from יְהֹוָה and זָבַד; Jehovah-endowed; Jehozabad, the name of three Israelites; Jehozabad. Compare יוֹזָבָד.
Transliteration:Yᵉhôwzâbâd
Pronunciation:yeh-ho-zaw-bawd'
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew name יְהוֹזָבָד (Yᵉhôwzâbâd, `{{H3075}}`) is a theophoric compound, deeply rooted in the theological understanding of ancient Israel. It is formed from two primary components: the divine name יְהֹוָה (YHWH, often transliterated as Jehovah, `{{H3068}}`) and the verb root זָבַד (zabad), which means "to bestow," "to endow," or "to give." Therefore, the full and profound meaning of יְהוֹזָבָד is "YHWH has endowed" or "YHWH has bestowed." This name inherently declares God as the ultimate Giver and the source of all gifts and blessings. Its semantic range is tightly focused on this concept of divine provision and endowment.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The name יְהוֹזָבָד (Yᵉhôwzâbâd, `{{H3075}}`) appears in the biblical text as the name of three distinct individuals, each in a unique context:
1. **A Gederathite among David's Mighty Men:** The first mention is of Jehozabad the Gederathite, a valiant warrior who joined David's forces while he was still a fugitive in Ziklag. He is listed among the mighty men who were skilled in war and dedicated to David's cause ([[1 Chronicles 12:4]]). In this context, the name "YHWH has endowed" might subtly reflect the divine gifting of strength, skill, and loyalty to David's burgeoning kingdom.
2. **A Commander under King Jehoshaphat:** Jehozabad is also identified as one of the military commanders under King Jehoshaphat of Judah. He commanded a substantial force of 180,000 armed men, highlighting the significant military strength and organization during Jehoshaphat's reign, which was largely blessed by God ([[2 Chronicles 17:18]]). Here, the name resonates with God's endowment of leadership, military prowess, and the prosperity of the kingdom.
3. **An Assassin of King Joash:** Perhaps the most striking and contextually complex occurrence is that of Jehozabad, the son of Shimrith (a Moabite woman), who conspired with Jozachar (son of Shimeath) to assassinate King Joash of Judah ([[2 Chronicles 24:26]]). It is important to note that [[2 Kings 12:21]] records the same event, naming the assassins as Jozachar, son of Shimeath, and Jehozabad, son of Shomer. This textual variation points to the same individual. In this instance, the meaning "YHWH has endowed" takes on a poignant or ironic tone, as the individual bearing a name proclaiming divine giving is involved in a heinous act of regicide. This does not imply divine approval of the act, but rather underscores God's overarching sovereignty even over human sin and rebellion, and that even those who commit evil are still recipients of life and being from God.
### Related Words & Concepts
The study of יְהוֹזָבָד (Yᵉhôwzâbâd, `{{H3075}}`) is enriched by examining its linguistic and conceptual relatives:
* **`{{H3100}}` יוֹזָבָד (Yôwzâbâd):** This is a closely related name, explicitly noted in the base definition. It shares the identical meaning of "YHWH has bestowed" and is essentially an orthographic or vocalic variant of Jehozabad. Its more frequent occurrences (e.g., [[1 Chronicles 26:4]], [[2 Chronicles 31:13]], [[Ezra 8:33]]) further solidify the prevalence and significance of this theological concept in Israelite nomenclature.
* **`{{H3068}}` יְהֹוָה (YHWH):** As the divine component of the name, the tetragrammaton is central to its meaning. It emphasizes that the "endowment" is specifically from the covenant God of Israel.
* **`{{H2064}}` זָבַד (zabad):** This is the verbal root from which the "endowed" part of the name is derived. Understanding this root's meaning of "to bestow" or "to give" is crucial for grasping the full significance of the name.
* **Theophoric Names:** יְהוֹזָבָד is an excellent example of a theophoric name, common in ancient Israelite culture. These names incorporate a divine element, serving as miniature theological statements. They reflect parental piety, a hope for the child's life, or a public declaration about God's character and involvement in human affairs (e.g., Elijah, Isaiah, Jonathan).
* **Divine Providence and Gifting:** The name points to the broader theological concept that God is the ultimate source of all good things, including life, abilities, and positions. It reflects a worldview where every aspect of existence is seen as a divine gift.
### Theological Significance
The name יְהוֹזָבָד (Yᵉhôwzâbâd, `{{H3075}}`), meaning "YHWH has endowed," carries profound theological significance. It serves as a constant, implicit declaration of God's benevolent sovereignty and His active role as the Giver in the lives of His people.
1. **God as the Source of All Blessings:** The name inherently affirms that all gifts, whether physical abilities, leadership qualities, or even life itself, ultimately originate from YHWH. It promotes a posture of dependence and gratitude towards God.
2. **Public Proclamation of Divine Character:** In a culture where names often carried deep meaning, theophoric names like Jehozabad served as public testaments to God's character. Each time the name was spoken, it was a reminder of God's generosity and active involvement in the world.
3. **Sovereignty Over All Circumstances:** The fact that the name is borne by individuals in vastly different roles—from loyal warrior to military commander to regicide—highlights God's overarching sovereignty. While the name does not condone or justify the actions of the assassin, it subtly reminds us that even individuals involved in acts of rebellion are still creatures sustained by God's endowment of life. It speaks to a divine plan that encompasses all human actions, even those contrary to God's revealed will.
4. **A Reminder of Divine Grace:** For the faithful, the name would have been a comforting reminder of God's continuous provision and grace. For those who strayed, it stood as a silent witness to the source of their very being and abilities.
### Summary
The Hebrew name יְהוֹזָבָד (Yᵉhôwzâbâd, `{{H3075}}`) is a rich theophoric compound meaning "YHWH has endowed" or "YHWH has bestowed." This powerful declaration reflects a core Israelite belief in God as the ultimate source and giver of all good things. It is found in the biblical narrative as the name of three distinct individuals: a Gederathite in David's early company ([[1 Chronicles 12:4]]), a prominent military commander under King Jehoshaphat ([[2 Chronicles 17:18]]), and, notably, one of the conspirators who assassinated King Joash ([[2 Chronicles 24:26]], also known as Jozachar in [[2 Kings 12:21]]). The consistent theological meaning, reinforced by its close variant יוֹזָבָד (Yôwzâbâd, `{{H3100}}`), underscores the pervasive concept of divine providence. Regardless of the individual's character or actions, the name itself stands as a profound theological statement, affirming God's sovereign hand in bestowing life, abilities, and all blessings upon humanity.
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