### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew name **Yôwʼêl**, represented by `{{H3100}}`, means **Jehovah (is his) God**. It is formed from the name **Yᵉhôvâh** `{{H3068}}` and the word for God. The name appears **19 times** across **19 unique verses** and is the name given to twelve different Israelites, signifying a personal declaration of faith in the God of Israel.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The name **Joel** is found across various roles and lineages in scripture. The most prominent is Joel the **son** `{{H1121}}` of Pethuel, who received the **word** `{{H1697}}` of the **LORD** `{{H3068}}` as a prophet [[Joel 1:1]]. Another was the **firstborn** `{{H1060}}` **son** `{{H1121}}` of the prophet Samuel, who was appointed as a **judge** `{{H8199}}` in Beersheba [[1 Samuel 8:2]]. The name also appears frequently in Levitical genealogies. One Joel was the father of the **singer** `{{H7891}}` Heman [[1 Chronicles 6:33]], while another was a **chief** `{{H8269}}` among the sons of Gershom [[1 Chronicles 15:7]]. Other individuals named Joel served as a tribal leader for Manasseh [[1 Chronicles 27:20]], an **overseer** `{{H6496}}` in Jerusalem [[Nehemiah 11:9]], and one of David's mighty men [[1 Chronicles 11:38]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words provide context for the roles and identity of the individuals named Joel:
* `{{H3068}}` **Yᵉhôvâh** (Jehovah): This is the Jewish national name of God, forming the first part of the name Joel and establishing its theological foundation.
* `{{H1121}}` **bên** (son): This word appears in nearly every reference to a Joel, establishing his identity through his father's lineage, such as Joel the **son** of Azariah [[2 Chronicles 29:12]] or Joel the **son** of Pedaiah [[1 Chronicles 27:20]].
* `{{H3881}}` **Lêvîyîy** (Levite): Many of the men named Joel were **Levites** `{{H3881}}`, placing them in roles of religious service and leadership within Israel ([[1 Chronicles 15:11]], [[1 Chronicles 15:17]]).
* `{{H7218}}` **rôʼsh** (chief): This term denotes a head person or leader. Several individuals named Joel held this rank, being identified as **chief** men among their families or tribes ([[1 Chronicles 5:12]], [[1 Chronicles 7:3]], [[1 Chronicles 23:8]]).
### Theological Significance
The theological weight of `{{H3100}}` is carried both by its meaning and the lives of those who bore the name.
* **Confessional Identity:** The name itself, "Jehovah is God," is a powerful statement of faith and allegiance. It declares that the God of Israel is the one true God, a central theme throughout scripture.
* **Leadership in Worship:** Multiple men named Joel were directly involved in the worship of **Yᵉhôvâh** `{{H3068}}`. They served as Levitical leaders, temple officials in charge of **treasures** `{{H214}}` [[1 Chronicles 26:22]], and were part of the lineage of temple **singers** `{{H7891}}` like Heman [[1 Chronicles 6:33]].
* **Prophetic Office:** The prophet Joel stands as a key figure, a man whose name reflected his message. He was the direct recipient of "the **word** `{{H1697}}` of the LORD" [[Joel 1:1]], tying the confessional name to the act of divine revelation.
* **Covenantal Role:** The appearance of the name in diverse tribal lineages, including Simeon [[1 Chronicles 4:35]], Reuben [[1 Chronicles 5:4]], and Manasseh [[1 Chronicles 27:20]], shows its integration into the broad covenant family of Israel.
### Summary
In summary, **Yôwʼêl** `{{H3100}}` is far more than a simple name. It is a creed, encapsulating the foundational belief that Jehovah is God. The twelve individuals who carry this name in Scripture are found in significant roles as prophets, judges, Levites, and tribal leaders, each contributing to the history of Israel. The name serves as a recurring reminder of personal and national identity rooted in faithfulness to the **LORD** `{{H3068}}`.
TRV