from the passive participle of קוֹשׁ and יָהּ; entrapped of Jah; Kushajah, an Israelite; Kushaiah.
Transliteration:qûwshâyâhûw
Pronunciation:koo-shaw-yaw'-hoo
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word קוּשָׁיָהוּ (qûwshâyâhûw), Strong's number `{{H6984}}`, is a proper noun, transliterated as Kushaiah or Kishaiah. Its base definition is derived from the passive participle of קוֹשׁ (qôsh) and the divine name יָהּ (Yah). The root קוֹשׁ typically means "to lay a snare," "to ensnare," or "to entrap" (e.g., `{{H6983}}`). Therefore, the name "Kushaiah" semantically conveys the meaning "entrapped of Jah" or "snared by Yahweh."
This etymology suggests a profound theological statement embedded within the name. While "entrapped" might initially evoke negative connotations of being caught in a trap or snare, in the context of a proper name connected to the divine, it often implies a positive, sovereign act of God. It could signify being divinely apprehended, called, or set apart for a specific purpose by Yahweh, rather than being caught in a detrimental sense. The passive participle implies that the individual is the object of this divine action.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The name Kushaiah (or Kishaiah in some translations) appears only once in the Hebrew Bible, in the book of 1 Chronicles:
* [[1 Chronicles 15:17]]: "So the Levites appointed Heman the son of Joel, and from his relatives, Asaph the son of Berechiah; and from the sons of Merari, Ethan the son of Kushaiah."
In this passage, Kushaiah is identified as a Levite and the father of Ethan. Ethan was a prominent musician and singer, a son of Merari, who was appointed by King David to lead the temple music alongside Heman and Asaph during the procession of the Ark of the Covenant to Jerusalem. The context is the careful organization of the Levitical service, particularly the musical ministries, under David's direction. Kushaiah's lineage is thus directly connected to the sacred worship and service of the tabernacle/temple. His inclusion in this list of revered Levitical families underscores his significance within the priestly and musical traditions of Israel.
### Related Words & Concepts
The primary components of the name Kushaiah are crucial for understanding its depth:
* **קוֹשׁ (qôsh):** This root verb (e.g., `{{H6983}}`) is used in various contexts, frequently referring to the act of laying a snare or trap, often with negative implications for the one ensnared, as in the hunter's snare ([[Psalm 10:9]]) or the snare of transgression ([[Proverbs 12:13]]). However, when God is the subject of "snaring," the meaning can shift to one of divine purpose or inescapable destiny.
* **יָהּ (Yah):** This is a shortened, poetic form of the divine name Yahweh (e.g., `{{H3050}}`). Its inclusion in Hebrew names (theophoric names) signifies a direct connection to God, often expressing a theological truth about God's character or action concerning the individual. Examples include Isaiah ("Yahweh is salvation"), Jeremiah ("Yahweh exalts"), and Hezekiah ("Yahweh strengthens").
* **Levitical Service:** Kushaiah's identity as a Levite, whose son Ethan was a chief musician, links him to the sacred duties of the tabernacle and temple. This includes carrying the Ark, maintaining the sanctuary, and leading worship through music. This context is vital for interpreting the meaning of his name.
* **Divine Sovereignty and Calling:** The concept of being "entrapped" or "snared" by God relates to the broader biblical theme of divine sovereignty, where God actively intervenes in and directs human lives, often for His specific purposes. This can be seen in the calling of prophets, priests, and kings, where individuals are "caught" by God's will for a particular service.
### Theological Significance
The name Kushaiah, "entrapped of Jah," carries profound theological significance, particularly when viewed through the lens of divine calling and purpose.
1. **Divine Appointment for Service:** For a Levite whose lineage is central to temple worship, the name likely signifies a divine apprehension or election for sacred service. Rather than a trap of misfortune, it represents being "caught" by God's grace and design for His purposes. This resonates with the idea that God "chooses" or "sets apart" individuals for specific roles within His covenant community. Kushaiah's family was not merely performing a duty; they were divinely appointed.
2. **Unavoidable Destiny:** The passive voice of "entrapped" suggests an irresistible divine will. It speaks to a destiny shaped by God's hand, where the individual is drawn into God's plan, perhaps even against their initial inclinations, but ultimately for their good and God's glory. This highlights God's active and sovereign involvement in the lives of His people.
3. **A Testimony of Faith:** Hebrew names often served as theological declarations by parents, reflecting their faith, the circumstances of a child's birth, or their hopes for the child. "Kushaiah" could be a parental testament to God's powerful and inescapable hand in their family's life, acknowledging that their very existence or their role in the community was a result of God's sovereign "snaring." It transforms the potential negativity of "entrapment" into a reverent acknowledgment of God's compelling and gracious call.
4. **The Mystery of God's Ways:** The name subtly points to the mysterious ways in which God works. He "catches" individuals, often unexpectedly, and places them into His service, demonstrating His power and wisdom in choosing and equipping those who will fulfill His will.
### Summary
Kushaiah (`{{H6984}}`) is a unique Hebrew proper name meaning "entrapped of Jah" or "snared by Yahweh." He is identified in [[1 Chronicles 15:17]] as a Levite and the father of Ethan, a chief musician appointed by King David for temple service. The name's etymology combines the root קוֹשׁ (to ensnare) with the divine name יָהּ (Yah). Theologically, "Kushaiah" profoundly signifies a divine calling or election, where the individual or their family is sovereignly "caught" by God for a specific, sacred purpose, particularly within the context of Levitical service. It transforms the potentially negative connotation of "entrapment" into a powerful affirmation of God's inescapable, purposeful, and gracious involvement in the lives of His chosen servants, underscoring His sovereignty and the sacred destiny He ordains.
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