The Hebrew word Yᵉhôwʻaddâh, represented by H3085, is a proper name meaning Jehovah-adorned. This name appears 2 times within 1 unique verse in the Bible, identifying a specific Israelite named Jehoada.
The use of H3085 is confined to a genealogical context. It appears in the biblical narrative solely to establish the lineage of an individual. In its only occurrence, the text states, "And Ahaz begat Jehoadah; and Jehoadah begat Alemeth, and Azmaveth, and Zimri" 1 Chronicles 8:36. This places Yᵉhôwʻaddâh firmly within a historical record of ancestry, identifying him as the son of Ahaz and the father of three sons.
Several related words provide context for the lineage of Yᵉhôwʻaddâh:
- H271 ʼÂchâz (possessor; Achaz, the name of a Jewish king and of an Israelite; Ahaz): This name identifies the father of Jehoadah, linking him to the royal line of Judah 1 Chronicles 8:36.
- H3205 yâlad (to bear young; causatively, to beget; ...specifically, to show lineage): This verb is crucial as it establishes the direct paternal relationship between Ahaz and Jehoadah, and subsequently between Jehoadah and his own sons, forming the structure of the genealogy 1 Chronicles 8:36.
While appearing only in a list of names, the identity of H3085 carries significance based on its context and composition.
- Divine Association in Naming: The name Yᵉhôwʻaddâh itself, meaning "Jehovah-adorned," reflects a common practice of embedding the name of God within a personal name, likely to signify piety or a desired blessing.
- Genealogical Marker: Its exclusive function is to mark an individual's place in history. The use of the verb yâlad H3205 to "show lineage" highlights the biblical importance of recording ancestry and heritage 1 Chronicles 8:36.
- Royal Lineage: As the son of ʼÂchâz H271, a king of Judah, Jehoadah is part of Israel's royal history, even if his own story is not elaborated upon 1 Chronicles 8:36.
In summary, H3085 is the proper name Yᵉhôwʻaddâh, meaning "Jehovah-adorned." Its role in scripture is not narrative but documentary, serving as a vital link in the genealogical record of the line of King Ahaz. The name illustrates how even individuals mentioned only in passing contribute to the larger biblical framework of lineage and history, carrying theological meaning in their very name.
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