or יְרוּשָׁה feminine passive participle of יָרַשׁ; possessed; Jerusha or Jerushah, as Israelitess; Jerusha, Jerushah.
Transliteration:Yᵉrûwshâʼ
Pronunciation:yer-oo-shaw'
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew term `{{H3388}}` (Yᵉrûwshâʼ), also appearing as Yᵉrûwshâh, is a feminine passive participle derived from the root verb `{{H3423}}` (yārash). The root `{{H3423}}` carries a rich semantic range, primarily meaning "to inherit," "to take possession of," "to dispossess," or "to occupy." As a passive participle, `{{H3388}}` signifies "that which is possessed" or "the one who is possessed." In its biblical usage, `{{H3388}}` functions exclusively as a proper noun, a personal name: Jerusha or Jerushah. Thus, the name itself etymologically conveys the meaning of "possessed" or "inheritance," suggesting someone who is a valued possession or a recipient of an inheritance.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The name Jerusha (Yᵉrûwshâʼ, `{{H3388}}`) appears twice in the Hebrew Bible, both instances referring to the same individual:
* [[2 Kings 15:33]]: "He reigned sixteen years in Jerusalem. His mother's name was Jerusha the daughter of Zadok."
* [[2 Chronicles 27:1]]: "Jotham was twenty-five years old when he began to reign, and he reigned sixteen years in Jerusalem. His mother's name was Jerushah the daughter of Zadok."
In both occurrences, Jerusha is identified as the mother of King Jotham of Judah. Jotham was a righteous king, following in the footsteps of his father Uzziah (Azariah). The inclusion of the mother's name and lineage was a common feature in the biblical accounts of the kings of Judah, often providing a fuller context for the king's identity and background. While the text does not explicitly elaborate on the significance of her name in relation to her life or her son's reign, the etymological meaning of "possessed" or "inheritance" subtly underscores her role within the royal lineage. She was a vital link in the genealogical chain that would eventually lead to the Messiah, a "possession" within God's covenantal plan for Israel.
### Related Words & Concepts
The primary related word to `{{H3388}}` is its root verb, `{{H3423}}` (yārash). This root is foundational to understanding concepts of possession and inheritance in the Old Testament. Its various forms and usages include:
* **Inheritance of Land:** Most prominently, `{{H3423}}` is used to describe Israel's inheritance of the land of Canaan, a divine promise (e.g., [[Genesis 15:7]], [[Deuteronomy 1:8]]). This often involved dispossessing the current inhabitants.
* **Taking Possession:** It can denote the act of taking control or occupying a place (e.g., [[Numbers 32:19]]).
* **Becoming an Heir:** It also refers to the act of inheriting property, status, or blessings (e.g., [[Genesis 15:3]], [[Proverbs 3:35]]).
* **Dispossession:** In its causative forms, it can mean to cause someone to inherit or to dispossess others (e.g., [[Deuteronomy 2:12]]).
Other related concepts include:
* `{{H5159}}` (naḥălāh): "inheritance," often referring to land or a portion allotted by God.
* `{{H5459}}` (sĕgullāh): "special possession," used to describe Israel as God's treasured possession (e.g., [[Exodus 19:5]], [[Deuteronomy 7:6]]).
The name Jerusha, signifying "possessed" or "inheritance," connects directly to these profound theological themes of divine ownership and the covenantal legacy.
### Theological Significance
While Jerusha is a personal name and not a theological concept in itself, its etymology offers a lens through which to appreciate broader biblical themes. The meaning "possessed" or "inheritance" resonates with several significant theological ideas:
1. **Divine Ownership:** The concept of being "possessed" by God is central to Israel's identity. Israel is repeatedly called God's own "possession" (e.g., `{{H5459}}`). Jerusha's name can subtly echo this truth, that all individuals, and especially those within the covenant community, are ultimately God's.
2. **Covenantal Inheritance:** The promise of an "inheritance" — particularly the land of Canaan — was a cornerstone of God's covenant with Abraham and his descendants. The name Jerusha, as "inheritance," might metaphorically point to the blessings and responsibilities passed down through generations within God's redemptive plan.
3. **Significance of Lineage:** As the mother of a king in the Davidic line, Jerusha played a crucial role in the lineage through which the ultimate "inheritance" — the Messiah — would come. Her name, therefore, can be seen as a quiet affirmation of the divine orchestration of history and genealogy to fulfill God's promises.
4. **Value and Purpose:** To be "possessed" can imply being valued and purposed. In a divine context, it speaks to God's careful design and love for those He claims as His own.
### Summary
`{{H3388}}` (Yᵉrûwshâʼ) is a Hebrew proper noun, the name Jerusha or Jerushah. Derived from the verb `{{H3423}}` (yārash), meaning "to inherit" or "to possess," the name signifies "possessed" or "inheritance." This name appears twice in the biblical text, identifying the mother of King Jotham of Judah in [[2 Kings 15:33]] and [[2 Chronicles 27:1]]. While primarily an identifier, the etymology of Jerusha links to the profound biblical themes of divine ownership, the covenantal inheritance promised to Israel, and the significance of lineage within God's redemptive history. It subtly reminds the reader that individuals, particularly within the Davidic line, are part of God's cherished possession and integral to the unfolding of His divine plan.
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