or יְהוֹשֻׁעַ; from יְהֹוָה and יָשַׁע; Jehovah-saved; Jehoshua (i.e. Joshua), the Jewish leader; Jehoshua, Jehoshuah, Joshua. Compare הוֹשֵׁעַ, יֵשׁוּעַ.
Transliteration:Yᵉhôwshûwaʻ
Pronunciation:yeh-ho-shoo'-ah
Detailed Word Study
AI-Generated
Loading Study...
### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew name יְהוֹשׁוּעַ (Yᵉhôwshûwaʻ, `{{H3091}}`) is a compound proper noun, rich in theological significance. Its etymology reveals its core meaning: it is formed from יְהֹוָה (YHWH, `{{H3068}}`), the personal name of God, and the verbal root יָשַׁע (yasha, `{{H3467}}`), which means "to save," "to deliver," "to rescue," or "to grant victory." Therefore, the name יְהוֹשׁוּעַ inherently signifies "YHWH is salvation," "YHWH saves," or "YHWH is deliverer." This is not merely a descriptive label but a declarative statement about the character and action of God. The semantic range of יְהוֹשׁוּעַ is tightly bound to this etymological foundation, primarily serving as a proper noun for individuals chosen by God to embody or facilitate His saving work.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The most prominent biblical figure bearing the name יְהוֹשׁוּעַ (Yᵉhôwshûwaʻ, `{{H3091}}`) is Joshua, the son of Nun, who succeeded Moses as the leader of Israel. His original name was Hoshea (`{{H1954}}`), meaning "salvation." However, Moses himself changed his name to Joshua (יְהוֹשׁוּעַ) in [[Numbers 13:16]], a highly significant act. By adding the divine prefix "Yeho-" (from YHWH), Moses transformed a general concept of salvation into an explicit declaration that *YHWH* is the one who saves.
Joshua's life and ministry vividly illustrate the meaning of his name:
* He led the Israelites across the Jordan River into the Promised Land, a miraculous act of divine deliverance and a fulfillment of God's covenant promises ([[Joshua 3:1-17]]).
* He spearheaded the military conquest of Canaan, where YHWH fought on behalf of Israel, demonstrating His saving power in battle ([[Joshua 10:1-14]]).
* He oversaw the division of the land among the tribes, bringing the people into their promised inheritance and a period of rest ([[Joshua 14:1-5]]). In each instance, Joshua was the human instrument through whom YHWH's salvific purposes were realized.
Another notable occurrence is Joshua, son of Jehozadak, the high priest in the post-exilic period, who ministered alongside Zerubbabel in the rebuilding of the temple. His role, particularly in the prophecies of Zechariah, highlights themes of restoration, purification, and divine favor ([[Zechariah 3:1-10]]; [[Haggai 1:1]]). Here too, a bearer of the name is associated with God's saving and restoring work among His people.
Across its occurrences, the name יְהוֹשׁוּעַ consistently points to individuals who are instrumental in God's acts of deliverance, leadership, and the establishment of His covenant purposes.
### Related Words & Concepts
The name יְהוֹשׁוּעַ (Yᵉhôwshûwaʻ, `{{H3091}}`) is deeply interconnected with several fundamental biblical terms and concepts:
* **יָשַׁע (yasha, `{{H3467}}`):** This is the foundational verbal root from which the name is derived, signifying "to save," "to deliver," or "to bring victory." It underscores the active nature of divine salvation.
* **יְהֹוָה (YHWH, `{{H3068}}`):** The divine name, which forms the first part of יְהוֹשׁוּעַ, explicitly identifies the source and agent of salvation as the covenant God of Israel.
* **הוֹשֵׁעַ (Hoshea, `{{H1954}}`):** Joshua's original name. The transformation to יְהוֹשׁוּעַ highlights the crucial distinction between a general concept of "salvation" and the specific declaration that "YHWH is salvation," emphasizing divine agency.
* **יֵשׁוּעַ (Yeshua, `{{H3442}}`):** This is a later, shortened (Aramaicized) form of יְהוֹשׁוּעַ. It is the Hebrew name for Jesus. This linguistic and conceptual link is profoundly significant, as Jesus is understood in the New Testament as the ultimate embodiment of "YHWH is salvation," fulfilling the salvific promise inherent in the name.
* **יְשׁוּעָה (yeshu'ah, `{{H3444}}`):** The abstract noun meaning "salvation," "deliverance," or "victory," derived from the same root יָשַׁע. The name יְהוֹשׁוּעַ personifies this divine attribute.
* **Messiah (מָשִׁיחַ, Mashiaḥ, `{{H4899}}`):** While not etymologically related, the role of Joshua as a deliverer and leader who brings Israel into their inheritance foreshadows the ultimate deliverance and spiritual inheritance brought by the Messiah, who is the ultimate "YHWH is salvation."
### Theological Significance
The name יְהוֹשׁוּעַ (Yᵉhôwshûwaʻ, `{{H3091}}`) is a profound theological statement, continually affirming that "YHWH is salvation." Its significance extends across several theological themes:
* **Divine Sovereignty in Salvation:** The name unequivocally attributes all deliverance, victory, and security to God alone. It counters any notion of human self-sufficiency in achieving salvation, highlighting God's initiative and power in rescuing His people.
* **Covenant Faithfulness:** The actions of Joshua, guided by God, demonstrate YHWH's unwavering faithfulness to His covenant promises, particularly the promise of land and rest to Abraham's descendants. The name serves as a constant reminder of God's reliability in fulfilling His word.
* **Prophetic Foreshadowing (Typology):** The figure of Joshua, bearing a name that declares "YHWH is salvation," functions as a powerful type or shadow of the ultimate Savior. His leadership in bringing Israel into their rest and inheritance in Canaan foreshadows the greater spiritual rest and inheritance provided by Jesus Christ (Yeshua). Just as Joshua led the people into a physical promised land, Jesus leads His people into the spiritual promised land of eternal life and communion with God. This typological connection is explicitly drawn in the New Testament, particularly in Hebrews, where the "rest" offered by Joshua is seen as incomplete, pointing to a greater rest in Christ ([[Hebrews 4:8-10]]).
* **Continuity of God's Redemptive Plan:** The linguistic and conceptual link between יְהוֹשׁוּעַ and יֵשׁוּעַ (Jesus) provides a crucial bridge between the Old and New Testaments. It underscores the continuity of God's singular plan of salvation, culminating in the person and work of Jesus, whose very name encapsulates the core message of the Gospel: God saves.
### Summary
The Hebrew name יְהוֹשׁוּעַ (Yᵉhôwshûwaʻ, `{{H3091}}`), most famously associated with Moses' successor, Joshua, is a potent theological declaration: "YHWH is salvation." Formed from יְהֹוָה (YHWH, `{{H3068}}`) and יָשַׁע (yasha, `{{H3467}}`, "to save"), its etymology points directly to God as the sole source of deliverance. Joshua's life and leadership, from guiding Israel into the Promised Land to securing their inheritance, consistently exemplify this truth, showcasing YHWH's active role in His people's history. The renaming of Hoshea (`{{H1954}}`) to יְהוֹשׁוּעַ underscores the divine agency in salvation. Crucially, יְהוֹשׁוּוַע is the direct linguistic antecedent to יֵשׁוּעַ (Yeshua, `{{H3442}}`), the Hebrew name for Jesus. This profound connection highlights the continuity of God's redemptive plan throughout Scripture, demonstrating how the Old Testament figure of Joshua, whose name proclaims divine salvation, foreshadows Jesus Christ, the ultimate Deliverer who perfectly embodies the truth that "YHWH is salvation." The name יְהוֹשׁוּעַ thus stands as a foundational testament to God's unchanging character and His sovereign, saving work across all generations.
TRV