from יְהֹוָה and נָדַב; Jehovah-largessed; Jehonadab, the name of an Israelite and of an Arab; Jehonadab, Jonadab. Compare יוֹנָדָב.
Transliteration:Yᵉhôwnâdâb
Pronunciation:yeh-ho-naw-dawb'
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew name Yᵉhôwnâdâb (`{{H3082}}`) is a compound word derived from two primary elements: YHWH (`{{H3068}}`), the personal covenant name of God, and the verb nâdab (`{{H5068}}`), meaning "to incite," "to volunteer," "to be willing," "to give freely," or "to be noble." The combined meaning, as indicated by the base definition "Jehovah-largessed," conveys the sense of "YHWH is generous," "YHWH has incited/impelled," or "YHWH has given freely." This suggests a divine initiative or a character marked by willingness and nobility, bestowed or inspired by God. The root nâdab is often associated with concepts of freewill offerings and spontaneous generosity, implying that the person bearing this name might be seen as a recipient of divine generosity or an embodiment of God-given willingness.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The name Yᵉhôwnâdâb (or its variant Yônâdâb, `{{H3122}}`) appears in the biblical narrative associated with two distinct individuals, whose lives present a fascinating study in contrast:
1. **Jehonadab, son of Rechab:** This is the most prominent figure bearing the name. He is introduced in [[2 Kings 10:15-23]] as a zealous ally of King Jehu during the purge of Baal worship in Israel. Jehonadab's willingness to join Jehu's chariot and witness the destruction of Baal's prophets suggests a fervent commitment to the Lord. His descendants, the Rechabites, are later featured prominently in [[Jeremiah 35]]. Here, they are presented as a paradigm of unwavering obedience to their ancestor's commands: they lived in tents, abstained from wine, and did not sow fields or plant vineyards. Jeremiah uses their faithfulness to their human father's strictures as a stark contrast to the people of Judah and Jerusalem's disobedience to YHWH's divine commands. Jehonadab's legacy of disciplined, counter-cultural living embodies the spirit of "YHWH has incited" or "YHWH has impelled," as his directives led to a unique and enduring faithfulness.
2. **Jonadab, son of Shimeah (David's nephew):** This individual is mentioned in [[2 Samuel 13:3-5]] and [[2 Samuel 13:32-35]]. He is described as "a very shrewd man" (חָכָם מְאֹד). Tragically, his shrewdness was used for evil; he counseled Amnon, David's son, on how to deceive and rape his half-sister Tamar. Later, he correctly surmised Absalom's plan to avenge Tamar by killing Amnon. In this context, the name "Jehovah-largessed" takes on an ironic or even tragic dimension. While he possessed a sharp intellect, the "largess" or "shrewdness" was not used for noble or God-honoring purposes, but for manipulation and facilitating grave sin.
The stark contrast between these two figures highlights that while a name may carry a profound theological meaning, the individual's character and actions ultimately determine how that meaning is lived out.
### Related Words & Concepts
The primary related word is the root nâdab (`{{H5068}}`), which signifies a willingness, freeness, or nobility of spirit. This root appears in various forms throughout the Hebrew Bible, often in contexts of:
* **Freewill offerings (nᵉdâbâ):** Gifts given voluntarily and generously to God, beyond what is commanded by law (e.g., [[Exodus 35:29]], [[Leviticus 7:16]]).
* **Noble or willing people (nâdîb):** Individuals characterized by generosity, nobility, or a willing spirit (e.g., [[Psalm 51:12]], [[Proverbs 17:26]]).
* **Voluntary service:** The readiness to serve or contribute without compulsion (e.g., [[Judges 5:2]]).
The connection to YHWH (`{{H3068}}`) emphasizes that true generosity, willingness, and nobility originate from God. The comparison to Yônâdâb (`{{H3122}}`) confirms that the two transliterations refer to the same underlying Hebrew lemma and the same person (Jehonadab son of Rechab), further solidifying his significant role in biblical narrative. Concepts of obedience, faithfulness, wisdom (both divine and worldly), and the consequences of moral choices are intrinsically linked to the figures bearing this name.
### Theological Significance
The name Yᵉhôwnâdâb, "YHWH is generous" or "YHWH has incited," carries significant theological weight. It underscores the divine nature as the source of all good, initiative, and benevolence. In the case of Jehonadab son of Rechab, his life and the legacy of his descendants serve as a powerful theological object lesson. Their unwavering obedience to a human ancestor's command, even over generations, is held up by God through Jeremiah as a rebuke to Israel's consistent disobedience to their divine Father ([[Jeremiah 35:12-16]]). This exemplifies the principle of covenant faithfulness and the enduring nature of a righteous legacy. The Rechabites' simple, disciplined life also highlights a commitment to purity and separation from the corrupting influences of the surrounding culture, demonstrating that true spiritual "largess" or blessing can manifest in a life of humble obedience rather than material abundance.
Conversely, Jonadab son of Shimeah's story offers a sobering counterpoint. His "shrewdness" — a form of wisdom or cleverness — was not divinely inspired or used for righteous ends. This demonstrates that human capabilities, even those seemingly positive, can be twisted for evil purposes when separated from divine guidance and moral integrity. The name, in this instance, serves as an ironic commentary on the character, emphasizing that God's "largess" or gifting of intellect does not guarantee righteous application.
### Summary
Yᵉhôwnâdâb (`{{H3082}}`), meaning "YHWH is generous" or "YHWH has incited/impelled," is a name that profoundly reflects the character of God as the ultimate giver and initiator. While borne by two distinct individuals in the biblical narrative, their lives provide contrasting theological insights. Jehonadab, son of Rechab, embodies the positive implications of the name, establishing a multi-generational legacy of unwavering faithfulness and obedience to his father's commands, which God uses as a powerful example for disobedient Israel. His life underscores the blessings of steadfast devotion and the enduring nature of a righteous heritage. In stark contrast, Jonadab, son of Shimeah, though "very shrewd," employed his intellect for manipulative and sinful purposes, illustrating how human capabilities, when divorced from divine wisdom, can lead to destruction. Ultimately, the study of Yᵉhôwnâdâb illuminates God's character, the critical importance of obedience to His commands, and the profound difference between worldly cleverness and true, God-given wisdom that leads to righteousness.
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