### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word H3142, יוּשַׁב חֶסֶד (Yûwshab Cheçed), is a proper name, directly derived from two fundamental Hebrew roots. The first component, יוּשַׁב (Yûwshab), is a form of the verb שׁוּב (shuv - `{{H7725}}`), meaning "to return," "to turn back," "to restore," or "to bring back." In this construct, it carries a passive or reflexive sense, "will be returned" or "will be restored." The second component is חֶסֶד (cheçed - `{{H2617}}`), a rich theological term often translated as "steadfast love," "loyal love," "kindness," "mercy," or "covenant loyalty." Therefore, the full name يوּשַׁב חֶסֶד conveys the profound meaning, "kindness will be returned" or "steadfast love will be restored/returned." As a proper noun, its semantic range is fixed by this etymological meaning, pointing to a person whose very name embodies a theological statement.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The name יוּשַׁב חֶסֶד (Yûwshab Cheçed) appears only once in the Hebrew Bible, in the genealogical records of the Chronicler.
* [[1 Chronicles 3:20]]: "And Hashubah, and Ohel, and Berechiah, and Hasadiah, Jushab-hesed, five."
This verse lists Jushab-Chesed as one of the sons of Zerubbabel. Zerubbabel was a pivotal figure in the post-exilic period, a descendant of King David through the royal line, who led the first group of exiles back to Judah and was instrumental in the rebuilding of the Second Temple. His prominence as a leader and a Davidic heir during a time of national restoration lends significant weight to the names of his children. The inclusion of Jushab-Chesed in this royal lineage, even as a minor figure in the narrative, emphasizes the enduring nature of God's covenant with David, promising a perpetual dynasty. The name itself, "kindness will be returned," resonates powerfully with the historical context of the return from exile, signifying God's faithfulness in restoring His *chesed* to His people and the Davidic line after a period of judgment.
### Related Words & Concepts
The constituent elements of יוּשַׁב חֶסֶד (Yûwshab Cheçed) are deeply interconnected with core biblical themes:
* **שׁוּב (shuv - `{{H7725}}`):** This verb is central to the concept of repentance (turning back to God) and restoration. It speaks of God's action in bringing His people back from exile, restoring their fortunes, and renewing His covenant. In the context of the name, it highlights a divine act of returning or restoring something precious.
* **חֶסֶד (chesed - `{{H2617}}`):** This is one of the most vital theological terms in the Old Testament, denoting God's loyal, steadfast, and covenantal love. It is not merely an emotion but an active commitment that manifests in deeds of kindness, mercy, and faithfulness. God's *chesed* endures forever and is the foundation of His relationship with His people.
The combination of these terms in a proper name suggests a divine principle of reciprocity or restoration concerning God's covenant love. It implies that God's *chesed*, though seemingly withdrawn during periods of judgment or exile, is ultimately "returned" or manifested anew in acts of deliverance and blessing. This concept is also echoed in the broader biblical teaching that those who show *chesed* will receive *chesed* (e.g., [[Proverbs 11:17]], [[Proverbs 14:21]]).
### Theological Significance
The name יוּשַׁב חֶסֶד (Yûwshab Cheçed), "kindness will be returned" or "steadfast love will be restored," carries profound theological weight, especially given its placement within the Davidic lineage during the post-exilic period.
1. **Divine Faithfulness and Covenant Renewal:** The name serves as a powerful testament to God's unwavering *chesed* towards His covenant people, particularly the Davidic dynasty. Despite the exile and the apparent disruption of the Davidic throne, the very existence of Zerubbabel's line, culminating in a son named Jushab-Chesed, signifies that God's promised kindness and loyal love *were* indeed returned and restored. It underscores the truth that God's promises, rooted in His unchangeable character, will ultimately be fulfilled, even if through unexpected means or after periods of waiting and judgment.
2. **Hope in Restoration:** For a community returning from exile, the name would have been a beacon of hope. It affirmed that the *chesed* they experienced in their return was not arbitrary but a deliberate act of God, a "return" of His favor and presence. It pointed to a future where God's loyal love would continue to manifest in their lives and the life of the nation.
3. **Nature of *Chesed*:** The name subtly teaches about the dynamic nature of *chesed*. It is not static; it flows, it is given, and it "returns" or yields fruit. This can refer to God's *chesed* returning to His people, or it can imply that human *chesed* shown to others (or to God) will also be met with a return of kindness, reflecting the divine economy of grace.
4. **Messianic Echoes:** As part of the Davidic line, Jushab-Chesed's name, though not directly messianic, resonates with the ultimate fulfillment of God's *chesed* in the Messiah, Jesus Christ. The "kindness" or "steadfast love" promised to David's house finds its ultimate "return" and eternal establishment in Christ, through whom God's loyal love is fully poured out and eternally secured for humanity.
### Summary
יוּשַׁב חֶסֶד (Yûwshab Cheçed), Strong's H3142, is a Hebrew proper name meaning "kindness will be returned" or "steadfast love will be restored." Appearing once in [[1 Chronicles 3:20]] as a son of Zerubbabel, a key figure in the post-exilic return, the name carries significant theological weight. It powerfully encapsulates the enduring nature of God's *chesed* (loyal love, kindness - `{{H2617}}`) and His faithfulness in restoring His covenant promises, particularly to the Davidic line, even after periods of judgment and exile. The name serves as a profound affirmation of God's unwavering commitment to His people, signifying that His steadfast love, though it may seem absent, will always "return" in acts of restoration and blessing, offering hope and confirming His divine faithfulness.
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