or עֲדָיָהוּ; from עָדָה and יָהּ; Jah has adorned; Adajah, the name of eight Israelites; Adaiah.
Transliteration:ʻĂdâyâh
Pronunciation:ad-aw-yaw'
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew proper noun `{{H5718}}`, *ʻĂdâyâh* (עֲדָיָה), is a theophoric name, meaning it incorporates a divine element. Its etymology is derived from two components: the verbal root עָדָה ('adah), which is related to `{{H5710}}` and carries the primary meaning of "to pass on, advance, adorn, deck oneself," and יָהּ (Yah), a shortened form of the divine name Yahweh (`{{H3050}}`). Thus, the name ʻĂdâyâh literally translates to "Yahweh has adorned" or "Jah has adorned." The core meaning emphasizes divine action in bestowing beauty, honor, or equipping. The semantic range is therefore fixed by this etymology, pointing to God's active role in blessing or beautifying individuals.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The name ʻĂdâyâh appears eight times in the Hebrew Bible, identifying distinct individuals, which underscores the name's significance in reflecting parental piety and divine favor.
1. **[[2 Kings 22:1]]**: Adaiah of Bozkath is identified as the father of Jedidah, who was the mother of King Josiah, a righteous king of Judah. Here, Adaiah is part of the royal lineage, suggesting a lineage blessed by God.
2. **[[1 Chronicles 6:41]] (Hebrew 6:26)**: Adaiah is listed as a Levite, an ancestor in the lineage of Asaph, the chief musician in David's time. This places him within a line dedicated to temple service and worship.
3. **[[1 Chronicles 8:21]]**: An Adaiah is mentioned as a Benjamite, one of the sons of Shimhi. This highlights his tribal affiliation within Israel.
4. **[[1 Chronicles 9:12]]**: Adaiah, son of Jeroham, is identified as a priest, whose descendants returned from the Babylonian exile and served in Jerusalem. This points to a priestly line "adorned" by God for service.
5. **[[Ezra 10:29]]**: An Adaiah is listed among the sons of Bani who had taken foreign wives during the post-exilic period, requiring them to put away their wives as part of Ezra's reforms.
6. **[[Ezra 10:39]]**: Another Adaiah is mentioned among the sons of Binnui, also having taken a foreign wife. These two occurrences in Ezra present individuals who, despite bearing a name signifying divine adornment, required repentance and purification.
7. **[[Nehemiah 11:5]]**: Adaiah, son of Joiarib, is mentioned as a Judahite residing in Jerusalem after the exile. He represents a family line that returned to inhabit the city.
8. **[[Nehemiah 11:12]]**: Adaiah, son of Jeroham, is again listed as a priest who returned to Jerusalem, likely the same individual or a descendant of the Adaiah mentioned in [[1 Chronicles 9:12]]. His presence underscores the continued divine "adornment" of the priestly class for their sacred duties.
Across these occurrences, the individuals bearing the name ʻĂdâyâh are diverse in their roles—royal lineage, Levites, priests, tribal members—but all are part of God's covenant people, suggesting that God's adornment extends to various aspects of His chosen nation.
### Related Words & Concepts
The primary linguistic connection for `{{H5718}}` is its root verb עָדָה ('adah, `{{H5710}}`), which means "to adorn, deck oneself, pass over." From this root, we also find the noun עֲדִי ('adiy, `{{H5716}}`), meaning "ornament" or "jewel." These related terms underscore the concept of embellishment, beauty, and honor. The divine component יָהּ (Yah, `{{H3050}}`) signifies the direct involvement of Yahweh in this act of adorning.
The concept of "theophoric names" is also crucial here. Such names, prevalent in ancient Israel, express a theological statement or a prayer, reflecting the parents' faith and hope concerning God's character and His relationship with their child. Other examples include Elijah ("My God is Yahweh"), Isaiah ("Yahweh is salvation"), and Jeremiah ("Yahweh will uplift"). ʻĂdâyâh thus fits within a rich tradition of names that testify to God's active presence and blessing in human lives.
### Theological Significance
The name ʻĂdâyâh, "Yahweh has adorned," carries profound theological significance. It speaks directly to the nature of God as the one who bestows grace, honor, and beauty upon His creation, particularly His people. This "adornment" is not merely superficial but refers to divine favor, equipping, and blessing.
Theologically, it can imply:
1. **Divine Grace and Favor**: God's unmerited favor is the ultimate adornment. He chooses, blesses, and sets apart individuals for His purposes.
2. **Divine Equipping**: For those called to specific roles (like priests or Levites), God "adorns" them with the necessary gifts, abilities, and authority to fulfill their service.
3. **Spiritual Beauty**: Beyond physical or material adornment, the name can point to God's work in beautifying the soul with righteousness, salvation, and holiness (cf. [[Isaiah 61:10]], [[Revelation 21:2]]).
4. **God's Providence**: The name testifies to God's active involvement in the lives of individuals, even before their birth, through the hopes and prayers expressed in their names.
The instances where individuals named Adaiah are called to repentance (e.g., in Ezra) serve as a reminder that divine adornment does not negate human responsibility or the need for faithfulness. Even those "adorned by Yahweh" must walk in obedience.
### Summary
`{{H5718}}`, *ʻĂdâyâh*, is a Hebrew proper noun meaning "Yahweh has adorned." This theophoric name, derived from the root עָדָה (`{{H5710}}`, to adorn) and יָהּ (`{{H3050}}`, Yahweh), appears eight times in the biblical text, identifying various Israelites across different periods and roles, including royal lineage, Levites, and priests. Its theological significance lies in its powerful declaration of God's character as the one who graciously bestows honor, beauty, and equipping upon His people. It serves as a testament to divine favor, grace, and the active providence of God in the lives of individuals, calling to mind His beautifying work in both the physical and spiritual realms.
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