from יְהֹוָה and נָתַן; Jehovah-given; Jehonathan, the name of four Israelites; Jonathan. Compare יוֹנָתָן.
Transliteration:Yᵉhôwnâthân
Pronunciation:yeh-ho-naw-thawn'
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew proper noun יְהוֹנָתָן (Yᵉhôwnâthân), Strong's number `{{H3083}}`, is a theophoric name derived from two components: יְהֹוָה (YHWH), the personal name of God, and the verb נָתַן (nathan), meaning "to give." Thus, the name inherently signifies "Jehovah has given" or "Gift of Yahweh." As a proper noun, its semantic range is primarily defined by this etymological meaning, reflecting a theological statement about the individual's origin or divine favor. It is closely related to and often used interchangeably with the contracted form יוֹנָתָן (Yônâthân, `{{H3129}}`), which carries the same core meaning. The full form `{{H3083}}` emphasizes the divine name YHWH more explicitly.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The name יְהוֹנָתָן (Yᵉhôwnâthân) identifies several distinct individuals in the Hebrew Bible, each instance underscoring the name's inherent meaning in their respective contexts:
1. **Jonathan, Son of Gershom, Son of Moses/Manasseh:** This Jehonathan is found in [[Judges 18:30]], identified as a Levite who became a priest to the idol of Micah, and later for the tribe of Dan. His story is a tragic example of spiritual apostasy and the corruption that plagued Israel during the period of the Judges. While his name means "Jehovah has given," his life ironically demonstrates a departure from the Giver and His commandments, serving an idol rather than the true God. The textual variant regarding his grandfather (Moses vs. Manasseh) is significant, but the name itself is consistently `{{H3083}}`.
2. **Jehonathan, David's Treasurer:** Mentioned in [[1 Chronicles 27:25]], Jehonathan, the son of Uzziah, was appointed by King David as overseer of the king's treasuries in the country, in the cities, in the villages, and in the fortresses. His role highlights a position of trust and responsibility within the Davidic administration. His name, "Jehovah has given," could subtly reflect a divine gifting of administrative skill or a divine appointment to this crucial role in the kingdom of God's anointed.
3. **Jehonathan, a Scribe in Jeremiah's Time:** This individual appears several times in the book of Jeremiah ([[Jeremiah 37:15]], [[Jeremiah 37:20]], [[Jeremiah 38:26]]). His house was used as a prison, specifically for the prophet Jeremiah, who was unjustly imprisoned there. Later, Jeremiah appeals to King Zedekiah not to be returned to Jehonathan's house, indicating harsh conditions. The irony here is poignant: a house belonging to someone whose name means "Jehovah has given" becomes a place of suffering for God's prophet, showcasing the complex and often paradoxical interplay between divine providence and human actions during a period of national decline.
4. **Jehonathan, a Priest in Nehemiah's Time:** Listed in [[Nehemiah 12:18]], Jehonathan is identified as the head of the priestly house of Shemaiah during the time of Joiakim, the high priest, following the return from exile. This occurrence places him among those responsible for the spiritual and administrative re-establishment of the community in Judah. His name, "Jehovah has given," fits well within the context of the restored community, where God's hand was evident in bringing His people back and re-establishing His worship.
### Related Words & Concepts
The most direct linguistic relation to יְהוֹנָתָן (Yᵉhôwnâthân, `{{H3083}}`) is its contracted form, יוֹנָתָן (Yônâthân, `{{H3129}}`), which is more commonly transliterated as "Jonathan." Both names share the same etymological root and meaning, with `{{H3083}}` being the fuller, more formal expression. The core components of the name link it to broader theological concepts:
* **יְהֹוָה (YHWH):** This divine name connects the word study to the very essence of God's covenantal relationship with Israel, His faithfulness, and His active presence in history.
* **נָתַן (nathan, `{{H5414}}`):** The verb "to give" is central to understanding God's character as the ultimate Giver—of life, blessings, the Law, the land, and ultimately, salvation.
Conceptually, the name points to themes of divine sovereignty, providence, and grace. It implies that individuals, their lives, and their roles are ultimately a gift or a divinely ordained provision from the Lord. Other related concepts include divine appointment, stewardship, and the recognition of God's hand in human affairs.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of יְהוֹנָתָן (Yᵉhôwnâthân) lies primarily in its inherent meaning: "Jehovah has given." This name serves as a constant, albeit often unheeded, reminder of God's active involvement in the lives of individuals and the history of His people.
1. **God as the Giver:** The name affirms God's character as the benevolent Giver of all good things, including life itself and the specific gifts, talents, and positions bestowed upon individuals. It underscores a theology of divine providence, where God is not a distant deity but intimately involved in His creation.
2. **Divine Sovereignty:** The naming convention suggests that even the existence and roles of individuals are not accidental but part of God's sovereign plan. Whether for good (like David's treasurer) or for a more complex purpose (like the scribe whose house became Jeremiah's prison), the name points to a divine hand at work.
3. **Human Responsibility:** While the name celebrates God's giving, the narratives associated with those bearing the name (e.g., Jonathan, son of Gershom) often highlight human failure to live up to the implications of such a divine gift. This creates a theological tension, emphasizing that God's giving does not negate human responsibility or the capacity for rebellion.
4. **Testimony to God's Name:** The inclusion of YHWH within the name itself serves as a miniature theological statement, a perpetual testimony to the God of Israel, even in contexts where His people might be straying from Him.
### Summary
The Hebrew name יְהוֹנָתָן (Yᵉhôwnâthân, `{{H3083}}`), meaning "Jehovah has given," is a profound theological statement embedded within a proper noun. It explicitly declares the Lord God as the source of all bestowal, whether it be life, position, or individual purpose. While borne by several Israelites in various periods—from the turbulent era of the Judges to the organized administration of David and the challenging times of Jeremiah and Nehemiah—the name consistently points to God's active, giving nature. The narratives surrounding these individuals, though diverse in their outcomes, collectively underscore the biblical truth that all things ultimately come from the hand of the sovereign Lord, reminding us of His enduring providence and the human response, whether faithful or faltering, to His divine gifts.
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