### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew proper noun יוֹחָא (Yôwchâʼ, `{{H3109}}`) is understood to be a theophoric name, meaning "Jehovah-revived" or "Yahweh lives/gives life." This etymology is derived from a combination of the divine name יְהֹוָה (Yahweh, `{{H3068}}`) and a form of the verb חָיָה (chayah, `{{H2421}}`), meaning "to live," "to revive," or "to keep alive." As a proper noun, its semantic range is fixed by this inherent etymological meaning, pointing to the character and action of God in bestowing or restoring life. It functions as a declarative statement about divine power and vitality, embedded within the identity of the individual bearing the name.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The name Yôwchâʼ (`{{H3109}}`) appears twice in the Hebrew Bible, referring to two distinct individuals:
1. **A Benjamite:** Yôwchâʼ is listed among the sons of Beriah, a chief man of the tribe of Benjamin dwelling in Jerusalem, as recorded in the genealogies of 1 Chronicles. His full name is given as Jocha, son of Beriah, in [[1 Chronicles 8:16]]. This context places him within the post-exilic enumeration of tribal lineages, emphasizing the continuity and identity of the people of Israel. While no specific actions or narratives are attributed to this individual, his inclusion in the tribal records underscores the importance of family and lineage in ancient Israelite society.
2. **One of David's Mighty Men:** Yôwchâʼ the Tizite is identified as one of David's valiant warriors, a member of the elite group known as "the thirty" or "the mighty men." His name appears in [[1 Chronicles 11:45]], alongside his brother Jediael. These individuals were celebrated for their prowess in battle and their unwavering loyalty to King David. The presence of a name like "Jehovah-revived" among such warriors could subtly reflect a belief in divine protection and the life-giving power of God, even amidst the dangers of warfare. Their very survival and strength could be seen as a testament to God's hand.
In both instances, the name functions as an identifier, but its underlying meaning carries a quiet theological weight, connecting the individual to divine life and sustenance.
### Related Words & Concepts
The primary components of Yôwchâʼ (`{{H3109}}`) are central to biblical theology:
* **יְהֹוָה (Yahweh, `{{H3068}}`):** This is the sacred, covenant name of God, revealing His self-existence, faithfulness, and active presence in creation and redemption. Its inclusion in a personal name signifies a direct connection to the divine.
* **חָיָה (chayah, `{{H2421}}`):** This verb encompasses a broad semantic range related to life: to live, to be alive, to revive, to restore to life, to preserve life, or to be quickened. It is used to describe physical life, spiritual life, and the act of God in giving or sustaining life.
The combination of these elements places Yôwchâʼ (`{{H3109}}`) within a larger category of theophoric names common in ancient Israel. These names often expressed:
* Praise or attributes of God (e.g., Elijah – "My God is Yahweh").
* A prayer or hope (e.g., Nathaniel – "God has given").
* A testimony to God's action in the child's life or birth (e.g., Samuel – "Heard by God").
In the case of Yôwchâʼ, the concept of "revival" or "life" points directly to God as the ultimate source and sustainer of being, echoing themes found throughout Scripture regarding God's power over life and death.
### Theological Significance
The name Yôwchâʼ (`{{H3109}}`), "Jehovah-revived," carries profound theological significance, even though the individuals bearing it are not central figures in biblical narratives. It serves as a miniature confession of faith, embedded within a personal identity.
1. **God as the Source of Life:** The name inherently declares that life, and particularly the restoration or revival of life, originates from Yahweh. This aligns with the biblical teaching that God is the fount of all life (e.g., [[Psalm 36:9]]) and the one who breathes life into creation (e.g., [[Genesis 2:7]]).
2. **Divine Sovereignty over Life and Death:** The "revived" aspect suggests a context where life was either threatened, diminished, or lost, and God intervened to restore it. This speaks to God's ultimate authority over life and death, His ability to sustain in the face of peril, and to bring life out of apparent non-existence or despair.
3. **Theophoric Naming as Testimony:** The practice of incorporating the divine name into personal names was a pervasive cultural and theological phenomenon in ancient Israel. It reflected a worldview where God was intimately involved in human affairs, and where personal identity was often linked to divine attributes or actions. For a child to be named "Jehovah-revived" could signify a parent's gratitude for a miraculous birth, recovery from illness, or simply a deep trust in God's life-giving power.
4. **Forecasting Redemption:** While not directly prophetic, names like Yôwchâʼ subtly foreshadow the broader biblical narrative of God's redemptive work, which often involves spiritual revival and the promise of resurrection. The concept of being "revived by Yahweh" resonates with themes of spiritual renewal, the new covenant, and ultimately, the hope of eternal life through Christ.
### Summary
Yôwchâʼ (`{{H3109}}`) is a Hebrew proper noun meaning "Jehovah-revived" or "Yahweh lives/gives life," derived from the divine name Yahweh (`{{H3068}}`) and the verb "to live/revive" (`{{H2421}}`). It identifies two individuals in the Old Testament: a Benjamite in [[1 Chronicles 8:16]] and one of David's mighty men in [[1 Chronicles 11:45]]. As a theophoric name, Yôwchâʼ serves as a silent testimony to the core biblical truth that God is the ultimate source and sustainer of life, possessing the power to revive and restore. Its meaning underscores divine sovereignty over life and death, reflecting a deep trust in God's active involvement in the lives of His people.
TRV