The Hebrew word Yôwchânân, represented by H3110, is the name of nine Israelites. It appears 24 times across 24 unique verses in the Bible. The name is a form of יְהוֹחָנָן (Jehohanan), and its primary significance comes from the various individuals who bore it, most notably a military leader after the fall of Jerusalem.
In the biblical narrative, H3110 identifies several distinct figures. The most prominent is Johanan, the son of Kareah, a captain of the forces who was active after the Babylonians appointed Gedaliah as governor. He warned Gedaliah of a plot by Ishmael Jeremiah 40:15 and later led the effort to recover the people Ishmael had taken captive Jeremiah 41:16. Despite seeking a word from the LORD through Jeremiah, this Johanan ultimately disobeyed the command to remain in Judah, leading the remnant into Egypt Jeremiah 43:4-5. Other individuals named Johanan mark important lineages, including the firstborn son of King Josiah 1 Chronicles 3:15 and a priest in the line of Azariah 1 Chronicles 6:9-10.
Several related words provide context for the narratives involving individuals named Johanan:
- H8269 sar (a head person... captain... ruler): This word defines the primary role of Johanan, son of Kareah, who is consistently identified as one of the captains of the forces Jeremiah 42:1.
- H2428 chayil (a force, whether of men, means or other resources; an army, wealth, virtue, valor, strength): Johanan was a leader of the remaining military forces in Judah after the Babylonian invasion Jeremiah 41:11.
- H3458 Yishmâʻêʼl (God will hear; Jishmael... Ishmael): The story of Johanan in the book of Jeremiah is centered on his conflict with Ishmael, the man who assassinated the governor Gedaliah Jeremiah 41:11.
- H1436 Gᵉdalyâh (Jah has become great; Gedaljah... Gedaliah): Johanan interacted directly with Gedaliah, the appointed governor, attempting to warn him of danger and later acting in response to his death (Jeremiah 40:13, 41:16).
The narrative importance of H3110 is demonstrated through the actions of the men who carry the name.
- Military Leadership in Crisis: Johanan, son of Kareah, steps into a leadership vacuum after Jerusalem's fall. He commands other captains and takes decisive action to rescue the remnant of Judah from Ishmael Jeremiah 41:16, showcasing his role as a military authority.
- Opposition to Prophetic Counsel: The same Johanan provides a key example of disobedience. After asking for divine guidance, he rejects Jeremiah's prophecy, accuses the prophet of speaking falsely, and leads the people contrary to God's command (Jeremiah 43:2, 43:4).
- Genealogical Significance: The name is used to anchor key family lines. It appears in the royal lineage as King Josiah's firstborn 1 Chronicles 3:15, in the priestly succession 1 Chronicles 6:10, and among the Levitical records during the time of Nehemiah Nehemiah 12:23.
In summary, H3110 is a name associated with pivotal moments in Israel's history. While used to track important royal and priestly genealogies, its most significant use is for Johanan, the son of Kareah. His story in Jeremiah provides a detailed account of leadership, conflict, and human disobedience during the fragile period following the destruction of the kingdom of Judah.
TRV