patronymically from יְהוּדָה; a Jehudite (i.e. Judaite or Jew), or descendant of Jehudah (i.e. Judah); Jew.
Transliteration:Yᵉhûwdîy
Pronunciation:yeh-hoo-dee'
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word `{{H3064}}` (Yᵉhûwdîy) is a gentilic noun derived patronymically from `{{H3063}}` (Yᵉhûdâ), meaning "Judah." Its core meaning is "one belonging to Judah," encompassing a descendant of the patriarch Judah, a member of the tribe of Judah, or an inhabitant of the territory or kingdom of Judah. The semantic range of `{{H3064}}` evolves significantly throughout the Old Testament. Initially, it designates a tribal or geographical affiliation. Following the division of the Israelite kingdom, it specifically refers to a resident or citizen of the Southern Kingdom of Judah, distinguishing them from the Northern Kingdom of Israel. In the post-exilic period, particularly in books like Ezra, Nehemiah, and Esther, the term expands to become the primary designation for the people of God who returned from Babylonian exile, solidifying their identity not merely as a tribe or kingdom, but as a distinct ethnic, national, and religious group—the "Jews." The term can also refer to the Aramaic dialect spoken in Judah, as evidenced in passages like [[2 Kings 18:26]].
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The usage of `{{H3064}}` is relatively sparse in the earlier historical books, reflecting its more specific tribal or geographical sense. For instance, [[2 Kings 16:6]] mentions "the Jews" (referring to people of Judah) being driven from Elath. [[2 Kings 25:25]] refers to Gedaliah as a "Jew" (Yᵉhûwdîy), indicating his origin from Judah.
However, the term gains considerable prominence and broader significance in the prophetic and post-exilic literature. In Jeremiah, it refers to the inhabitants of Judah, often in the context of the Babylonian exile, such as "all the Jews who were sitting in the court of the guard" in [[Jeremiah 32:12]].
In the books of Ezra and Nehemiah, `{{H3064}}` becomes the standard term for the repatriated exiles, emphasizing their identity as the remnant of God's people. [[Ezra 4:12]] speaks of "the Jews who came up from you to us," highlighting their distinct group identity. [[Nehemiah 1:2]] similarly uses "the Jews who had escaped" to refer to the survivors of the exile. This usage underscores their unique status in relation to other peoples in the Persian Empire.
The book of Esther extensively uses `{{H3064}}` to denote the entire ethnic and religious group facing persecution throughout the Persian Empire. Mordecai is explicitly identified as a "Jew" in [[Esther 2:5]], and the decree of Haman targets "all the Jews" ([[Esther 3:6]]). This global context solidifies "Jew" as a comprehensive identifier for the people of God, transcending mere geographical or tribal boundaries.
Furthermore, `{{H3064}}` is employed to describe the language spoken in Judah. In [[2 Kings 18:26]] and [[Isaiah 36:11]], the officials of King Hezekiah request the Assyrian field commander to "speak to your servants in Aramaic, for we understand it; do not speak to us in the language of Judah (Yᵉhûwdîy) in the hearing of the people who are on the wall." This indicates that "Yᵉhûwdîy" could also function as an adjective referring to the specific dialect or language of Judah. [[Nehemiah 13:24]] further illustrates this, noting that some children could not "speak the language of Judah."
### Related Words & Concepts
The primary related word is `{{H3063}}` (Yᵉhûdâ), "Judah," from which `{{H3064}}` is directly derived. `{{H3063}}` refers to the patriarch, the tribe, and the kingdom. `{{H3064}}` is the gentilic form, signifying "a person from Judah" or "a Jew."
Other related Hebrew terms include:
* `{{H3058}}` (Yᵉhûdîyth): The feminine form of the adjective, often specifically referring to the "Jewish language," as in [[2 Kings 18:28]].
* `{{H3061}}` (Yᵉhûdîyâ): Another feminine form, "Jewess" or "Jewish woman."
* `{{H3062}}` (Yᵉhûdîm): The plural form of `{{H3064}}`, meaning "Jews."
In the Greek Septuagint and the New Testament, the corresponding term is `{{G2453}}` (Ioudaios), which carries the same broad semantic range as `{{H3064}}`, encompassing ethnic, religious, and geographical aspects.
The concept of "Israel" (`{{H3478}}`) is closely related. While "Israel" originally referred to the entire twelve tribes, and later primarily the Northern Kingdom, "Jew" (Yᵉhûwdîy) effectively became the practical designation for the surviving covenant people after the fall of the Northern Kingdom and the Babylonian exile. The two terms can sometimes be used interchangeably or in parallel, but "Jew" often emphasizes the distinct identity of the post-exilic community and their connection to the land and heritage of Judah.
### Theological Significance
The term `{{H3064}}` (Yᵉhûwdîy) carries profound theological significance, particularly in the post-exilic context.
1. **Continuity of Covenant Identity:** The consistent use of "Jew" (Yᵉhûwdîy) across the exile and return signifies the enduring faithfulness of God to His covenant people. Despite dispersion and severe judgment, a remnant preserved its identity and returned to the land, demonstrating God's unwavering commitment to His promises, especially those made through the lineage of Judah (e.g., the Davidic covenant).
2. **Remnant Theology:** The "Jews" often represent the faithful remnant, those who survived the judgment of exile and were instrumental in the rebuilding of Jerusalem and the temple. This highlights God's preservation of a core group through whom His redemptive purposes would continue to unfold.
3. **Distinctiveness and Separation:** The term underscores the unique calling and separation of this people from the surrounding nations. This distinction is not merely ethnic but fundamentally religious, emphasizing their role as the custodians of God's law, the recipients of His revelation, and the bearers of His covenant promises. Their identity as "Jews" sets them apart as the people through whom the Messiah would ultimately come.
4. **Guardians of Revelation:** As "Jews," this community was entrusted with the oracles of God, preserving the sacred texts, the Temple worship, and the traditions that would prepare the way for the coming of the Messiah.
### Summary
The Hebrew word `{{H3064}}` (Yᵉhûwdîy), derived from `{{H3063}}` (Yᵉhûdâ), initially designates a member of the tribe or kingdom of Judah. Its semantic scope expands significantly in the exilic and post-exilic periods to become the primary term for the people of God—the "Jews"—encompassing their ethnic, national, and religious identity. This evolution is evident in its prominent use in books like Jeremiah, Ezra, Nehemiah, and Esther, where it distinguishes the covenant community from other peoples and even refers to their specific language. Theologically, `{{H3064}}` powerfully conveys the continuity of God's covenant with His people, the preservation of a faithful remnant through judgment, and the distinct role of the Jewish people as the recipients and preservers of divine revelation, through whom God's redemptive plan, culminating in the Messiah, would be realized.
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