative, `{{H3058}}` is used to identify several key figures. The most notable is Jehu, the son of Jehoshaphat, whom the LORD had anointed `{{H4886}}` to be king `{{H4428}}` over Israel `{{H3478}}` and to cut off `{{H3772}}` the house `{{H1004}}` of Ahab `{{H256}}` ([[1 Kings 19:16]], [[2 Chronicles 22:7]]). Known for driving `{{H5090}}` furiously `{{H7697}}` [[2 Kings 9:20]], he carried out his commission by slaying `{{H5221}}` all who remained `{{H7604}}` of Ahab's house in Jezreel `{{H3157}}` [[2 Kings 10:11]]. Despite being commended by the LORD `{{H3068}}` for this act [[2 Kings 10:30]], Jehu did not depart `{{H5493}}` from the sins `{{H2399}}` of Jeroboam `{{H3379}}`, particularly the golden `{{H2091}}` calves `{{H5695}}` in Bethel `{{H1008}}` and Dan `{{H1835}}` [[2 Kings 10:29]]. The name also refers to Jehu the prophet `{{H5030}}`, son of Hanani `{{H2607}}`, who delivered the word `{{H1697}}` of the LORD against King Baasha `{{H1201}}` [[1 Kings 16:1]] and confronted King Jehoshaphat `{{H3092}}` for helping the ungodly `{{H7563}}` [[2 Chronicles 19:2]]. Other individuals named Jehu include a warrior from Anathoth `{{H6069}}` [[1 Chronicles 12:3]], a descendant of Judah `{{H3063}}` [[1 Chronicles 2:38]], and a Simeonite [[1 Chronicles 4:35]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words are central to understanding the context of Jehu's life and mission:
* `{{H4427}}` **mâlak** (to reign): Jehu was anointed `{{H4886}}` to be king `{{H4428}}` [[1 Kings 19:16]], and the people proclaimed, "Jehu **is king**" [[2 Kings 9:13]]. He reigned `{{H4427}}` over Israel in Samaria `{{H8111}}` for twenty `{{H6242}}` and eight `{{H8083}}` years `{{H8141}}` [[2 Kings 10:36]].
* `{{H1168}}` **Baʻal** (Baal): A primary focus of Jehu's purge was the idolatrous worship of Baal. He gathered all the worshippers `{{H5647}}` of **Baal** under pretense of a great sacrifice `{{H2077}}` and had them slain `{{H5221}}`, ultimately destroying `{{H8045}}` **Baal** out of Israel ([[2 Kings 10:19]], [[2 Kings 10:28]]).
* `{{H5221}}` **nâkâh** (to smite, kill): This word describes Jehu's violent execution of judgment. He **slew** all who remained of Ahab's house [[2 Kings 10:11]], personally **smote** King Jehoram [[2 Kings 9:24]], and ordered the death of King Ahaziah [[2 Kings 9:27]].
* `{{H8451}}` **tôwrâh** (law): While Jehu fulfilled a divine command, his legacy is marked by failure in this area. He "took no heed to walk in the **law** of the LORD God of Israel with all his heart" [[2 Kings 10:31]].
### Theological Significance
The theological weight of `{{H3058}}` is demonstrated through the life of King Jehu.
* **Instrument of Divine Judgment:** Jehu was explicitly anointed `{{H4886}}` by the LORD's command to be an agent of wrath `{{H7110}}`. He was tasked to cut off `{{H3772}}` the wicked `{{H7563}}` house `{{H1004}}` of Ahab `{{H256}}` [[2 Chronicles 22:7]] and to avenge `{{H6485}}` the blood `{{H1818}}` of the LORD's servants `{{H5650}}` [[2 Kings 9:7]].
* **The Paradox of Partial Obedience:** The LORD praised Jehu for doing `{{H6213}}` well `{{H2895}}` in executing `{{H6213}}` what was right `{{H3477}}` concerning Ahab's house, promising his children `{{H1121}}` the throne `{{H3678}}` to the fourth `{{H7243}}` generation ([[2 Kings 10:30]], [[2 Kings 15:12]]). However, Jehu failed to walk in the law `{{H8451}}` of the LORD with all his heart `{{H3824}}`, continuing in the sins `{{H2403}}` of Jeroboam [[2 Kings 10:31]].
* **Accountability for Actions:** Despite acting on a divine commission, Jehu's house was ultimately held accountable. The LORD declared through the prophet Hosea that He would avenge `{{H6485}}` the blood `{{H1818}}` of Jezreel `{{H3157}}` upon the house of Jehu and cause the kingdom `{{H4468}}` to cease `{{H7673}}` [[Hosea 1:4]].
### Summary
In summary, the name `{{H3058}}`, **Yêhûwʼ**, meaning "Jehovah (is) He," is most famously associated with King Jehu of Israel. His story is a powerful biblical case study of a man divinely chosen to execute judgment, yet whose zeal did not translate into complete devotion to God's law. He serves as an example of both divine sovereignty working through human agents and the persistent problem of incomplete obedience. The name is a reminder that God commissions, judges, and ultimately holds all people accountable for their actions.
TRV