or עִדּוֹא; or עִדִּיא; from עָדָה; timely; Iddo (or Iddi), the name of five Israelites; Iddo. Compare יִדּוֹ, יֶעְדִּי.
Transliteration:ʻIddôw
Pronunciation:id-do'
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew proper noun עִדּוֹ (ʻIddôw), Strong's number `{{H5714}}`, derives from the verb עָדָה (ʻādāh), which carries a semantic range encompassing notions of "passing over," "advancing," "removing," "adorning," and critically, "being timely" or "appointed." The base definition for עִדּוֹ highlights "timely" as its primary meaning, suggesting a connection to an opportune moment or divine appointment. As a personal name, Iddo (or Iddi) inherently carries this etymological resonance, implying that individuals bearing this name might be perceived as having arrived or acted at a divinely appointed time, or perhaps were "adorned" by God's favor. While its core meaning is rooted in its etymology, its full significance in the biblical text is primarily understood through the lives and roles of the individuals who bore this name.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The name Iddo is attributed to at least five distinct individuals in the Hebrew Bible, each appearing in significant historical or genealogical contexts:
1. **Iddo, Grandfather of the Prophet Zechariah:** This Iddo is identified as the grandfather of the prophet Zechariah, through his son Berechiah. He is mentioned in the opening verses of Zechariah's prophecy, establishing the prophet's lineage ([[Zechariah 1:1]], [[Zechariah 1:7]]). He is also cited in Ezra as part of the priestly lineage that returned from exile ([[Ezra 5:1]], [[Ezra 6:14]]). His inclusion underscores the importance of the prophetic and priestly lines in the post-exilic community.
2. **Iddo, Chief of the Nethinim at Casiphia:** During the return from Babylonian exile under Ezra, Iddo is noted as the chief of the Nethinim (temple servants) at a place called Casiphia. Ezra specifically sends for him and his brethren to secure Levites and Nethinim for service in the rebuilt Temple in Jerusalem, emphasizing Iddo's crucial role in facilitating the return and re-establishment of temple worship ([[Ezra 8:17]]). His cooperation was timely and essential for the sacred mission.
3. **Iddo, Father of Ahinadab:** This Iddo is mentioned as the father of Ahinadab, one of King Solomon's twelve district governors, who was responsible for provisioning the royal household from the region of Mahanaim ([[1 Kings 4:14]]). His son's administrative role highlights Iddo's place within the established social and political structures of Solomon's kingdom.
4. **Iddo, a Levite Priest:** In the post-exilic period, during the time of Joiakim the high priest, an Iddo is listed among the Levites who were heads of ancestral houses, specifically of the priestly course of Abijah ([[Nehemiah 12:4]], [[Nehemiah 12:16]]). This indicates his role in the reorganized temple service and the continuation of priestly duties.
5. **Iddo, the Seer/Prophet:** Perhaps the most prominent figure bearing this name, Iddo the seer (or prophet) is cited as a historical source for the reigns of King Solomon, King Rehoboam, and King Abijah. His writings, referred to as "the book of the acts of Solomon," "the history of Iddo the seer," and "the commentary of the prophet Iddo," contained prophecies and historical records concerning these kings ([[2 Chronicles 9:29]], [[2 Chronicles 12:15]], [[2 Chronicles 13:22]]). His prophetic ministry and historical record-keeping were clearly of significant "timeliness" and divine import for the chronicler.
### Related Words & Concepts
The root of עִדּוֹ (ʻIddôw) is עָדָה (ʻādāh) `{{H5703}}`, a verb with a rich semantic field. Beyond "timely," it can mean "to pass by," "to advance," "to remove," or "to adorn." This connection to "adornment" could suggest a person "adorned" by God's grace or purpose. The concept of "timeliness" is deeply theological in the Hebrew Bible, often expressed through words like עֵת (ʻeth) `{{H6256}}`, referring to a general time or season, or מוֹעֵד (moʻed) `{{H4150}}`, denoting an appointed time or a sacred assembly. The name Iddo subtly echoes the divine orchestration of events, where individuals are raised up and act at precise moments within God's sovereign plan.
The Strong's definition also points to comparisons with יִדּוֹ (Yiddô) `{{H3035}}` and יֶעְדִּי (Yeʻdî) `{{H3258}}`. While these are distinct names, their phonetic or orthographic similarities might have led to occasional confusion or suggested a shared linguistic heritage in some contexts, though Iddo `{{H5714}}` clearly derives from עָדָה.
### Theological Significance
The name Iddo, with its core meaning of "timely," carries profound theological significance. It subtly points to the meticulous nature of God's providence and His sovereignty over time and history. The various individuals named Iddo often appear at critical junctures: a prophet whose writings documented divine messages and historical events; a leader whose timely assistance was crucial for the restoration of temple service; and figures embedded in the administrative and priestly structures of Israel. Their very names, whether consciously recognized by their bearers or not, serve as a testament to God's precise timing in raising up individuals for specific purposes within His unfolding redemptive narrative. It underscores the biblical truth that God's plans are not haphazard but unfold according to a divine *kairos*—an opportune and appointed time. The lives of these individuals, particularly the prophet Iddo, remind us that God speaks and acts through His chosen servants at the precise moment necessary for His glory and the good of His people.
### Summary
עִדּוֹ (ʻIddôw), Strong's number `{{H5714}}`, is a Hebrew proper noun derived from the verb עָדָה, meaning "timely" or "appointed." This name was borne by at least five distinct individuals in the biblical narrative, including the grandfather of the prophet Zechariah, a key leader of the Nethinim during Ezra's return, and most notably, a prophet and seer whose historical and prophetic writings are referenced in the Books of Chronicles. The recurrence of this name for individuals who played significant roles at pivotal moments in Israel's history underscores the theological concept of divine timing and God's sovereign orchestration of events. The name Iddo serves as a subtle reminder of God's perfect providence, raising up individuals at the precise "appointed time" for the fulfillment of His purposes.
TRV