The Hebrew word Yᵉhôwʻaddîyn, represented by H3086, is a proper name meaning "Jehovah-pleased". It appears 2 times across 2 unique verses in the Bible. The name identifies a specific Israelitess, Jehoaddan, whose identity is recorded in the royal history of Judah.
In the biblical narrative, H3086 is used exclusively to identify the mother of a king. Jehoaddan is recorded as the mother's H517 name H8034 of Amaziah H558, who began to reign H4427 at twenty-five years of age 2 Kings 14:2. Both scriptural references to her occur in the introductory summary of her son's reign, and both specify that she was "of Jerusalem" H3389, tying her directly to the capital city 2 Chronicles 25:1.
Several related words provide context to the life and identity of Jehoaddan:
- H517 'êm (mother): This term defines her primary role in the historical record as "a mother (as the bond of the family)". The importance of this role is underscored by the command to honor one's father and mother Exodus 20:12.
- H558 'Ămatsyâh (Amaziah): This is the name of her son, meaning "strength of Jah." He was the king H4428 of Judah, and his royal status is the reason for her inclusion in the biblical account 2 Kings 14:9.
- H3389 Yᵉrûwshâlaim (Jerusalem): This name, meaning "founded peaceful," identifies Jehoaddan's home. Her connection to Jerusalem is explicitly stated, linking her to the capital city of Palestine which the prophets would later address directly Zechariah 9:9.
The theological weight of H3086 is linked to its meaning and the person it identifies within the Davidic monarchy.
- A God-Honoring Name: The name Yᵉhôwʻaddîyn ("Jehovah-pleased") reflects a parental hope for a life that honors God. A name H8034 in scripture often signifies character and destiny, and being called by God's name was a source of joy and identity Jeremiah 15:16.
- The Mother's Role: As the mother H517 of King Amaziah, Jehoaddan occupied a significant position in the royal court. Scripture emphasizes the foundational role of a mother in the family unit and lineage Genesis 2:24.
- Connection to the Holy City: Being "of Jerusalem" H3389 connects Jehoaddan to the spiritual heart of Israel. Jerusalem was viewed as the city where God's people dwell and where He would be gracious to the voice of their cry Isaiah 30:19.
In summary, H3086 is more than a simple name. It identifies Jehoaddan, an Israelitess whose historical importance is preserved through her role as the mother of King Amaziah. Her identity is defined by her maternal relationship to the throne and her origin in Jerusalem H3389. The name itself, "Jehovah-pleased," carries a theological aspiration, illustrating how personal names in the Bible can convey deep spiritual meaning and hope for divine favor.
TRV