The Hebrew name Yᵉhôwzâbâd, represented by H3075, means "Jehovah-endowed." It appears 4 times across 4 unique verses in the Bible and is the name given to three different Israelites. The name itself is derived from the words for "Jehovah" and "endowed."
The biblical narrative presents three distinct individuals named Jehozabad. One was a conspirator, the son H1121 of Shomer, who, along with Jozachar, smote H5221 King Joash until he died H4191 2 Kings 12:21. This act of conspiracy is also recorded in 2 Chronicles 24:26. In contrast, another Jehozabad is listed as a high-ranking military commander under King Jehoshaphat, leading one hundred and eighty thousand men who were ready prepared H2502 for war H6635 2 Chronicles 17:18. A third Jehozabad is mentioned as the second son H1121 of Obed-edom in a genealogical list 1 Chronicles 26:4.
Several related words provide context for the actions associated with the different men named Jehozabad:
- H7194 qâshar (to tie, physically (gird, confine, compact) or mentally (in love, league); bind (up), (make a) conspire(-acy, -ator), join together, knit, stronger, work (treason)): This word is used to describe the plot against King Joash, in which Jehozabad participated 2 Chronicles 24:26.
- H5221 nâkâh (to strike (lightly or severely, literally or figuratively); beat, cast forth, clap, give (wounds), [idiom] go forward, [idiom] indeed, kill, make (slaughter), murderer, punish, slaughter, slay(-er, -ing), smite(-r, -ing), strike, be stricken, (give) stripes, [idiom] surely, wound): This verb details the violent outcome of the conspiracy, as Jehozabad and his fellow servant smote the king 2 Kings 12:21.
- H2502 châlats (to pull off; hence (intensively) to strip, (reflex.) to depart; by implication, to deliver, equip (for fight); present, strengthen): This term describes the military commander named Jehozabad and his forces as being ready prepared for battle 2 Chronicles 17:18, highlighting a role of service and readiness.
The name H3075 is attached to individuals whose lives represent contrasting themes of loyalty and betrayal.
- Conspiracy and Regicide: One Jehozabad is defined by his role as a conspirator H7194 who murdered his king 2 Kings 12:21. His actions stand in stark contrast to the noble meaning of his name, "Jehovah-endowed."
- Faithful Military Service: The second Jehozabad exemplifies loyalty and strength as a commander in Jehoshaphat's army, with a massive force ready prepared H2502 for war H6635 2 Chronicles 17:18.
- Levitical Lineage: The third Jehozabad is noted within the priestly lineage of Obed-edom's sons H1121, connecting the name to the context of service in the house of the Lord 1 Chronicles 26:4.
In summary, H3075 is a proper name whose meaning, "Jehovah-endowed," is carried by three men of very different legacies. The biblical accounts use Jehozabad to identify a treacherous servant who assassinated a king, a loyal and powerful military officer, and a son in a Levitical family line. These varied portrayals demonstrate that a name's meaning does not dictate the character or destiny of the one who bears it.
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