from יָעַז and יָהּ; emboldened of Jah; Jaazijah, an Israelite; Jaaziah.
Transliteration:Yaʻăzîyâhûw
Pronunciation:yah-az-ee-yaw'-hoo
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew proper noun יַעֲזִיָּהוּ (Yaʻăzîyâhûw), Strong's H3269, is a compound name derived from two elements: the verb יָעַז (yaʻaz) and the divine element יָהּ (Yah), a shortened form of the Tetragrammaton YHWH. The verb יָעַז implies "to be bold," "to be strong," or "to be fierce." When combined with יָהּ, the name effectively means "Yah has emboldened" or "Yah makes bold," conveying the idea of strength or courage divinely bestowed. As a proper noun, its semantic range is fixed by this etymological meaning, pointing to a specific individual whose name carries this theological declaration.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The name יַעֲזִיָּהוּ (Yaʻăzîyâhûw) appears only once in the Hebrew Bible, specifically in the genealogical records of the Levites:
* [[1 Chronicles 24:26-27]]: "The sons of Merari: Mahli and Mushi. The sons of Jaaziah: Beno, Shoham, Zaccur, and Ibri. Of Merari, by Jaaziah: Beno, Shoham, Zaccur, and Ibri."
Here, Jaaziah is identified as a son of Merari, one of the three main branches of the Levites (along with Gershon and Kohath), and a progenitor of a sub-family within the Merarite lineage. This passage is part of the detailed account of the organization of the Levitical and priestly divisions during King David's reign, as recorded in [[1 Chronicles 23-26]]. The meticulous listing of names underscores the importance of lineage and order in the service of the tabernacle and later the temple. While the text provides no narrative details about Jaaziah's life or deeds, his inclusion in this significant genealogical record suggests his role in the established order of the Levitical service. The meaning of his name, "Yah has emboldened," could subtly reflect the divine empowerment or calling necessary for those dedicated to sacred service.
### Related Words & Concepts
The primary linguistic components of יַעֲזִיָּהוּ (Yaʻăzîyâhûw) connect it to broader biblical themes:
* **Root יָעַז (yaʻaz):** While not a frequently occurring verb in its direct form, it is related to concepts of strength and boldness. Related terms include עוֹז (ʻôz, `{{H5797}}`), meaning "strength" or "might," and עָזַז (ʻāzaz, `{{H5810}}`), meaning "to be strong" or "to make strong." These words often describe God's power or the strength He grants to His people.
* **Divine Element יָהּ (Yah):** This is a common theophoric element found in numerous biblical names, signifying the presence and activity of God (YHWH). Examples include Isaiah (יְשַׁעְיָהוּ, Yeshaʻyāhû, "Yah saves"), Jeremiah (יִרְמְיָהוּ, Yirmeyāhû, "Yah exalts"), and many others. The inclusion of "Yah" in a name often served as a declaration of faith or a prayer, acknowledging God's character or His action in the life of the individual or family.
* **Theophoric Names:** Jaaziah is an example of a theophoric name, a common practice in ancient Israelite culture. These names were not merely labels but often carried theological weight, expressing belief in God's attributes, His protective care, or His active involvement in human affairs. They served as constant reminders of God's presence and character within the family and community.
### Theological Significance
The name Jaaziah, "Yah has emboldened," carries profound theological significance, even within its singular biblical appearance. It testifies to several key aspects of Israelite theology:
* **Divine Empowerment:** The name directly attributes the quality of boldness or strength to God. It suggests that any true courage or capability for service does not originate from human will alone but is a gift and enablement from YHWH. This resonates with broader biblical themes where God equips and strengthens His chosen servants for their tasks, whether for leadership, prophecy, or sacred service.
* **God's Active Role in Human Lives:** The name affirms God's immanence and active involvement in the lives of individuals. He is not a distant deity but one who personally empowers and sustains His people.
* **Confession of Faith:** The naming of a child with such a meaning can be seen as a confession of faith by the parents, acknowledging God as the ultimate source of strength and courage, perhaps in anticipation of the child's life or role, or in thanksgiving for God's past provision.
* **Significance in Service:** For a Levite, whose life was dedicated to the service of God in the tabernacle/temple, a name like Jaaziah takes on added resonance. It implies that the Levites' ability to perform their duties, often demanding and sacred, was rooted in divine empowerment. Their service was not merely ritualistic but divinely enabled.
### Summary
Jaaziah (יַעֲזִיָּהוּ, Strong's H3269) is a Hebrew proper noun meaning "Yah has emboldened" or "Yah makes bold," derived from the root יָעַז (to be bold, strong) and the divine element יָהּ. This name appears only once in the Hebrew Bible, identifying a Levite in the genealogical records of [[1 Chronicles 24:26-27]], a descendant of Merari who played a part in the organized Levitical service during David's reign. As a theophoric name, Jaaziah embodies the theological truth that God is the ultimate source of strength and courage, actively empowering His people for their callings and service. Its presence in the meticulously ordered Levitical genealogies subtly underscores the divine enablement inherent in sacred duties, serving as a quiet testament to God's active involvement in the lives of His covenant people.
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