The Hebrew word Yiphdᵉyâh, represented by H3301, is a proper name meaning "Jah will liberate". It appears only 1 time in 1 unique verse in the entire Bible. The name itself is a declaration of faith, identifying a specific Israelite man named Iphedeiah.
The single appearance of H3301 is found within a genealogical record. In this context, the name serves to identify an individual within a specific family line. The verse states, "And Iphedeiah, and Penuel, the sons of Shashak" 1 Chronicles 8:25. This brief entry establishes Iphedeiah's identity by naming him as a son of Shashak and a brother of Penuel.
Several related words appear in the same verse, providing familial and linguistic context:
- H8349 Shâshaq: Defined as "pedestrian; Shashak, an Israelite," this is the name of Iphedeiah's father. He is also mentioned in the same chapter's genealogy 1 Chronicles 8:14.
- H6439 Pᵉnûwʼêl: Meaning "face of God," this is the name of Iphedeiah's brother. The name also refers to a significant place where Jacob saw God Genesis 32:30.
- H1121 bên: This is the Hebrew word for "a son (as a builder of the family name)." It is the term used to establish the relationship between Iphedeiah, Penuel, and their father, and is central to biblical genealogies, such as the reference to the "sons of Jacob" Malachi 3:6.
The theological weight of H3301 is contained entirely within its meaning. Though its bearer is only mentioned once, the name itself is a powerful statement.
- A Theophoric Name: The name is a compound of "Jah" (a form of God's name) and a verb meaning "to liberate," as stated in its base definition. Naming a child this was an act of worship and a declaration of belief.
- Divine Liberation: The central message is that God is a liberator. The name "Jah will liberate" serves as a constant reminder of God's power to redeem and set free.
- Personal Testimony: For the individual Iphedeiah, his very identity was a testimony to God's character. His name carries a prophetic or declarative statement about the nature of the God of Israel.
In summary, H3301 is a rare biblical name whose significance lies not in its frequency but in its profound meaning. Appearing only in the genealogy of 1 Chronicles 8:25, the name Yiphdᵉyâh ("Iphedeiah") serves as a concise yet powerful theological declaration. It illustrates how personal names in the Old Testament were often not just labels, but expressions of faith, identity, and the character of God as the ultimate liberator.
TRV