### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew proper noun H3150, יִזִּיָּה (Yizzîyâh), transliterated as Yizzijah or Jeziah, is derived from two components. The latter part, "יָהּ" (Yah), is a common short form of the divine name Yahweh, indicating a direct connection to God. The former part is described as "from the same as the first part of יְזַוְאֵל" (Yezaw'el, `{{H3151}}`), which itself means "sprinkled of God." Therefore, the core meaning of Yizzîyâh is "sprinkled of Jah" or "sprinkled by Yahweh."
The concept of "sprinkling" in ancient Israelite thought often carried significant ritual and theological weight, implying purification, cleansing, consecration, or the application of divine favor. While the precise verbal root for "sprinkled" in this specific name is not explicitly given as a common verb, the definition strongly points to a state of being purified or consecrated by God. As a proper noun, its semantic range is primarily confined to this etymological meaning and the individual it designates, rather than a broad conceptual usage.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The name Yizzîyâh (Jeziah) appears only once in the Hebrew Bible, in the book of Ezra:
* [[Ezra 10:25]]: "Of the sons of Parosh: Ramiah, Izziah, Malchijah, Mijamin, Eleazar, Malchijah, and Benaiah." (Note: English translations may render H3150 as Izziah or Jeziah).
In this sole occurrence, Yizzîyâh is listed among the men who had taken foreign wives during the post-exilic period, a practice explicitly forbidden by the Mosaic Law and a major concern for Ezra. The text records that these men came forward and confessed their sin, pledging to put away their foreign wives and offering a ram as a guilt offering. The inclusion of Yizzîyâh in this list, despite his name meaning "sprinkled of Jah," presents a poignant juxtaposition. His name speaks of divine purification and consecration, yet his actions necessitated a public act of repentance and cleansing. This highlights the tension between one's identity or calling (implied by the name) and the reality of human sin and the need for ongoing repentance and restoration.
### Related Words & Concepts
The most direct related word is `{{H3151}}` יְזַוְאֵל (Yezaw'el), which shares the same initial element and the concept of being "sprinkled." While the exact verbal root for "sprinkle" in these names is distinct from more common verbs like נָזָה (nāzāh, `{{H5137}}`) or זָרַק (zāraq, `{{H2236}}`), the *concept* of sprinkling is deeply embedded in Israelite ritual and theology.
Key concepts related to "sprinkling" in the Old Testament include:
* **Ritual Purification:** Sprinkling of blood (e.g., [[Leviticus 4:6]], [[Leviticus 14:7]]) or water (e.g., [[Numbers 19:13]]) was central to purification rites, making the unclean clean and enabling access to the sacred.
* **Consecration:** Sprinkling could also signify dedication or setting apart for sacred use, as seen in the anointing and consecration of priests (e.g., [[Exodus 29:21]]).
* **Covenant Affirmation:** The blood of the covenant was sprinkled upon the people (e.g., [[Exodus 24:8]]), signifying their acceptance of God's terms and their entry into a relationship with Him.
* **Divine Cleansing:** Prophets like Ezekiel spoke of a future time when God would "sprinkle clean water" on His people to cleanse them from their defilements and give them a new heart and spirit (e.g., [[Ezekiel 36:25]]).
The "Jah" component (`{{H3050}}`) links the name directly to Yahweh, emphasizing that any "sprinkling" or purification is divinely initiated and accomplished.
### Theological Significance
The name Yizzîyâh, "sprinkled of Jah," carries profound theological weight, especially in light of its single biblical occurrence. It serves as a powerful reminder of God's character and His redemptive purposes.
Firstly, the name underscores the divine initiative in purification and consecration. It is God who sprinkles, God who cleanses, and God who sets apart. This resonates with the broader biblical narrative where humanity's cleansing from sin is always an act of divine grace and power, not human merit.
Secondly, the name's meaning stands in stark contrast to the sin committed by its bearer. Yizzîyâh had engaged in an act that defiled the covenant community, yet his name proclaimed him "sprinkled of Jah." This highlights the persistent tension between God's ideal for His people and their fallen reality. It also implicitly points to the ongoing need for God's cleansing work in the lives of His covenant people. The fact that Yizzîyâh repented and participated in the prescribed purification rites (offering a ram) demonstrates that God's "sprinkling" is not merely a static state but an active, transformative process that calls for human response and repentance.
Finally, the name points to the hope of restoration and renewal. Just as God promised to "sprinkle clean water" on His people to cleanse them and renew their hearts (e.g., [[Ezekiel 36:25]]), the name Yizzîyâh foreshadows the divine provision for cleansing and restoration, even after sin. It subtly prefigures the ultimate cleansing offered through the atoning work of Christ, whose blood "sprinkles" us clean from a guilty conscience (e.g., [[Hebrews 10:22]], [[1 Peter 1:2]]).
### Summary
H3150, Yizzîyâh, is a Hebrew proper noun meaning "sprinkled of Jah" or "sprinkled by Yahweh." This etymology connects the individual to divine purification, consecration, or favor. Its sole biblical occurrence is in [[Ezra 10:25]], where Yizzîyâh is listed among those who had married foreign wives and subsequently repented. The name's meaning creates a striking contrast with the context of sin and repentance, emphasizing God's role in cleansing and the ongoing need for His people to live in alignment with their consecrated identity. Related concepts include the ritual "sprinkling" for purification and consecration throughout the Old Testament, and the divine name Yahweh (Jah). Theologically, Yizzîyâh points to God's initiative in purification, the tension between ideal identity and human sin, and the enduring hope of divine cleansing and restoration through repentance.
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