from יְהֹוָה and יָדַע; Jehovah-known; Jehojada, the name of three Israelites; Jehoiada. Compare יוֹיָדָע.
Transliteration:Yᵉhôwyâdâʻ
Pronunciation:yeh-ho-yaw-daw'
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew name יְהוֹיָדָע (Yᵉhôwyâdâʻ, `{{H3077}}`) is a compound theophoric name, rich in theological meaning. It is formed from two primary elements: יְהֹוָה (YHWH, the personal name of God, often transliterated as Jehovah or rendered as LORD, `{{H3068}}`) and יָדַע (yada, the verb "to know," `{{H3045}}`). The literal meaning of the name is "YHWH knows" or, more commonly interpreted in the passive sense, "Known by YHWH."
The semantic range of יָדַע in Hebrew is broad, encompassing intellectual understanding, experiential knowledge, intimate relationship, and recognition. When applied to God, "to know" implies divine omniscience, intimate awareness, and often, a covenantal relationship of election and care. Thus, "Known by YHWH" suggests not merely that God is aware of the individual, but that He has chosen, acknowledged, and entered into a special relationship with them, implying divine favor and purpose.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The name יְהוֹיָדָע appears in the Old Testament referring to at least three distinct individuals:
1. **Jehoiada the High Priest:** This is by far the most significant figure bearing the name. He served as High Priest during the reigns of Athaliah and Joash in Judah. His actions were pivotal in preserving the Davidic line and restoring the worship of YHWH.
* He courageously hid the infant Joash, the sole surviving heir of the Davidic dynasty, from the murderous Queen Athaliah for six years ([[2 Kings 11:3]], [[2 Chronicles 22:11-12]]).
* He orchestrated a successful coup against Athaliah, leading the Levites and the people to anoint Joash as king ([[2 Kings 11:4-16]], [[2 Chronicles 23:1-15]]).
* He made a covenant between YHWH, the king, and the people, establishing Joash's legitimate rule and restoring the worship of YHWH. He destroyed the house of Baal and killed its priest ([[2 Kings 11:17-18]], [[2 Chronicles 23:16-17]]).
* He faithfully guided King Joash in doing what was right in the eyes of YHWH for much of his reign, overseeing significant repairs and restoration of the Temple ([[2 Kings 12:2-16]], [[2 Chronicles 24:2-14]]).
* Jehoiada lived to the remarkable age of 130 and was honored with burial among the kings in the city of David, a testament to his immense contribution and righteous standing ([[2 Chronicles 24:15-16]]). His life exemplifies the meaning of his name, as he was clearly "known by YHWH" and used as an instrument for divine purposes.
2. **Jehoiada, father of Benaiah:** This Jehoiada is identified as the father of Benaiah, one of David's mighty men and later commander of Solomon's army ([[2 Samuel 8:18]], [[2 Samuel 23:20]], [[1 Kings 1:8]], [[1 Chronicles 11:22]], [[1 Chronicles 18:17]], [[1 Chronicles 27:5]]). While his own actions are not detailed, his son's prominence suggests a respected lineage.
3. **Jehoiada, a priest in Jeremiah's time:** Mentioned as the predecessor of Zephaniah, the priest who received a prophetic message from Jeremiah ([[Jeremiah 29:26]]). Little is known about this individual beyond his priestly office.
### Related Words & Concepts
* **יְהֹוָה (YHWH, `{{H3068}}`):** The divine name, which forms the first part of Jehoiada's name, signifies the self-existent, covenant-keeping God of Israel. Its inclusion in personal names underscores a theological confession about God's nature and His relationship with humanity.
* **יָדַע (yada, `{{H3045}}`):** The verb "to know" is central. In the context of divine knowledge, it implies not just intellectual awareness but a deep, intimate, and often covenantal relationship. For God to "know" someone can signify election, special favor, and a guiding hand (e.g., [[Amos 3:2]]).
* **Theophoric Names:** יְהוֹיָדָע belongs to a large category of Hebrew names that incorporate divine elements (e.g., *El*, *Yah/Yahu*, *Jehovah*). These names serve as miniature confessions of faith, expressing the parents' theological beliefs, hopes, or experiences concerning God.
* **יוֹיָדָע (Yowyada, `{{H3111}}`):** This is a shorter or variant form of the same name, meaning "Known by YHWH." Its existence highlights the fluidity in Hebrew naming conventions while retaining the core theological meaning.
### Theological Significance
The name יְהוֹיָדָע carries profound theological significance, particularly as embodied by the High Priest Jehoiada:
* **Divine Omniscience and Providence:** The name "YHWH knows" affirms God's perfect and comprehensive knowledge of all things, including the hidden heir Joash and the future of His covenant people. It underscores God's active providence and sovereignty over human affairs, demonstrating that He orchestrates events to fulfill His purposes, even in times of great apostasy.
* **Covenantal Relationship and Election:** To be "Known by YHWH" is a powerful theological concept, signifying a unique, intimate, and covenantal relationship. It implies divine favor, protection, and a calling to serve God's specific purposes. Jehoiada the High Priest exemplifies this, as he was clearly chosen and empowered by God to preserve the Davidic line and restore the purity of worship, thereby upholding God's covenant with David.
* **Faith and Obedience:** The life of Jehoiada, the high priest, serves as a testament to the impact of a person who lives in accordance with the meaning of their name. His actions were characterized by unwavering faith in YHWH's promises and resolute obedience to His commands, leading to significant spiritual and political reform in Judah. His burial among the kings, an extraordinary honor for a priest, underscores the divine recognition and blessing upon his life of service.
### Summary
The Hebrew name יְהוֹיָדָע (Yᵉhôwyâdâʻ, `{{H3077}}`), meaning "YHWH knows" or "Known by YHWH," is a powerful theological statement. Derived from יְהֹוָה (YHWH, `{{H3068}}`) and יָדַע (yada, "to know," `{{H3045}}`), it speaks to God's omnipresence, intimate awareness, and His covenantal relationship with His chosen ones. The most prominent bearer, Jehoiada the High Priest, epitomized this meaning through his courageous and faithful actions. He preserved the Davidic dynasty and spearheaded a spiritual reformation in Judah, demonstrating how one divinely "known" individual can be a pivotal instrument in God's sovereign plan. The name יְהוֹיָדָע thus serves as a profound reminder of God's active involvement in history and His personal knowledge and guidance of those who are called to serve His redemptive purposes.
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