Ἰωάθαμ

Jotham

Definition

Ἰωάθαμ (Jotham) is the Greek form of the Hebrew name Yotham, meaning 'Yahweh is perfect' or 'Yahweh is upright.' In the New Testament, it refers exclusively to Jotham, the king of Judah, who is listed in the genealogy of Jesus Christ in Matthew 1:9. He was the son of King Uzziah (Azariah) and the father of King Ahaz, ruling as a coregent and then sole king for 16 years (2 Kings 15:32-38, 2 Chronicles 27). His reign is noted in the Old Testament as a time of doing 'what was right in the eyes of the Lord,' though the people continued in corruption.

Biblical Usage

This word is used only once in the New Testament, in Matthew 1:9, within the genealogy that traces Jesus' lineage from Abraham through David to Joseph. Its usage is strictly as a proper name identifying a specific historical figure in the royal line of Judah. No other contextual patterns or variations exist in the New Testament.

Etymology

The name is a direct transliteration of the Hebrew name יוֹתָם (Yotham) into Greek (Ἰωάθαμ). It is a compound name: 'Yo' (a shortened form of Yahweh, the personal name of God) and 'tam' (meaning 'complete,' 'perfect,' or 'upright'). Thus, the name carries the theological meaning 'Yahweh is perfect.'

Semantic Range

Jotham's inclusion in Matthew's genealogy (Matthew 1:9) connects Jesus to the Davidic kingly line, fulfilling Old Testament messianic prophecies (e.g., 2 Samuel 7:12-16). His reign, described as righteous (2 Chronicles 27:6), represents a thread of covenant faithfulness within a often flawed royal history, highlighting God's enduring promise despite human failure. Understanding this name reinforces Jesus' identity as the ultimate righteous king from Judah.

In the original cultural setting, a name like Jotham was not merely an identifier but a statement of faith and identity, invoking Yahweh's character. As a king, his recorded righteousness and building projects (2 Chronicles 27:3-6) would have signaled stability and divine favor to contemporaries, contrasting with the spiritual decline of the people.

Δαυίδ (Dauid, G1138) — Another king in Jesus' genealogy, but the great covenant king and archetype of the Messiah. Ἀχάζ (Achaz, G881) — Jotham's son and successor, a king noted for idolatry and failure, providing a contrast in the genealogical line.

Word Details

Scripture References