### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word `{{H3114}}` (Yôwyârîyb) is a proper noun, a personal name. It is a shortened form of the name `{{H3080}}` (Yehôwyârîyb). The fuller form is composed of "Yeho-," a shortened form of the divine name YHWH, and "yârîb," derived from the verb root רוּב (rûb), which means "to contend, strive, plead, dispute." Therefore, the name `{{H3114}}` inherently carries the meaning "YHWH contends," "YHWH pleads," or "YHWH strives." This meaning suggests a theological understanding of God as actively involved in legal or judicial processes, either as a defender, an accuser, or one who brings about justice.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The name `{{H3114}}` appears in the Old Testament primarily in post-exilic contexts, often associated with priestly lineages. The Strong's definition notes it as "the name of four Israelites," which refers to distinct individuals or branches bearing this name in the biblical record:
1. **A Priestly Lineage:** The name Joiarib is prominently associated with a priestly family descended from Jedaiah, one of the chief priests who returned from the Babylonian exile.
* [[1 Chronicles 9:10]] mentions "Joiarib, Jedaiah's son," among the priests living in Jerusalem after the return from exile.
* [[Nehemiah 11:10]] reiterates this, listing "Joiarib, Jedaiah's son," as one of the priests.
* [[Nehemiah 12:6]] and [[Nehemiah 12:19]] list Joiarib as a head of a priestly house in the time of Joiakim, son of Jeshua, and again among those who returned with Zerubbabel. These references likely pertain to the same prominent priestly lineage, indicating its continuity and importance in the restored community.
2. **A Chief Man Sent by Ezra:**
* [[Ezra 8:16]] records Joiarib as one of the "chief men" whom Ezra sent to Iddo at Casiphia to recruit Levites and temple servants for the journey back to Jerusalem. This individual was a significant leader in the community, entrusted with a vital mission by Ezra.
The concentration of this name within the priestly class, particularly after the exile, suggests a conscious choice to bear a name that speaks to God's active engagement and vindication, perhaps reflecting the community's experience of God contending on their behalf during and after their captivity.
### Related Words & Concepts
The primary related word is the fuller form of the name, `{{H3080}}` (Yehôwyârîyb), which explicitly contains the divine element YHWH. The core meaning of both forms is derived from the Hebrew verb root רוּב (rûb), meaning "to contend, strive, plead, or dispute." This root is employed in various contexts, from legal disputes among individuals to God's "contending" with His people or with their enemies.
Related concepts include:
* **Divine Advocacy/Judgment:** The name points to God's active role as one who enters into disputes, either on behalf of His people (as an advocate) or against them (as a judge).
* **Covenant Fidelity:** For a priestly lineage, the name could underscore their role in upholding the covenant, where God's "contending" ensures justice and purity within the community.
* **Lineage and Identity:** The repeated appearance of the name in genealogies and lists of returnees emphasizes the importance of family identity and the legacy of faith in post-exilic Israel.
* **Post-Exilic Hope:** In a community rebuilding after exile, a name meaning "YHWH contends" could serve as a powerful reminder of God's faithfulness and His promise to fight for His people and restore them.
### Theological Significance
The name `{{H3114}}` (Joiarib) carries profound theological significance, particularly in its meaning "YHWH contends." This attribute of God reveals His dynamic and personal involvement in the affairs of humanity, moving beyond a distant or passive deity.
Firstly, it underscores God's commitment to justice. When YHWH "contends," He is actively engaged in righting wrongs, vindicating the oppressed, and holding the unrighteous accountable. This is a comforting truth for those who suffer injustice, knowing that the sovereign God will plead their cause.
Secondly, for the priestly families who bore this name, it may have served as a constant reminder of their sacred duty to mediate God's justice and righteousness to the people. Their very name proclaimed that God was actively involved in their worship and their lives, contending for His covenant and for the purity of His people.
Thirdly, in the context of the return from exile, the name could have been a declaration of hope. The people had experienced God's judgment, but now they were experiencing His restoration. The name "YHWH contends" affirmed that God was now contending *for* them against their adversaries, securing their place in the land and ensuring the rebuilding of their community and temple. It speaks to a God who is not aloof but passionately invested in His creation and His covenant people.
### Summary
`{{H3114}}` (Yôwyârîyb), or Joiarib, is a Hebrew personal name meaning "YHWH contends" or "YHWH pleads," a shortened form of `{{H3080}}`. It appears in the Old Testament primarily in post-exilic lists, most notably associated with a prominent priestly lineage descended from Jedaiah, and also with a chief man sent by Ezra. The name's theological weight lies in its portrayal of God as an active, engaged deity who intervenes in human affairs to bring about justice, vindicate His people, and uphold His covenant. For the priestly families who bore it, the name likely served as a powerful reminder of God's dynamic presence and their own role in His redemptive plan for Israel.
TRV