a form of יְהוֹאָחָז; Joachaz, the name of two Israelites; Jehoahaz, Joahaz.
Transliteration:Yôwʼâchâz
Pronunciation:yo-aw-khawz'
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew lemma יוֹאָחָז (Yôwʼâchâz, `{{H3099}}`) is a proper noun, a personal name. Its base definition indicates that it is a shortened form of יְהוֹאָחָז (Yᵉhôwʼâchâz, `{{H3059}}`). To understand the meaning of יוֹאָחָז, we must first examine its fuller counterpart.
The name יְהוֹאָחָז (Yᵉhôwʼâchâz, `{{H3059}}`) is a theophoric name, meaning it incorporates a divine element. It is composed of two parts:
1. **יהו (Yᵉhô):** A shortened form of the divine name YHWH (Yahweh).
2. **אָחַז ('âchaz, `{{H270}}`):** A verb meaning "to grasp, take hold of, seize, possess, hold fast."
Therefore, the name יְהוֹאָחָחָז (and by extension, its shortened form יוֹאָחָז) carries the meaning "Yahweh has grasped," "Yahweh has seized," or "Yahweh sustains/possesses." This meaning reflects a profound theological statement, indicating a belief in God's active involvement and sovereignty over an individual's life. The semantic range thus encompasses divine ownership, providential care, and perhaps even a divine claim or destiny.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The lemma יוֹאָחָז (Yôwʼâchâz, `{{H3099}}`) specifically appears in [[2 Chronicles 34:8]]. Here, it refers to "Joahaz the son of Joahaz," who served as the recorder (or secretary) during the reign of King Josiah of Judah. This individual was part of the delegation sent by Josiah to repair the temple. The repetition of "Joahaz the son of Joahaz" is sometimes considered a scribal error or a textual variant, with some suggesting it might have originally been "Joahaz the son of Joash" or similar. Regardless, this is the explicit occurrence of the shortened form `{{H3099}}`.
While `{{H3099}}` itself is limited to this single occurrence for the recorder, the Strong's definition notes it as a "form of" `{{H3059}}` and states it refers to "two Israelites." This implies that the name can also refer to the more prominent individuals commonly known as Jehoahaz (using the longer form `{{H3059}}`):
1. **Jehoahaz, King of Judah:** Son of King Josiah, he reigned for only three months (c. 609 BCE) before being deposed by Pharaoh Neco and exiled to Egypt, where he died ([[2 Kings 23:30-34]], [[2 Chronicles 36:1-4]]). His reign was marked by doing "what was evil in the sight of the Lord."
2. **Jehoahaz, King of Israel:** Son of King Jehu, he reigned for seventeen years (c. 814-798 BCE) in Samaria ([[2 Kings 13:1-9]]). During his reign, Israel suffered greatly under the oppression of Hazael and Ben-Hadad, kings of Aram. Though he sought the Lord, his reign was also characterized by continued adherence to the sins of Jeroboam.
In both royal contexts, the name "Yahweh has grasped" stands in stark contrast to the kings' actions and ultimate fates, highlighting the tension between the divine declaration embedded in the name and the human reality of disobedience and judgment.
### Related Words & Concepts
The most directly related word is the fuller form of the name, יְהוֹאָחָז (Yᵉhôwʼâchâz, `{{H3059}}`), which bears the identical meaning. The verbal root from which the name derives is אָחַז ('âchaz, `{{H270}}`), meaning "to grasp, take hold of, seize, possess." This root is used in various contexts to describe physical grasping, taking possession of land, or even God's firm hold on His people.
The name also belongs to a broader category of Hebrew names that incorporate the divine name YHWH (Yahweh) as a prefix (Jeho- or Yo-) or suffix (-iah or -yah). Examples include יְהוֹיָקִים (Yᵉhôyâqîm, Jehoiakim, `{{H3077}}`), meaning "Yahweh raises up," and יְהוֹרָם (Yᵉhôrâm, Jehoram, `{{H3079}}`), meaning "Yahweh is exalted." This naming convention underscores a pervasive theological worldview where God's character and actions are acknowledged and celebrated in the very identity of individuals. Concepts related to divine sovereignty, providential care, divine judgment, and the covenant relationship are implicitly linked to such names.
### Theological Significance
The name יוֹאָחָז (Yôwʼâchâz), "Yahweh has grasped" or "Yahweh sustains," carries profound theological weight. It speaks to the active and sovereign involvement of God in the lives of individuals and nations.
1. **Divine Sovereignty and Ownership:** The name declares God's ultimate authority and ownership over His creation and, specifically, over those bearing His name. It suggests that individuals are not merely products of chance but are "grasped" and held by the divine hand.
2. **Providential Care and Sustenance:** In a positive sense, "Yahweh has grasped" can imply God's providential care, His firm hold that sustains and protects. It speaks to a divine foundation for existence and purpose.
3. **Divine Judgment and Control:** For the kings named Jehoahaz, the name takes on a poignant irony. Despite their names proclaiming God's grasp, both kings acted in ways displeasing to the Lord and faced severe consequences—exile and oppression. This highlights that God's "grasp" is not merely for blessing but also for judgment and the enforcement of His will. Even in their downfall, God's sovereignty was demonstrated. Their very names served as a constant, albeit unheeded, reminder of the One who truly holds all power and destiny.
4. **Testimony of Faith:** For parents who bestowed such a name, it likely served as a testimony to their faith in Yahweh's active role in their lives and the life of their child, acknowledging His power and presence.
### Summary
The Hebrew lemma יוֹאָחָז (Yôwʼâchâz, `{{H3099}}`) is a proper noun, a personal name that functions as a shortened form of יְהוֹאָחָז (Yᵉhôwʼâchâz, `{{H3059}}`). Its core meaning is "Yahweh has grasped," "Yahweh has seized," or "Yahweh sustains/possesses," derived from the divine name YHWH and the verb אָחַז ('âchaz, `{{H270}}`). While the specific form `{{H3099}}` appears in [[2 Chronicles 34:8]] for a recorder during Josiah's reign, the name (in its longer form) is most notably borne by two Israelite kings: Jehoahaz of Judah and Jehoahaz of Israel. The theological significance of the name is rich, underscoring God's absolute sovereignty, His active involvement in human affairs, and the tension between divine declaration and human conduct, particularly evident in the reigns of the unrighteous kings who bore this powerful name. It serves as a constant reminder of the Lord's ultimate authority, whether in sustaining or in judging.
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