### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew lemma יוֹשָׁפָט (Yôwshâphâṭ), Strong's number `{{H3146}}`, is a contracted form of the more common יְהוֹשָׁפָט (Yᵉhôwshâphâṭ), `{{H3092}}`. Both names share the same fundamental meaning, derived from two components: the divine name YHWH (or a shortened form thereof, "Yah") and the verb שָׁפַט (shâphaṭ), `{{H8199}}`, meaning "to judge," "to govern," or "to rule." Thus, יוֹשָׁפָט (Yôwshâphâṭ) signifies "Yahweh has judged" or "The LORD has judged." This meaning positions the name as a theophoric statement, common in ancient Israelite nomenclature, affirming a core attribute of God's character and His active involvement in human affairs. The semantic range is therefore tightly bound to divine judgment, governance, and the declaration of God's sovereignty.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The name יוֹשָׁפָט (Yôwshâphâṭ), `{{H3146}}`, appears only once in the Hebrew Bible, distinguishing this individual from the more prominent King Jehoshaphat of Judah (`{{H3092}}`). This singular occurrence is found in:
* [[1 Kings 4:17]]: "Joshaphat the son of Paruah, in Issachar."
Here, Joshaphat is listed as one of the twelve district governors appointed by King Solomon. These officials were responsible for providing provisions for the king and his household, each for one month in the year. Joshaphat's specific charge was the tribe of Issachar. The context highlights the extensive and organized administration of Solomon's kingdom, reflecting a period of significant prosperity and centralized governance. While a seemingly minor figure in the grand narrative, his inclusion underscores the meticulous record-keeping and the structure of royal authority. The presence of a theophoric name like "Yahweh has judged" within such an administrative list subtly reminds the reader that even the mundane tasks of governance were understood to be under the ultimate purview and judgment of God.
### Related Words & Concepts
The most direct linguistic and conceptual relation to יוֹשָׁפָט (Yôwshâphâṭ), `{{H3146}}`, is its longer form, יְהוֹשָׁפָט (Yᵉhôwshâphâṭ), `{{H3092}}`. This longer form is famously borne by King Jehoshaphat of Judah, a righteous king who "walked in the ways of his father David" ([[2 Chronicles 17:3]]). The shared root and meaning underscore a continuous theological thread.
Furthermore, the name is intrinsically linked to the Hebrew verb שָׁפָט (shâphaṭ), `{{H8199}}`, which encompasses a broad range of meanings including to judge, to govern, to rule, to decide, and to vindicate. This verb is central to understanding God's role as the supreme Judge and Ruler over creation and humanity.
Related concepts include:
* **Divine Justice (מִשְׁפָּט, mishpat):** The inherent righteousness and equity of God's actions and decrees.
* **Divine Sovereignty:** God's ultimate authority and control over all things, including the affairs of nations and individuals.
* **Theophoric Names:** A common feature in biblical names, where an element of God's name or attributes is incorporated, serving as a declaration of faith or a theological statement by the parents. Other examples include Elijah ("My God is Yahweh"), Isaiah ("Yahweh is salvation"), and Jonathan ("Yahweh has given").
### Theological Significance
The name יוֹשָׁפָט (Yôwshâphâṭ), "Yahweh has judged," carries profound theological weight despite its singular occurrence for this specific individual. It serves as a constant reminder of God's character as the ultimate Judge and Sovereign.
1. **God as the Supreme Judge:** The name unequivocally declares that Yahweh is the source of all judgment and justice. This is not merely a legalistic pronouncement but encompasses God's righteous governance over creation, His intervention in human history, and His final adjudication of all deeds.
2. **Divine Oversight in Human Affairs:** Even in the administrative details of a secular kingdom, the name testifies to the belief that God's judgment and rule extend to every facet of life. Joshaphat, as a governor, operated under the implicit understanding that his actions, like all human endeavors, were subject to divine scrutiny.
3. **Hope and Accountability:** For the righteous, the name implies a hope in God's vindication and justice against oppression. For all, it signifies accountability before a holy God who sees and judges all.
4. **Continuity of Divine Character:** The very existence of such a name, passed down through generations, reinforces the consistent biblical portrayal of Yahweh as the one who judges righteously, both in His covenant dealings with Israel and His universal reign.
### Summary
The Hebrew name יוֹשָׁפָט (Yôwshâphâṭ), `{{H3146}}`, is a contracted form of a more common biblical name, meaning "Yahweh has judged" or "The LORD has judged." While it appears only once in the biblical record, referring to one of King Solomon's district governors in [[1 Kings 4:17]], its theological significance is substantial. The name powerfully declares God's role as the supreme Judge and Sovereign, whose righteous governance extends over all aspects of creation and human society. It links the individual to a foundational truth about God's character, emphasizing divine justice, accountability, and the pervasive nature of God's rule, even in seemingly mundane administrative roles.
TRV