### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew proper noun יוֹזָבָד (Yôwzâbâd, `{{H3107}}`) is a contracted or shortened form of the more complete name יְהוֹזָבָד (Yᵉhôwzâbâd, `{{H3086}}`). Both names are theophoric, meaning they incorporate an element referring to God. The name is composed of two primary elements: the divine name YHWH (Yahweh), here in its abbreviated form "Yo" (יוֹ), and the verbal root זָבַד (zâbad), meaning "to bestow" or "to give." Therefore, the name יוֹזָבָ signifies "Yahweh has bestowed" or "Yahweh is a giver."
As a proper noun, its semantic range is inherently limited to identifying specific individuals. However, the underlying etymology carries significant theological weight, pointing to the character of God as the ultimate source of all gifts and blessings. The various individuals bearing this name across biblical history serve as living testaments to this divine attribute.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The name Jozabad (or Josabad) appears in various contexts across the Old Testament, identifying a number of distinct individuals, often in roles of service or leadership. While the base definition suggests "ten Israelites," the following list captures the most prominent occurrences:
* **Among David's Mighty Men:** Two men named Jozabad are listed among those who joined David at Ziklag. One was a Gederathite, a mighty man who joined David's band ([[1 Chronicles 12:4]]). Another was a Manassite, a captain of a thousand, who also defected to David during his time in Ziklag ([[1 Chronicles 12:20]]). These individuals exemplify loyalty and strength, qualities bestowed by God for His purposes.
* **Levitical Administrators under Hezekiah:** A Levite named Jozabad served as an overseer under King Hezekiah, responsible for the distribution of offerings in the temple. He worked alongside Conaniah, his brother, demonstrating meticulous care in managing the sacred provisions ([[2 Chronicles 31:13]]). This highlights a role of responsible stewardship in the service of God.
* **Levitical Chiefs under Josiah:** During King Josiah's widespread reforms and the great Passover celebration, Jozabad, a chief of the Levites, contributed significantly to the Passover offerings, providing lambs, goats, and cattle for the people ([[2 Chronicles 35:9]]). This shows a role of leadership and generous provision in facilitating corporate worship.
* **Treasurers with Ezra:** After the exile, a Levite named Jozabad, the son of Jeshua, was one of the treasurers responsible for weighing and distributing the silver, gold, and vessels brought back from Babylon for the temple in Jerusalem ([[Ezra 8:33]]). This role underscores integrity and faithfulness in handling sacred resources.
* **Those Who Divorced Foreign Wives:** Two individuals named Jozabad are listed among those who had married foreign wives and were compelled to divorce them during Ezra's reforms. One was a priest, a son of Jeshua ([[Ezra 10:22]]), and the other was a Levite ([[Ezra 10:23]]). These instances reflect a commitment to covenant purity and obedience to God's law, even when it involved personal sacrifice.
* **Explainer of the Law under Nehemiah:** During the reading of the Law by Ezra, a Levite named Jozabad was among those who helped the people understand the Law, instructing them as they listened ([[Nehemiah 8:7]]). This highlights a vital role in spiritual education and the dissemination of divine truth.
* **Overseer of Temple Work:** Another Levite named Jozabad, the chief of the Levites, was an overseer of the "outer work of the house of God" in Jerusalem after the return from exile ([[Nehemiah 11:16]]). This indicates a role in the practical administration and maintenance of the temple.
Across these diverse roles, the individuals named Jozabad consistently appear in positions of trust, service, and responsibility within the community and the temple. Their very names served as a constant reminder of God's gracious provision, not only in their existence but also in the gifts and abilities He bestowed upon them for service.
### Related Words & Concepts
The most directly related word is the full form of the name, יְהוֹזָבָד (Yᵉhôwzâbâd, `{{H3086}}`), which carries the identical meaning "Yahweh has bestowed." Both names belong to a broader category of Hebrew theophoric names that incorporate the divine name YHWH and a verb reflecting God's action. Other examples include:
* Jonathan (יְהוֹנָתָן, Yᵉhôwnâthân, `{{H3083}}`), meaning "Yahweh has given."
* Nathan (נָתָן, Nâthân, `{{H5416}}`), meaning "He has given," often implying God as the giver.
* Mattaniah (מַתַּנְיָה, Mattanyâh, `{{H4980}}`), meaning "Gift of Yahweh."
The concept underlying these names is that of divine bestowal, grace, and provision. This connects to broader biblical themes such as:
* **Divine Sovereignty and Providence:** God is the ultimate giver and sustainer of life, gifts, and opportunities ([[Psalm 104:27-28]]).
* **Stewardship:** Individuals are entrusted by God with various gifts and responsibilities, which they are to manage faithfully ([[1 Peter 4:10]]).
* **The Gifting of the Spirit:** In the New Testament, this concept expands to the spiritual gifts bestowed by the Holy Spirit for the building up of the church ([[1 Corinthians 12:4-11]]).
### Theological Significance
The name יוֹזָבָד (Yôwzâbâd), "Yahweh has bestowed," carries profound theological significance by directly attributing the existence and capabilities of the named individual to the gracious act of God. It serves as a constant declaration of divine beneficence.
Firstly, the name underscores the fundamental truth that all good things, including life itself and every ability, come as a gift from God. This resonates with the New Testament affirmation in [[James 1:17]]: "Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights." The individuals bearing this name were not merely self-made; their very being and the capacities they exercised were seen as divine endowments.
Secondly, the consistent appearance of individuals named Jozabad in roles of service, administration, and leadership – whether in David's army, Hezekiah's temple, Josiah's reforms, or Ezra and Nehemiah's post-exilic community – reinforces the idea that God bestows gifts for specific purposes. These individuals were not just recipients of divine favor but active participants in God's ongoing work among His people. Their service, whether military, administrative, or spiritual, was a manifestation of the gifts "Yahweh had bestowed."
Finally, the prevalence of such theophoric names in Israelite society highlights a pervasive theological worldview where God's active involvement in human affairs, His giving nature, and His covenant faithfulness were central tenets. The name Jozabad, therefore, is not merely an identifier but a mini-creed, proclaiming God's character as the benevolent Giver who equips His people for His glory and their good.
### Summary
The Hebrew name יוֹזָבָד (Yôwzâbâd, `{{H3107}}`) is a theophoric proper noun meaning "Yahweh has bestowed" or "Yahweh is a giver," a contracted form of יְהוֹזָבָד (Yᵉhôwzâbâd, `{{H3086}}`). This name appears frequently in the Old Testament, identifying various Israelites who often held significant roles in service, administration, or leadership, particularly within the temple and community life. From David's mighty men to Levites serving under Hezekiah, Josiah, Ezra, and Nehemiah, individuals named Jozabad consistently exemplify faithfulness and responsibility. The name itself serves as a powerful theological statement, affirming God's character as the ultimate source of all gifts and blessings, and His active role in equipping His people for His purposes. It underscores the biblical truth that all good gifts originate from a benevolent God, who bestows abilities and opportunities for His glory and the flourishing of His covenant people.
TRV