(Aramaic) corresponding to יֵשׁוּעַ; {Jeshua, the name of ten Israelites, also of a place in Palestine}; Jeshua.
Transliteration:Yêshûwaʻ
Pronunciation:yay-shoo'-ah
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word `{{H3443}}`, transliterated as Yêshûwaʻ (Jeshua), is identified as an Aramaic correspondence to the Hebrew `{{H3442}}` (Yēšūaʿ). Both are contracted forms of the more complete name `{{H3091}}` (Yəhôšūaʿ), known in English as Joshua. The underlying etymology of these names derives from the verbal root `{{H3467}}` (yāšaʿ), meaning "to save," "to deliver," or "to rescue," combined with a contracted form of the divine name YHWH (`{{H3068}}`). Therefore, the inherent meaning of `{{H3443}}`, like its longer Hebrew counterparts, is "Yahweh is salvation" or "Yahweh saves." As a proper noun, its semantic range is primarily limited to the individuals and the singular place it designates, but the very name carries profound theological weight due to its etymological roots in divine deliverance.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
`{{H3443}}` appears primarily in post-exilic books, notably Ezra and Nehemiah, and also in 2 Chronicles. It designates ten different individuals and one place. The most prominent figure bearing this name is Jeshua the son of Jozadak (or Jehozadak), the High Priest who returned from Babylonian exile with Zerubbabel.
* **Jeshua the High Priest:** He is a central figure in the restoration of Jerusalem and the temple. He is listed among the leaders returning from exile in [[Ezra 2:2]] and [[Nehemiah 7:7]]. His primary role involved the re-establishment of temple worship. He, along with Zerubbabel, built the altar and laid the foundation of the second temple ([[Ezra 3:2]], [[Ezra 3:8]]). He is also mentioned in the prophetic books of Haggai and Zechariah, where he is portrayed as a key figure in the spiritual and physical rebuilding of the community ([[Ezra 5:2]]). In Zechariah, he is symbolically cleansed and re-clothed, representing the restoration of the priesthood and the forgiveness of Israel's sin ([[Zechariah 3:1-10]]), a powerful vision of God's saving work. His lineage is traced in [[Nehemiah 12:1]], [[Nehemiah 12:7]], [[Nehemiah 12:10]], and [[Nehemiah 12:26]].
* **Other Individuals:**
* A Levite in the time of King Hezekiah, involved in the distribution of offerings ([[2 Chronicles 31:15]]).
* A Levite who returned with Ezra and helped weigh the temple treasures ([[Ezra 8:33]]).
* Several Levites and chiefs of priestly courses mentioned in Nehemiah, including one who helped lead the people in confession and worship during the reading of the Law ([[Nehemiah 9:4-5]], [[Nehemiah 12:24]]).
* **A Place:** A town in Judah where some of the returned exiles settled ([[Nehemiah 11:26]]).
In each instance, the name "Jeshua" carries the implicit resonance of "salvation," particularly poignant in the context of the post-exilic community experiencing God's deliverance from captivity and the restoration of their national and religious life.
### Related Words & Concepts
The primary linguistic and conceptual connections for `{{H3443}}` are:
* **`{{H3442}}` (Yēšūaʿ):** The direct Hebrew equivalent, also appearing as a proper name.
* **`{{H3091}}` (Yəhôšūaʿ):** The longer, more common form of the name, most famously borne by Joshua, Moses' successor, who led Israel into the Promised Land. This name also signifies "Yahweh is salvation."
* **`{{H3467}}` (yāšaʿ):** The verbal root from which all these names derive, meaning "to save," "to deliver," "to help." This root is fundamental to understanding God's character as a deliverer throughout the Old Testament.
* **`{{H3068}}` (YHWH):** The divine name, which forms the prefix of `{{H3091}}` and is implicitly present in the meaning of `{{H3443}}`. This highlights that the salvation signified by the name originates solely from God.
* **Salvation (Yeshua/Yeshu'ah):** The abstract concept of salvation, often rendered by forms of `{{H3344}}` (yĕshûʻâ) or `{{H3444}}` (yĕšûʻâ), which are also derived from the same root `{{H3467}}`.
* **Messianic Expectation:** Crucially, the Greek transliteration of `{{H3443}}` and `{{H3091}}` is `{{G2424}}` (Iēsous), which is the name of Jesus in the New Testament. This linguistic link underscores the profound continuity of God's saving plan from the Old Covenant to the New.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of `{{H3443}}` is deeply interwoven with the concept of divine salvation and the unfolding of God's redemptive plan.
1. **God as Deliverer:** The name "Jeshua" inherently declares that "Yahweh is salvation." This serves as a constant reminder of God's character as the one who delivers His people from bondage, whether physical exile or spiritual brokenness. The return from Babylon, led by Jeshua the High Priest, is a historical testament to this truth, demonstrating God's faithfulness to His covenant promises.
2. **Restoration and Renewal:** Jeshua the High Priest's role in rebuilding the altar and the temple, and re-establishing the sacrificial system, signifies God's desire to restore His people to a right relationship with Him. This restoration is a form of salvation, bringing the community back into covenant fellowship and enabling them to worship God authentically. The vision in Zechariah 3, where Jeshua is cleansed and given new garments, powerfully illustrates God's grace in forgiving sin and restoring the priesthood, essential for the spiritual health of the nation.
3. **Foreshadowing of Christ:** Perhaps the most profound theological significance lies in the name's direct linguistic connection to Jesus (`{{G2424}}`). Just as Joshua led Israel into the Promised Land, and Jeshua the High Priest led the post-exilic community in spiritual and physical restoration, Jesus Christ is the ultimate "Yahweh Saves." His very name, "Jesus," means "Yahweh is salvation," and He came to "save his people from their sins" ([[Matthew 1:21]]). The Old Testament figures named Jeshua, particularly the High Priest, serve as types or foreshadowings of Christ's priestly and saving ministry. The continuity of the name across the testaments highlights God's consistent and unfolding plan of salvation, culminating in the person and work of Jesus Christ.
### Summary
`{{H3443}}` (Yêshûwaʻ), or Jeshua, is a Hebrew proper noun primarily found in post-exilic texts, meaning "Yahweh is salvation." While designating various individuals and one place, its most significant bearer is Jeshua the High Priest, a pivotal figure in the post-exilic restoration of Jerusalem and its temple worship. His leadership in rebuilding the altar and temple, and his symbolic cleansing in Zechariah, underscore God's faithfulness in delivering His people and restoring their covenant relationship. The name's etymological root in `{{H3467}}` ("to save") and its direct linguistic link to the New Testament name Jesus (`{{G2424}}`) reveal its profound theological significance. It serves as a constant declaration of God's saving character and powerfully foreshadows the ultimate salvation brought by Jesus Christ, the true "Yahweh Saves."
TRV