### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew name **Yᵉhôwyâdâʻ** `{{H3077}}`, meaning **Jehovah-known**, appears **51 times** across **48 unique verses**. It is used as the name of three Israelites and is comparable to יוֹיָדָע.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In the biblical narrative, **Yᵉhôwyâdâʻ** `{{H3077}}` is most prominently the name of the high **priest** `{{H3548}}` who rescued the Davidic line from Queen Athaliah. His wife, Jehoshabeath, hid the young king's **son** `{{H1121}}`, Joash, from the queen's purge [[2 Chronicles 22:11]]. In the seventh year, Jehoiada made a **covenant** `{{H1285}}` with military captains to overthrow Athaliah and restore the rightful **king** `{{H4428}}` [[2 Kings 11:4]]. He anointed Joash and led the people in proclaiming, "God **save** `{{H2421}}` the king" [[2 Chronicles 23:11]]. Jehoiada then made a **covenant** `{{H1285}}` between the LORD, the king, and the people [[2 Kings 11:17]]. For as long as Jehoiada instructed him, King Joash did what was **right** `{{H3477}}` ([[2 Kings 12:2]], [[2 Chronicles 24:2]]) and organized the repair of the **house** `{{H1004}}` of the LORD [[2 Chronicles 24:12]]. After Jehoiada's death at age 130 [[2 Chronicles 24:15]], the king turned away from the LORD and **slew** `{{H2026}}` Jehoiada's son Zechariah [[2 Chronicles 24:22]]. Another **Yᵉhôwyâdâʻ** `{{H3077}}` was the father of Benaiah, a **valiant** `{{H2428}}` man who was one of David's mighty warriors [[2 Samuel 23:20]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words are central to the narratives involving **Yᵉhôwyâdâʻ** `{{H3077}}`:
* `{{H3548}}` **kôhên** (priest): This title is repeatedly applied to Jehoiada, defining his office as the one who officiates and serves as a chief ruler in religious matters ([[2 Kings 12:2]], [[2 Chronicles 23:9]]).
* `{{H1121}}` **bên** (son): This word is critical to the story, identifying Benaiah as the **son** of Jehoiada [[2 Samuel 8:18]], Zechariah as the **son** of Jehoiada the priest [[2 Chronicles 24:20]], and Joash as the king's **son** hidden from Athaliah [[2 Kings 11:4]].
* `{{H1285}}` **bᵉrîyth** (covenant): Jehoiada's primary act of restoration was to make a **covenant** `{{H1285}}`, a compact between the LORD, the king, and the people ([[2 Kings 11:17]], [[2 Chronicles 23:16]]).
* `{{H1141}}` **Bᵉnâyâh** (Benaiah): Meaning "Jah has built," this is the name of the **son** `{{H1121}}` of Jehoiada, a valiant man who served as a commander over the Cherethites and Pelethites [[2 Samuel 8:18]].
### Theological Significance
The name **Yᵉhôwyâdâʻ** `{{H3077}}` is connected to significant themes of leadership and faithfulness.
* **Priestly Guidance and Authority:** As the chief **priest** `{{H3548}}`, Jehoiada **instructed** `{{H3384}}` King Jehoash in the ways of the LORD [[2 Kings 12:2]]. He commanded captains [[2 Kings 11:15]], organized temple worship [[2 Chronicles 23:18]], and managed the collection of **money** `{{H3701}}` for repairing the temple [[2 Kings 12:9]].
* **Covenant Restoration:** Jehoiada was the key figure in making a **covenant** `{{H1285}}` to restore the Davidic monarchy and reaffirm Israel's identity as the LORD's **people** `{{H5971}}` [[2 Kings 11:17]]. He brought the leaders into a covenant with him to anoint Joash as king [[2 Chronicles 23:1]].
* **Righteous Influence:** The scriptures highlight Jehoiada's positive impact, stating that King Joash did what was **right** `{{H3477}}` all the days of Jehoiada the priest [[2 Chronicles 24:2]]. After Jehoiada's **death** `{{H4194}}`, the king and the princes of Judah **forsook** `{{H5800}}` the house of the LORD [[2 Chronicles 24:17]].
* **Legacy of Valor:** Through his **son** `{{H1121}}` Benaiah, the name Jehoiada is also linked to the legacy of a **valiant** `{{H2428}}` man of **Kabzeel** `{{H6909}}` who performed **many** `{{H7227}}` acts of strength, such as slaying two **lionlike men** `{{H739}}` of Moab [[2 Samuel 23:20]].
### Summary
In summary, **Yᵉhôwyâdâʻ** `{{H3077}}` is not just a name but a representation of faithful leadership and valor in critical moments of Israel's history. The priest Jehoiada stands as a pivotal figure who preserved the royal lineage, restored covenantal worship, and guided a king in righteousness. His life demonstrates the profound influence of a leader dedicated to the **law** `{{H8451}}` of Moses and the **house** `{{H1004}}` of the LORD [[2 Chronicles 23:18]]. The name is also carried by the father of Benaiah, one of David's most celebrated warriors, linking it to themes of might and loyalty. Thus, **Yᵉhôwyâdâʻ** embodies the principles of priestly integrity and courageous service to God's anointed king.
TRV