from יַחַד and אֵל; unity of God; Jachdiel, an Israelite; Jahdiel.
Transliteration:Yachdîyʼêl
Pronunciation:yakh-dee-ale'
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word יַחְדִּיאֵל (Yachdîyʼêl - `{{H3164}}`) is a proper noun, a personal name derived from two distinct Hebrew elements. The first component is יַחַד (yachad - `{{H3162}}`), which signifies "union," "togetherness," "unity," or "alike." It denotes a state of being united or acting in concert. The second component is אֵל (ʼEl - `{{H410}}`), a common and ancient name for God, emphasizing His power, might, and often His faithfulness. When combined, these elements yield the meaning "unity of God" or "God unites." As a proper noun, its semantic range is primarily defined by its etymological roots, serving as a theological statement embedded within an individual's identity. It does not carry a broader semantic field beyond this specific personal designation.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The name Yachdîyʼêl (`{{H3164}}`) appears only once in the Hebrew Bible, within the genealogical records of the book of Chronicles.
In [[1 Chronicles 5:24]], Yachdîyʼêl is listed among the "heads of the house of their fathers" from the half-tribe of Manasseh who settled beyond the Jordan River: "And these were the heads of the house of their fathers, even Epher, and Ishi, and Eliel, and Azriel, and Jeremiah, and Hodaviah, and Jahdiel, mighty men of valor, famous men, and heads of the house of their fathers."
The context is a detailed genealogy, emphasizing the lineage and significant figures within the tribes of Israel. Yachdîyʼêl is described as one of the "mighty men of valor" (*gibborê ḥayil*) and "famous men" (*ʾanšê haššēm*). While the text provides no further narrative details about Yachdîyʼêl's life or deeds, his inclusion in this esteemed list suggests he was a prominent and respected figure within his community. The theological significance of his name, "unity of God" or "God unites," stands as a silent testament to a foundational truth or aspiration held by his parents or his community, even if his personal actions are not recorded to illustrate this truth directly.
### Related Words & Concepts
The primary related words are the constituent elements of Yachdîyʼêl (`{{H3164}}`):
* יַחַד (yachad - `{{H3162}}`): This term frequently appears throughout the Old Testament to describe unity, togetherness, or community. For instance, [[Psalm 133:1]] famously declares, "Behold, how good and how pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity!" (*gam yaḥad*). It speaks to the ideal of communal harmony and divine blessing that flows from such unity.
* אֵל (ʼEl - `{{H410}}`): As a divine name, El is a foundational term for God in the Hebrew Bible, often appearing in compound names (e.g., Israel, Samuel, Daniel, Ezekiel, Immanuel). Its presence in Yachdîyʼêl aligns with the common ancient Near Eastern practice of embedding theological affirmations or prayers within personal names, thereby making the individual's very identity a statement about God.
The concept of God's unity, while not explicitly defined by Yachdîyʼêl, is a cornerstone of Israelite monotheism. While the name itself "unity of God" does not directly refer to the absolute oneness of God as articulated in the Shema ([[Deuteronomy 6:4]] - "Hear, O Israel: The Lord our God, the Lord is one"), it implicitly affirms a singular divine being. The name could also convey the idea that "God is the one who brings unity" or "God is united with His people," reflecting a covenantal understanding.
### Theological Significance
The name Yachdîyʼêl (`{{H3164}}`), meaning "unity of God" or "God unites," carries significant theological weight despite its singular occurrence as a proper noun.
1. **Confessional Statement:** As a personal name, Yachdîyʼêl functions as a miniature theological confession. The parents who bestowed this name upon their son were articulating a profound truth about God's nature or His action. It suggests a belief in God as a singular, undivided being, or as the ultimate source and bringer of unity.
2. **Affirmation of Divine Oneness:** In a polytheistic ancient world, a name like "unity of God" subtly yet powerfully affirms the unique, singular nature of Yahweh. While not a formal theological treatise on monotheism, it reflects a worldview where God is understood as one, whole, and undivided in His essence and purpose.
3. **God as the Unifier:** The alternative interpretation, "God unites," points to God's active role in bringing things together. This could refer to God's work in uniting His people, bringing harmony out of discord, or establishing covenantal unity between Himself and humanity. This aspect of God's character is crucial for understanding His redemptive plan and His desire for a unified people.
4. **Piety and Hope:** The practice of naming children with theo-centric names was a common expression of piety, hope, and instruction in ancient Israel. Yachdîyʼêl would have served as a constant reminder, both to the individual and his community, of this particular attribute or action of God. It embodies a desire for God's unifying presence and power to be manifest.
### Summary
Yachdîyʼêl (`{{H3164}}`) is a Hebrew proper name meaning "unity of God" or "God unites," derived from יַחַד (unity/togetherness - `{{H3162}}`) and אֵל (God - `{{H410}}`). It appears only once in the Bible, in [[1 Chronicles 5:24]], identifying a "mighty man of valor" from the half-tribe of Manasseh. Despite its singular occurrence, the name is a profound theological statement, reflecting either the singular, undivided nature of God or God's active role as the unifier. As a personal name, it embodies a confessional truth about the divine, serving as a perpetual reminder of God's unity and His capacity to bring about unity among His people.
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