from יְהֹוָה and אָחַז; Jehovah-seized; Jehoachaz, the name of three Israelites; Jehoahaz. Compare יוֹאָחָז.
Transliteration:Yᵉhôwʼâchâz
Pronunciation:yeh-ho-aw-khawz'
Detailed Word Study
AI-Generated
Loading Study...
### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew name `{{H3059}}` Yᵉhôwʼâchâz (יְהוֹאָחָז) is a theophoric compound name, deriving its meaning from two primary components. The first element is `{{H3068}}` (Yĕhôwāh), a shortened form of the divine covenant name YHWH, often rendered "Jehovah" or "the LORD." The second element is the verb `{{H0270}}` (ʼāḥaz), which carries the core meaning "to grasp," "to take hold of," "to seize," or "to possess."
Combining these elements, `{{H3059}}` fundamentally means "Jehovah has seized," "Jehovah holds," or "Jehovah possesses." This suggests a divine act of taking possession or control over an individual. In the context of a personal name, this can imply divine favor, protection, or ownership, signifying that the person is under God's hand or has been taken by God for a specific purpose. However, depending on context, "seize" could also carry connotations of divine judgment or capture.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The name `{{H3059}}` is borne by three distinct individuals in the Hebrew Bible, as indicated by its base definition, though two are significantly more prominent in the narrative.
1. **Jehoahaz, King of Judah (Son of Josiah):** This Jehoahaz is also known as Shallum ([[Jeremiah 22:11]]). He succeeded his father, Josiah, after Josiah's death in battle against Pharaoh Neco ([[2 Kings 23:30]]). His reign was remarkably brief, lasting only three months in Jerusalem ([[2 Kings 23:31]]; [[2 Chronicles 36:2]]). Pharaoh Neco deposed him, imprisoned him, and eventually took him to Egypt, where he died in exile ([[2 Kings 23:33-34]]; [[2 Chronicles 36:3-4]]). The prophet Jeremiah laments his fate, foretelling that he would never return to his homeland ([[Jeremiah 22:11-12]]). The brevity and tragic end of his reign stand in stark contrast to the potential positive implications of his name, "Jehovah has seized." While Jehovah indeed "seized" him, it was not for blessing or protection in his kingship, but rather a seizure unto judgment and exile, perhaps reflecting God's sovereign hand in the affairs of nations and the consequences of Judah's idolatry.
2. **Jehoahaz, King of Israel (Son of Jehu):** This Jehoahaz reigned over Israel for seventeen years ([[2 Kings 13:1]]). His reign was marked by wickedness, as he "did what was evil in the sight of the Lord" and followed the sins of Jeroboam ([[2 Kings 13:2]]). As a result, the LORD delivered Israel into the hand of Hazael king of Aram and Ben-Hadad his son ([[2 Kings 13:3]]). The oppression was severe, reducing Israel's army to a mere fifty horsemen, ten chariots, and ten thousand foot soldiers ([[2 Kings 13:7]]). In his distress, Jehoahaz sought the LORD, and the LORD heard his plea and provided a deliverer for Israel ([[2 Kings 13:4-5]]). Despite this divine intervention, the people of Israel did not turn from their sins ([[2 Kings 13:6]]). Here, the meaning "Jehovah has seized" takes on a complex dimension: God "seized" Israel in judgment through Aram, yet also "seized" Jehoahaz's cry and responded with mercy, demonstrating divine sovereignty even amidst human rebellion and suffering.
3. **A Levite:** The Strong's definition indicates a third individual bearing this name. While less prominent in the biblical narrative and sometimes associated with variant spellings or textual ambiguities in specific verses (e.g., in [[1 Chronicles 26:23]] where "Jehiel" is often found), the definition points to its occurrence for a Levite, likely in a genealogic or administrative context, reflecting the commonality of theophoric names among the priestly and Levitical lines.
The lives of the two kings named Jehoahaz present a profound paradox. Despite a name that suggests divine possession or favor, both experienced reigns marked by adversity, divine judgment, or national suffering. This tension underscores that a name, while reflecting hope or theological truth, does not dictate a person's spiritual disposition or guaranteed outcome, but rather highlights God's sovereign involvement in their lives, whether in blessing or discipline.
### Related Words & Concepts
The study of `{{H3059}}` naturally connects to several key biblical words and concepts:
* **`{{H0270}}` (ʼāḥaz):** The root verb for "seize" or "grasp." This verb is used extensively in the Old Testament to describe both human and divine actions. For example, God "takes hold" of a person's hand ([[Psalm 73:23]]), or a king "takes hold" of a kingdom ([[1 Kings 11:43]]). Its presence in `{{H3059}}` emphasizes a divine act of possession or control.
* **`{{H3068}}` (YHWH):** The Tetragrammaton, the personal name of God. Its inclusion in `{{H3059}}` signifies that the "seizing" or "holding" action is attributed directly to the covenant God of Israel, emphasizing His personal involvement and authority.
* **Theophoric Names:** `{{H3059}}` is an excellent example of a theophoric name, a common feature in biblical nomenclature where a divine element is incorporated into a personal name (e.g., Jehoiakim `{{H3079}}`, Jehonadab `{{H3082}}`, Elijah `{{H452}}`). These names often reflect parental piety, a statement of faith, a prayer, or a prophetic declaration about the child's identity or destiny in relation to God. They serve as miniature theological statements.
* **Divine Sovereignty:** The concept inherent in "Jehovah has seized" speaks to God's ultimate control and authority over individuals, nations, and historical events. Even when human actions lead to negative consequences, the biblical narrative often portrays God as ultimately "holding" or orchestrating outcomes according to His will.
* **Covenant and Consequences:** The reigns of both King Jehoahaz of Judah and Israel illustrate the consequences of breaking covenant with God. Despite bearing a name that invoked the LORD, their disobedience led to judgment, demonstrating that divine "seizure" can be for discipline as much as for blessing.
### Theological Significance
The name `{{H3059}}` and the lives of its bearers offer profound theological insights.
Firstly, it underscores the **sovereignty of God**. The phrase "Jehovah has seized" powerfully conveys God's active involvement and ultimate control over human lives and historical trajectories. Even when kings like Jehoahaz of Judah are "seized" by foreign powers and exiled, the narrative implicitly suggests that this occurs within the permissive will or even direct judgment of the Almighty. God's hand is on all, whether for blessing, protection, or discipline.
Secondly, it highlights the **tension between divine naming/identity and human responsibility**. A name like "Jehovah has seized" might suggest a life divinely protected or blessed. Yet, the biblical accounts of the kings named Jehoahaz present a stark contrast, marked by wickedness, oppression, and tragic ends. This serves as a powerful reminder that bearing a name that invokes God's power or favor does not negate personal accountability or guarantee a favorable outcome apart from obedience and faithfulness. The name reflects a theological truth about God's character and involvement, but the individual's response to God is paramount.
Thirdly, the narrative of Jehoahaz of Israel, who cried out to the LORD in distress and received a deliverer, illustrates God's **compassion and willingness to respond to sincere prayer, even from a wicked ruler**. While the people did not fully turn from their sins, God's "holding" power extended to granting a measure of relief, demonstrating His mercy even in judgment. This reveals the multifaceted nature of God's "seizing" – it can encompass both the imposition of consequences and the provision of grace.
Finally, the name reaffirms the **personal nature of God (YHWH)**, who actively engages with His creation and individuals, not as a distant deity, but as one who "seizes" and interacts with human history.
### Summary
`{{H3059}}` (Yᵉhôwʼâchâz) is a theophoric Hebrew name meaning "Jehovah has seized" or "Jehovah holds." This name reflects the active, sovereign involvement of God (YHWH) in the lives of individuals. While it could imply divine favor or possession, the biblical narratives of the two most prominent bearers of this name—King Jehoahaz of Judah and King Jehoahaz of Israel—present a profound paradox. Both kings experienced reigns marked by wickedness, oppression, and ultimately, divine judgment or tragic ends, despite their name's hopeful theological declaration. This tension underscores God's ultimate sovereignty over all human affairs, whether in blessing or discipline, and highlights the critical importance of human obedience and faithfulness in response to God's "holding" hand. The name thus serves as a powerful reminder of God's active presence and control, even amidst human rebellion and suffering, and the complex interplay between divine will and human responsibility.
TRV