### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word **Yᵉhûwdâh**, represented by `{{H3063}}`, means **celebrated** and is the name for Judah. It appears **818 times** across **754 unique verses**, indicating its profound importance. The name refers not only to the son of Jacob but also to the tribe descended from him, its territory, and the southern kingdom of Israel.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In scripture, `{{H3063}}` is used to establish tribal and national identity. It is prophesied that the **sceptre** `{{H7626}}` of leadership would not depart from **Judah** [[Genesis 49:10]]. The tribe is often identified by its territory, such as "the wilderness of **Judah**" [[Psalms 63:1]]. After the division of the kingdom, the "house of **Judah**" is frequently mentioned alongside the "house of Israel" `{{H3478}}`, as when God promises to make a new covenant with both [[Jeremiah 31:31]]. The name is also central to messianic prophecy, identifying Bethlehem in **Judah** as the birthplace of Israel's future ruler `{{H4910}}` [[Micah 5:2]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words provide a fuller context for the identity and role of `{{H3063}}`:
* `{{H3478}}` **Yisrâʼêl** (Israel): This term, meaning he will rule as God, is often paired or contrasted with Judah, defining Judah's relationship to the entire nation of God's people, whether united or divided [[Jeremiah 31:31]].
* `{{H1004}}` **bayith** (house): This word is crucial in the recurring phrase "house of **Judah**," which signifies the collective, dynastic, and national identity of the tribe and its kingdom [[Zechariah 8:13]].
* `{{H4428}}` **melek** (king): The term for "king" is frequently connected to **Judah**, highlighting its role as the royal tribe from which the rulers of the southern kingdom, like Jehoiakim `{{H3079}}`, would come [[Daniel 1:1]].
### Theological Significance
The theological weight of `{{H3063}}` is immense, framing the narrative of God's redemptive plan.
* **Royal & Messianic Lineage:** The promise that "The sceptre `{{H7626}}` shall not depart `{{H5493}}` from **Judah**" establishes the tribe as the line of kingship, culminating in the prophecy of a ruler `{{H4910}}` emerging from Bethlehem [[Micah 5:2]].
* **Covenant, Sin, and Judgment:** **Judah** is central to God's covenant relationship [[Jeremiah 31:31]], but is also depicted as having "dealt treacherously `{{H898}}`" [[Malachi 2:11]] and despised God's law `{{H8451}}` [[Amos 2:4]]. This led to judgment, where the Lord `{{H136}}` "swallowed up `{{H1104}}`" its habitations and threw down `{{H2040}}` its strong holds `{{H4013}}` [[Lamentations 2:2]].
* **Promise of Restoration:** Despite judgment, God promises to restore **Judah**. He declares He will bring again `{{H7725}}` their captivity `{{H7622}}` [[Jeremiah 30:3]], strengthen `{{H1396}}` the house of **Judah** [[Zechariah 10:6]], and turn their curse `{{H7045}}` into a blessing `{{H1293}}` [[Zechariah 8:13]].
### Summary
In summary, `{{H3063}}` is far more than a name for a person or place. It represents the tribe through which God's royal and messianic promises were carried. The story of **Judah** embodies the biblical themes of divine promise, human failure, righteous judgment, and ultimate restoration. From the patriarchal blessing of a lasting sceptre to the prophetic promise of salvation, **Yᵉhûwdâh** is a cornerstone of biblical history and theology.
TRV