### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew lemma יוֹעֵאלָה (Yôwʻêʼlâh, `{{H3132}}`) is a proper noun, a personal name. Its base definition suggests a derivation from the verb יַעַל (ya'al, `{{H3276}}`), meaning "to be profitable, beneficial, useful, to gain advantage." The Strong's definition further notes "perhaps feminine active participle of יַעַל," which would semantically suggest "she is profitable" or "she avails." However, in its biblical occurrence, the name is applied to a male individual. This highlights a common phenomenon where the grammatical form of a name might not perfectly align with the gender of the person bearing it, or the participle form is nominalized. Thus, for the male bearer, the name would signify "he is profitable" or "he avails," implying a person of utility or benefit. The alternative suggestion "furthermore" in some definitions seems to be a less direct interpretation for a proper name and is likely a misdirection from the primary etymological root.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The name יוֹעֵאלָה (Yôwʻêʼlâh, Joelah) appears only once in the Hebrew Bible, in the book of 1 Chronicles:
* [[1 Chronicles 12:7]]: "And Joelah, and Zebadiah, the sons of Jeroham of Gedor."
This verse is part of a detailed genealogy and roster of the mighty men who joined David at Ziklag while he was still in hiding from King Saul. Specifically, this passage lists the Benjamites, kinsmen of Saul, who defected to David's side. The text emphasizes their prowess: "They were armed with bows, and could use both the right hand and the left in hurling stones and shooting arrows from the bow: they were of Saul’s brethren of Benjamin." Joelah is presented as one of these skilled warriors, indicating his loyalty and active participation in David's emerging kingdom. His inclusion in this select group underscores his significance as an individual who contributed to David's ascent to the throne, demonstrating his "profitability" or usefulness to the future king.
### Related Words & Concepts
The primary linguistic connection for יוֹעֵאלָה (Yôwʻêʼlâh, `{{H3132}}`) is to the verbal root יַעַל (ya'al, `{{H3276}}`). This root conveys the idea of benefit, profit, and utility. Other words derived from or related to this root in Hebrew often carry similar connotations:
* Words emphasizing advantage or gain.
* Concepts of effectiveness or successful action.
* The broader theme of service and contribution, particularly in the context of those who served God's anointed leader, David. The individuals listed in [[1 Chronicles 12]] are characterized by their skills and their decision to align with David, thereby becoming "profitable" or "useful" to his cause. Their actions demonstrate the practical application of the root's meaning.
### Theological Significance
As a proper name, the theological significance of יוֹעֵאלָה (Joelah) is primarily tied to the individual's role and the potential meaning embedded in his name. The name "Joelah," meaning "he is profitable" or "he avails," can be seen as reflecting a divine perspective on the individual's contribution to God's redemptive plan through David. Joelah, a Benjamite from Saul's own tribe, chose to align himself with David, demonstrating a loyalty that transcended tribal allegiance. This act of siding with God's chosen king made him "profitable" in the divine economy.
The inclusion of Joelah and others like him in the detailed list in 1 Chronicles highlights the importance of individual faithfulness and service in the establishment of God's kingdom. It underscores the principle that God uses diverse individuals, even from unexpected backgrounds (like Saul's kinsmen), to achieve His purposes. Their "profitability" is not merely in their military skill but in their willingness to serve and contribute to the divine will, making them instruments of God's unfolding plan.
### Summary
The Hebrew name יוֹעֵאלָה (Yôwʻêʼlâh, `{{H3132}}`), Joelah, is a proper noun appearing once in [[1 Chronicles 12:7]]. Derived from the verb יַעַל (ya'al, `{{H3276}}`), meaning "to be profitable" or "to avail," the name signifies "he is profitable" or "he avails." Joelah is listed among the skilled Benjamite warriors who joined David at Ziklag, demonstrating their loyalty and contribution to David's cause. The theological significance of the name lies in its reflection of individual usefulness and faithful service within God's divine plan, highlighting how God employs diverse individuals to achieve His purposes through His anointed leaders.
TRV