from יְהֹוָה and עָדָה; Jehovah-adorned; Jehoaddah, an Israelite; Jehoada.
Transliteration:Yᵉhôwʻaddâh
Pronunciation:yeh-ho-ad-daw'
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew proper name יְהוֹעַדָּה (Yᵉhôwʻaddâh, `{{H3085}}`) is a theophoric name, meaning it incorporates a divine element. Its base definition is derived from two components: the divine name יְהֹוָה (YHWH, or Jehovah) and the verb עָדָה (ʻâdâh, `{{H5710}}`). The verb עָדָה primarily means "to pass on, pass away," but also carries the significant meaning "to adorn, to deck oneself, to put on an ornament." Thus, יְהוֹעַדָּה is best understood as "YHWH has adorned" or "Jehovah-adorned." As a personal name, its semantic range is primarily fixed by this etymological meaning, signifying that the individual bearing the name is seen as having been graced, honored, or beautified by God Himself. This suggests divine favor, blessing, or a special endowment from the Almighty.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The name יְהוֹעַדָּה (Yᵉhôwʻaddâh, `{{H3085}}`) appears only once in the Hebrew Bible, under the slightly varied transliteration "Jehoada" in some English translations (e.g., KJV):
* **[[2 Chronicles 23:11]]**: "Then they brought out the king’s son and put the crown on him and gave him the testimony, and they made him king. And Jehoiada and his sons anointed him and said, 'Long live the king!'"
* In this pivotal passage, Jehoaddah (or Jehoada) is identified as the son of Benaiah. He is mentioned alongside Jehoiada the priest during the anointing of Joash as king, following the overthrow of the usurper Athaliah. The context is one of restoration and covenant renewal. Jehoaddah, as a son of Benaiah, likely held a significant position, possibly within the priesthood or among the Levites, given his involvement in this sacred and political act. His presence underscores the legitimacy and divine sanction of Joash's enthronement, a moment when the Davidic line was preserved and the worship of YHWH was re-established. The name "YHWH has adorned" for an individual participating in such a divinely ordained event is highly fitting, suggesting that God had indeed adorned or prepared him for this significant role in restoring order and righteousness.
### Related Words & Concepts
The components of יְהוֹעַדָּה point to several important biblical concepts:
* **יְהֹוָה (YHWH)**: The divine personal name of God, frequently incorporated into Hebrew names to express a relationship with or characteristic of God. Names beginning with "Jeho-" or "Yo-" (shortened forms of YHWH) are common and signify divine action, protection, or blessing (e.g., Jehonathan, "YHWH has given"; Jehoram, "YHWH is exalted").
* **עָדָה (ʻâdâh, `{{H5710}}`)**: While its primary sense can be "to pass," the meaning "to adorn, deck, put on an ornament" is crucial here. This root is used elsewhere to describe the act of adorning oneself with jewelry or fine clothing (e.g., [[Isaiah 61:10]], where God's people are "adorned" as a bride). When God is the subject, it implies His active beautification, bestowing honor, grace, or gifts.
* **Theophoric Names**: This name exemplifies the common biblical practice of forming names that include a divine element, reflecting the pervasive awareness of God's presence and activity in the lives of individuals and the nation. Such names often serve as theological statements in themselves.
* **Divine Favor and Appointment**: The meaning "YHWH has adorned" strongly suggests divine favor, indicating that the individual is specially graced or equipped by God for a particular purpose or position. This aligns with God's sovereign choice and enablement of His servants.
### Theological Significance
The name יְהוֹעַדָּה, "YHWH has adorned," carries profound theological weight, particularly in its sole biblical appearance. It signifies God's active involvement in beautifying, empowering, and setting apart His chosen instruments.
1. **Divine Initiative and Endowment**: The name implies that any "adornment" or honor bestowed upon Jehoaddah originated solely from YHWH. This is not self-exaltation but a recognition of divine grace. In the context of [[2 Chronicles 23:11]], Jehoaddah's participation in the anointing of Joash is seen as a divinely sanctioned act, where God had prepared and "adorned" him for his role in restoring the legitimate Davidic kingship and the purity of worship.
2. **God's Sovereignty in Restoration**: The narrative in 2 Chronicles 23 is a powerful account of God's faithfulness to His covenant with David, even in the face of human treachery (Athaliah's usurpation). Individuals like Jehoaddah, whose very name proclaims God's adorning power, serve as tangible reminders that God orchestrates events and equips His people to fulfill His purposes, particularly in moments of spiritual and national restoration.
3. **God's Adornment of His Servants**: The concept extends beyond this specific individual. Biblically, God "adorns" His people with salvation, righteousness, and spiritual gifts (e.g., [[Isaiah 61:10]], [[1 Peter 3:4]]). The name Jehoaddah serves as an ancient testament to this truth: God beautifies and empowers those He calls into His service, enabling them to reflect His glory and carry out His will.
### Summary
The name יְהוֹעַדָּה (Yᵉhôwʻaddâh, `{{H3085}}`), meaning "YHWH has adorned," is a powerful theophoric name found once in [[2 Chronicles 23:11]]. It identifies an individual, Jehoaddah (or Jehoada), as a participant in the pivotal anointing of King Joash, a moment of divine restoration for the Davidic dynasty and the temple cult. The name itself is a theological statement, signifying that God actively beautifies, honors, and equips His servants for their specific roles. It underscores the divine initiative in human affairs, highlighting God's sovereign grace in preparing and empowering individuals for His purposes, especially in times of covenant renewal and the re-establishment of righteousness.
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