from יְהֹוָה and צָדַק; Jehovah-righted; Jehotsadak, an Israelite; Jehozadek, Josedech. Compare יוֹצָדָק.
Transliteration:Yᵉhôwtsâdâq
Pronunciation:yeh-ho-tsaw-dawk'
Detailed Word Study
AI-Generated
Loading Study...
### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The name Jehozadak (`{{H3087}}`, יְהוֹצָדָק, *Yᵉhôwtsâdâq*) is a compound theophoric name, meaning it incorporates a divine element. Its etymology is derived from two components: the divine name "Jehovah" or "Yahweh" (`{{H3068}}`) and the verb "צָדַק" (*tsadaq*, `{{H6663}}`), meaning "to be righteous," "to be just," or "to justify/declare righteous." Therefore, the name is most commonly interpreted as "Yahweh is righteous" or "Yahweh has made righteous." As a proper noun, its semantic range is tied to the individual it identifies, but its etymological roots convey a profound theological statement about God's inherent character of justice and His active role in upholding or establishing righteousness.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
Jehozadak is a prominent figure in the post-exilic narrative, primarily known as the father of Jeshua (also spelled Joshua), the high priest who returned from Babylonian captivity with Zerubbabel.
* **[[1 Chronicles 6:15]] (or 6:5 in some versions):** This verse establishes Jehozadak's lineage as a descendant of Aaron through Zadok and Seraiah, the high priest at the time of the exile. It states, "And Jehozadak went into captivity, when the LORD carried away Judah and Jerusalem by the hand of Nebuchadnezzar." This places him as the last high priest of the pre-exilic period to be taken into exile, signifying the cessation of the temple cult in Jerusalem.
* **[[Ezra 3:2]], [[Ezra 3:8]], [[Ezra 5:2]]:** In these passages, Jehozadak is identified as the father of Jeshua, who, alongside Zerubbabel, plays a crucial role in leading the returned exiles to rebuild the altar and the Temple. Jeshua, son of Jozadak, is consistently presented as the spiritual leader.
* **[[Nehemiah 12:26]]:** This verse further confirms the lineage of the high priestly line, mentioning "Joiakim the son of Jeshua, the son of Jozadak," indicating the continuation of this priestly family after the return.
* **[[Haggai 1:1]], [[Haggai 1:12]], [[Haggai 1:14]], [[Haggai 2:2]], [[Haggai 2:4]]:** The prophet Haggai consistently addresses "Joshua the son of Josedech, the high priest," emphasizing his role in motivating the people to complete the Temple rebuilding. The variant spelling "Josedech" (often `{{H3088}}`) refers to the same individual.
* **[[Zechariah 3:1]], [[Zechariah 6:11]]:** The prophet Zechariah also features "Joshua the high priest, the son of Josedech," prominently in his visions, particularly in the vision of Joshua standing before the Angel of the LORD, where his defiled garments are removed and replaced with clean ones, symbolizing God's cleansing and restoration of the priesthood.
Across these occurrences, Jehozadak's significance is primarily derived from his being the father of the high priest who spearheaded the spiritual restoration post-exile, even though Jehozadak himself endured the captivity.
### Related Words & Concepts
* **`{{H3068}}` (YHWH/Jehovah):** The divine component of Jehozadak's name, signifying God's covenant faithfulness, self-existence, and sovereign authority.
* **`{{H6663}}` (צָדַק - *tsadaq*):** The verbal root meaning "to be righteous," "to be just," or "to justify." This root is fundamental to understanding God's character (His righteousness, *tsedeq*, `{{H6664}}`) and His actions in judging and saving.
* **`{{H3091}}` (יֵשׁוּעַ - *Yeshua*):** The name of Jehozadak's son, Jeshua/Joshua, which means "Yahweh is salvation." The pairing of "Yahweh is righteous" (Jehozadak) with "Yahweh is salvation" (Jeshua) creates a profound theological statement about the nature of God's redemptive work.
* **`{{H3088}}` (יוֹצָדָק - *Yowtsadaq*):** A variant spelling of Jehozadak, used interchangeably in some texts (e.g., Ezra and Nehemiah). This highlights the fluidity of ancient Hebrew names and their transliterations.
* **Priesthood (כֹּהֵן - *kohen*, `{{H3548}}`):** Jehozadak's lineage connects him to the high priestly line of Aaron, and his son's role as high priest underscores the importance of the priesthood in mediating God's righteousness and facilitating atonement for the people.
* **Exile and Restoration:** The historical context of Jehozadak's life—being taken into exile and his son leading the return—connects the name to themes of divine judgment for sin and God's subsequent faithfulness in restoring His people and their worship.
### Theological Significance
The name Jehozadak carries significant theological weight. "Yahweh is righteous" serves as a powerful affirmation of God's unchanging character, even in times of national crisis and judgment.
1. **God's Righteousness in Judgment:** Jehozadak's experience of going into captivity (`{{H3087}}` in [[1 Chronicles 6:15]]) is a stark reminder that even the high priestly line, representing the spiritual leadership of Israel, was subject to God's righteous judgment for the nation's unfaithfulness. This underscores the impartiality of divine justice, which applies to all, including those in positions of spiritual authority.
2. **Foundation for Salvation:** The fact that Jehozadak's son is Jeshua ("Yahweh is salvation") is profoundly significant. The high priest of the restoration, whose name declares God's saving power, is the son of one whose name declares God's righteousness. This sequence suggests that God's salvation flows directly from His righteous character. The restoration of Israel was not based on their merit but on God's righteous and faithful initiative.
3. **Divine Faithfulness Amidst Despair:** Jehozadak's name would have been a constant theological declaration for his son and the returned exiles. In the midst of a desolate homeland and a broken people, the name "Yahweh is righteous" would have served as a source of hope, affirming that the God who judged them was also the God who would justly restore them according to His covenant promises.
4. **Continuity of the Priesthood:** Despite the exile and the apparent disruption of the high priestly line, the return of Jeshua, son of Jehozadak, ensures the continuity of the Aaronic priesthood. This reflects God's faithfulness to His covenant with Levi and His commitment to maintaining the means of atonement and worship for His people.
### Summary
Jehozadak (`{{H3087}}`), meaning "Yahweh is righteous" or "Yahweh has made righteous," is a name that encapsulates a profound theological truth about God's character. Though he himself went into Babylonian captivity, his significance is primarily as the father of Jeshua, the high priest who led the spiritual rebuilding of Jerusalem after the exile. Jehozadak's name serves as a foundational declaration of God's unwavering justice, even when His people face judgment for their sin. The succession of his son, Jeshua ("Yahweh is salvation"), to the high priesthood powerfully illustrates that God's salvation emanates from His righteous nature. The narrative of Jehozadak and his son Jeshua, set against the backdrop of exile and return, underscores the continuity of God's covenant faithfulness and His commitment to restoring His people through a divinely appointed, righteous, and salvific plan.
TRV