### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew name **Yôwthâm**, represented by `{{H3147}}`, means **Jehovah (is) perfect**, derived from `{{H3068}}` and תָּם. It appears **24 times** across **24 unique verses** and is the name given to three distinct Israelites.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In the biblical narrative, the name `{{H3147}}` identifies three men. The first is the youngest **son** `{{H1121}}` of Jerubbaal{H3378}. He alone was left{H3498} after his brother{H251} Abimelech{H40} slew{H2026} his seventy brethren{H251} [[Judges 9:5]]. He then stood on mount{H2022} Gerizim{H1630} to pronounce a curse{H7045} on the men{H1167} of Shechem{H7927} before fleeing{H5127} to Beer{H876} ([[Judges 9:7]], [[Judges 9:21]]). The most prominent is Jotham{H3147}, **king** `{{H4428}}` of Judah{H3063}. He was the **son** `{{H1121}}` of Uzziah{H5818} and acted as regent, judging{H8199} the people{H5971} of the land{H776}, after his father became a leper{H6879} [[2 Kings 15:5]]. His reign{H4427} is a key chronological marker for the ministries of prophets Isaiah{H3470}, Hosea{H1954}, and Micah{H4318} ([[Isaiah 1:1]], [[Hosea 1:1]], [[Micah 1:1]]). A third Jotham{H3147} is mentioned in the genealogies as a **son** `{{H1121}}` of Jahdai{H3056} [[1 Chronicles 2:47]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words provide context for the lives of the men named Jotham:
* `{{H1121}}` **bên** (a son): This word defines lineage and is central to each Jotham's identity, identifying them as the **son** of Jerubbaal{H3378} [[Judges 9:5]], the **son** of Uzziah{H5818} [[2 Kings 15:32]], and the **son** of Jahdai{H3056} [[1 Chronicles 2:47]].
* `{{H4428}}` **melek** (a king): This title is essential to understanding the most referenced Jotham{H3147}, who was a **king** of Judah{H3063} and whose reign is a significant historical period [[Micah 1:1]].
* `{{H1272}}` **bârach** (to flee suddenly): This verb captures the pivotal action of Jotham{H3147}, son of Jerubbaal, who had to **flee** [[Judges 9:21]] for his life after confronting Abimelech{H40}, preserving himself as a witness.
### Theological Significance
The theological weight of `{{H3147}}` is demonstrated through the lives of these individuals.
* **Divine Preservation and Witness:** The story of Jotham{H3147}, son of Jerubbaal{H3378}, illustrates God's ability to preserve a witness. As the one who was left{H3498} after a massacre, he delivers a divine judgment, a curse{H7045} that later came{H935} upon the heads{H7218} of the men of Shechem, showing that God's word against evil prevails ([[Judges 9:5]], [[Judges 9:57]]).
* **Righteous Leadership:** King Jotham{H3147} is portrayed as a model of righteous rule. The scripture notes that he became mighty{H2388}, because he prepared{H3559} his ways{H1870} before{H6440} the LORD{H3068} his God{H430} [[2 Chronicles 27:6]]. His faithful reign stands as a period of stability during which God sent prophets like Isaiah and Micah to Judah ([[Isaiah 1:1]], [[Micah 1:1]]).
* **Covenantal Record:** The name Jotham serves as a key marker in the historical and genealogical record of Israel. Genealogies were reckoned{H3187} in the days{H3117} of Jotham{H3147} king{H4428} of Judah{H3063} [[1 Chronicles 5:17]], underscoring his importance in the continuity of God's people.
### Summary
In summary, the name **Yôwthâm** `{{H3147}}` is attached to three different figures whose lives illustrate key biblical themes. From the lone survivor who pronounced a fulfilled curse, to the righteous king who prepared his ways before the LORD, to a link in the preserved genealogies of Israel, the name Jotham is more than a historical label. It embodies its own definition, "Jehovah (is) perfect," reflecting God's perfect justice, His blessing on righteous leadership, and His faithful preservation of His people throughout history.
TRV