### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew name **Yᵉzanyâh**, represented by `{{H3153}}`, is the name of an Israelite, **Jezaniah**. It appears **2 times** across **2 unique verses** in the Bible. The name is also given as יְזַנְיָהוּ and is noted as probably being for יַאֲזַנְיָה.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In the biblical narrative, **Jezaniah** `{{H3153}}` appears as a military leader among the remnant of Judah after the fall of Jerusalem. He is first mentioned as the **son** `{{H1121}}` of a **Maachathite** `{{H4602}}`, who, along with other leaders like **Ishmael** `{{H3458}}` and **Johanan** `{{H3110}}`, **came** `{{H935}}` to **Gedaliah** `{{H1436}}` at **Mizpah** `{{H4708}}` [[Jeremiah 40:8]]. Later, he is identified as the **son** `{{H1121}}` of **Hoshaiah** `{{H1955}}` and is listed among the **captains** `{{H8269}}` of the **forces** `{{H2428}}` who **came near** `{{H5066}}` to the prophet Jeremiah with "all the **people** `{{H5971}}` from the **least** `{{H6996}}` even unto the **greatest** `{{H1419}}`" [[Jeremiah 42:1]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several key individuals and terms are associated with **Jezaniah** `{{H3153}}` in the narrative:
* `{{H1121}}` **bên** (son): This word establishes Jezaniah's lineage, identifying him as the **son** of a **Maachathite** `{{H4602}}` in one account and the **son** of **Hoshaiah** `{{H1955}}` in another ([[Jeremiah 40:8]], [[Jeremiah 42:1]]).
* `{{H3110}}` **Yôwchânân** (Johanan): A fellow **captain** `{{H8269}}` of the **forces** `{{H2428}}` who is listed alongside Jezaniah in both biblical appearances, indicating their shared leadership role among the remnant ([[Jeremiah 40:8]], [[Jeremiah 42:1]]).
* `{{H1436}}` **Gᵉdalyâh** (Gedaliah): The governor to whom Jezaniah and the other captains came at **Mizpah** `{{H4708}}` [[Jeremiah 40:8]]. His name means "Jah has become great."
* `{{H8269}}` **sar** (captain): This title, meaning a head person or chief, defines Jezaniah's role as one of the leaders of the remaining military **forces** `{{H2428}}` in Judah [[Jeremiah 42:1]].
### Theological Significance
The significance of **Jezaniah** `{{H3153}}` is found in his role as a leader during a critical moment in Israel's history.
* **A Figure of Authority:** Jezaniah is consistently named as one of the **captains** `{{H8269}}` of the **forces** `{{H2428}}`, showing his position of leadership and responsibility within the remnant community left in Judah [[Jeremiah 42:1]].
* **Participant in Key Events:** He is present at two pivotal gatherings: first, when the captains came to **Gedaliah** `{{H1436}}`, the newly appointed governor [[Jeremiah 40:8]], and second, when the leaders approached Jeremiah to seek God's will [[Jeremiah 42:1]].
* **Representative of the Remnant:** In approaching Jeremiah, Jezaniah and the other leaders acted on behalf of the entire surviving population, from the **least** `{{H6996}}` to the **greatest** `{{H1419}}`, highlighting his involvement in the collective fate of the people.
### Summary
In summary, **Yᵉzanyâh** `{{H3153}}` is the name of **Jezaniah**, a military **captain** `{{H8269}}` of the Judean remnant. Though mentioned only twice, his appearances place him at the center of the political and spiritual turmoil following Jerusalem's destruction. He is recorded as part of the leadership that interacted with both the civil governor **Gedaliah** `{{H1436}}` and the prophet Jeremiah, making him a named participant in the decisions that would shape the future of his **people** `{{H5971}}`.
TRV