or יְהוֹשֻׁעַ; from יְהֹוָה and יָשַׁע; Jehovah-saved; Jehoshua (i.e. Joshua), the Jewish leader; Jehoshua, Jehoshuah, Joshua. Compare הוֹשֵׁעַ, יֵשׁוּעַ.
### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew name **Yᵉhôwshûwaʻ**, represented by `{{H3091}}`, means **Jehovah-saved**. It appears **218 times** across **199 unique verses**, primarily identifying the pivotal Jewish leader who succeeded Moses. The name itself, derived from **Yᵉhôvâh** `{{H3068}}` and a word for saved, encapsulates the character's role in the biblical narrative.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In the biblical narrative, **Yᵉhôwshûwaʻ** `{{H3091}}` appears in two distinct contexts. The most prominent is Joshua, the son of Nun `{{H5126}}`, who begins as Moses' `{{H4872}}` minister `{{H8334}}` [[Joshua 1:1]]. After Moses' death `{{H4194}}`, the LORD `{{H3068}}` commissions him to lead Israel, promising to be with him as He was with Moses [[Joshua 3:7]]. He is depicted as a courageous military commander who leads Israel to conquer the promised land, smiting `{{H5221}}` numerous kings `{{H4428}}` and destroying `{{H2763}}` the inhabitants as commanded `{{H6680}}` by God [[Joshua 10:40]]. A second, later figure is Joshua the high `{{H1419}}` priest `{{H3548}}`, the son of Josedech `{{H3087}}`, who served alongside Zerubbabel `{{H2216}}` after the exile [[Haggai 1:1]] and is featured in prophetic visions concerning the priesthood and the coming "BRANCH" `{{H6780}}` [[Zechariah 3:8]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words provide context for the name and figure of Joshua:
* `{{H3068}}` **Yᵉhôvâh** (Jehovah): This is the Jewish national name of God and forms the first part of Joshua's name, signifying his divine commission and the source of his strength.
* `{{H5126}}` **Nûwn** (Nun): The name of Joshua's father, establishing his lineage. He is consistently identified as "Joshua the son `{{H1121}}` of Nun" [[Numbers 27:18]].
* `{{H4872}}` **Môsheh** (Moses): The great lawgiver whom Joshua served and succeeded. Joshua's ministry is a direct continuation of the work commanded `{{H6680}}` to Moses [[Joshua 11:15]].
* `{{H8334}}` **shârath** (to attend as a menial or worshipper): This word describes Joshua's role as Moses' "minister" or servant, highlighting his period of training and faithful service before becoming the leader ([[Exodus 33:11]], [[Joshua 1:1]]).
### Theological Significance
The theological weight of `{{H3091}}` is significant, representing God's faithfulness and the requirements of leadership.
* **Divine Commission and Succession:** The transition from Moses to Joshua demonstrates God's enduring plan for His people. Joshua is filled with the spirit `{{H7307}}` of wisdom `{{H2451}}` through the laying on of Moses' hands `{{H3027}}`, showing a direct transfer of authority ordained by the LORD `{{H3068}}` [[Deuteronomy 34:9]].
* **Obedience as the Path to Victory:** Joshua's success in conquering the land is directly linked to his meticulous obedience. He left `{{H5493}}` nothing `{{H1697}}` undone of all that the LORD `{{H3068}}` commanded `{{H6680}}` Moses [[Joshua 11:15]], establishing a model of faithful leadership.
* **Prophetic Restoration:** In the book of Zechariah, Joshua the high priest serves as a symbol of spiritual cleansing. He is shown standing before the angel `{{H4397}}` of the LORD with Satan `{{H7854}}` resisting him, where his filthy garments are removed, signifying the removal of iniquity `{{H5771}}` ([[Zechariah 3:1]], [[Zechariah 3:9]]).
### Summary
In summary, `{{H3091}}` represents more than just a historical leader. It embodies the concept of "Jehovah-saved," a theme demonstrated through the military deliverance Joshua brought to Israel and the spiritual restoration symbolized by the high priest of the same name. The name signifies divinely appointed leadership, the necessity of absolute obedience to God's commands, and the fulfillment of God's promise to give His people their inheritance `{{H5159}}` and rest `{{H8252}}`.
TRV