from יְהֹוָה and אֵל; Jehovah (is his) God; Joel, the name of twelve Israelites; Joel.
Transliteration:Yôwʼêl
Pronunciation:yo-ale'
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew proper noun `{{H3100}}` (Yôwʼêl) is a theophoric name, meaning it incorporates a divine name or attribute. Its etymology is clearly derived from a combination of two foundational divine appellations: `{{H3068}}` (YHWH, the personal covenant name of God, often transliterated as Jehovah or Yahweh) and `{{H410}}` (ʼĒl, a generic term for God or deity). Thus, the name `{{H3100}}` means "YHWH is God" or "YHWH is El." This declarative statement serves as a profound theological confession, affirming the unique identity and supreme sovereignty of the God of Israel. As a proper noun, its semantic range is limited to its function as a personal name, yet the inherent meaning of the name carries significant theological weight, serving as a constant affirmation of monotheistic faith.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The definition notes that `{{H3100}}` (Yôwʼêl) was the name of twelve different Israelites in the Old Testament, indicating its relatively common usage as a theophoric name. The most prominent figure bearing this name is the prophet Joel, author of the book of Joel, identified as the son of Pethuel ([[Joel 1:1]]). His prophecy focuses on a devastating locust plague, a call to repentance, and the coming "Day of the Lord," a time of divine judgment and restoration. The meaning of his name, "YHWH is God," serves as a powerful backdrop to his message, emphasizing the authority and ultimate control of YHWH over creation and history.
Other notable individuals named Joel include:
* Samuel's firstborn son, who, along with his brother Abijah, served as a judge in Beersheba ([[1 Samuel 8:2]]).
* A Simeonite chief, whose descendants expanded their territory ([[1 Chronicles 4:35]]).
* A Reubenite chief, whose son Beerah was carried into exile by Tiglath-pileser ([[1 Chronicles 5:4]], [[1 Chronicles 5:8]]).
* A Gadite chief ([[1 Chronicles 5:12]]).
* A Kohathite Levite, a chief of the sons of Uzziel ([[1 Chronicles 6:36]]).
* A Gershonite Levite, who helped bring the ark to Jerusalem ([[1 Chronicles 15:7]]) and was a chief of his family ([[1 Chronicles 23:8]]).
* A chief of the tribe of Issachar during David's reign ([[1 Chronicles 27:20]]).
* A Levite, one of the overseers of the work on the temple during Josiah's reforms ([[2 Chronicles 34:12]]).
* A son of Nebo, among those who had married foreign wives during Ezra's time ([[Ezra 10:43]]).
* A Benjamite, son of Zichri, who was an overseer in Jerusalem after the exile ([[Nehemiah 11:9]]).
Across these occurrences, `{{H3100}}` consistently functions as a personal name, often associated with individuals in positions of leadership, lineage, or religious service, underscoring the spiritual significance embedded within the name itself.
### Related Words & Concepts
The etymological components of `{{H3100}}` are crucial for understanding its depth:
* `{{H3068}}` (YHWH): This is the tetragrammaton, the personal, covenant name of God, central to Israelite theology and worship. Its inclusion in `{{H3100}}` highlights the unique relationship between God and His people.
* `{{H410}}` (ʼĒl): This is a more general term for God, often used in combination with other words to form divine titles (e.g., El Shaddai, El Elyon). Its presence alongside YHWH in `{{H3100}}` reinforces the idea of YHWH as the supreme, true God.
`{{H3100}}` is an excellent example of a theophoric name, a common feature in Hebrew nomenclature. Many biblical names incorporate divine elements, serving as declarations of faith or prayers. Examples include:
* Elijah (`{{H452}}`): "My God is YHWH."
* Daniel (`{{H1840}}`): "God is my judge."
* Isaiah (`{{H3470}}`): "YHWH is salvation."
* Jeremiah (`{{H3414}}`): "YHWH will exalt."
The structure of `{{H3100}}` specifically emphasizes the identity of YHWH as the *only* God, a direct challenge to the polytheistic environments of the ancient Near East. The concept of the "Day of the Lord" (`{{H3117}}` yom, `{{H3068}}` YHWH), a core theme in the Book of Joel, further connects the prophet's name to his message, as it is YHWH Himself who will bring about this day of judgment and ultimate salvation.
### Theological Significance
The name `{{H3100}}` (Yôwʼêl), "YHWH is God," is a profound theological statement that encapsulates a foundational tenet of Israelite monotheism. It is a bold declaration against idolatry and polytheism, affirming the unique identity, sovereignty, and supremacy of YHWH over all other supposed deities. For individuals bearing this name, it served as a constant reminder and public testimony of their faith, embodying a core truth of their covenant relationship with God.
In the context of the prophet Joel, his name lends divine authority and weight to his prophetic pronouncements. His message of impending judgment and the call to repentance, culminating in the promise of divine outpouring and restoration, is rooted in the absolute sovereignty of YHWH, who is indeed the one true God. The name reinforces that the judgments and blessings described in his book originate from the ultimate divine authority. Moreover, the name Joel speaks to the personal and relational aspect of God (YHWH) combined with His universal power and divinity (El), suggesting that the personal God of Israel is also the supreme God of all creation. It is a name that embodies allegiance, confession, and the very essence of true worship.
### Summary
`{{H3100}}` (Yôwʼêl) is a Hebrew proper noun meaning "YHWH is God" or "YHWH is El," formed from the divine names `{{H3068}}` (YHWH) and `{{H410}}` (ʼĒl). This name was borne by twelve different individuals in the Old Testament, most notably the prophet Joel, author of the biblical book bearing his name. The significance of `{{H3100}}` lies in its explicit theological declaration: it affirms the unique divine identity, supreme sovereignty, and exclusive Lordship of YHWH. As a theophoric name, it served as a living confession of faith for those who bore it, embodying a core tenet of Israelite monotheism and underscoring the covenant relationship between God and His people. In the prophetic context, the name Joel powerfully reinforces the divine authority and ultimate control of YHWH over all creation and history, particularly in relation to the "Day of the Lord."
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