יַחְדוֹ

Jachdo, an Israelite

Definition

Jachdo is a proper name of an Israelite mentioned only once in the Bible. He is identified as the son of Buz and a descendant of Gad, belonging to one of the clans of the tribe of Gad (1 Chronicles 5:14). The name itself is derived from the Hebrew word for 'together' or 'unity,' suggesting a meaning like 'his unity' or 'togetherness.' As a personal name, it functions solely to identify this individual within a genealogical list and carries no other distinct meanings or applications in Scripture.

Biblical Usage

The word יַחְדוֹ (Yachdôw) is used exclusively as a proper noun in 1 Chronicles 5:14. It appears within a genealogical record detailing the lineage of the tribe of Gad, specifically listing the sons of Abihail. Its usage is purely for personal identification in a historical and familial context, with no narrative or descriptive function beyond naming this individual in the list.

Etymology

The name Jachdo is constructed from the Hebrew root יַחַד (yachad, H3162), meaning 'together,' 'unity,' or 'as one,' combined with the third-person masculine singular pronominal suffix וֹ (ô), meaning 'his.' Thus, the name literally translates to 'his unity' or 'his togetherness.' It is a theophoric or descriptive name reflecting a concept of communal or familial solidarity.

Semantic Range

In ancient Israelite culture, names often carried significant meaning, reflecting circumstances of birth, parental hopes, or attributes of God. A name like Jachdo ('his unity') likely expressed a value placed on family or tribal solidarity. Its appearance in a genealogy underscores the importance of lineage and tribal identity for the post-exilic community for whom Chronicles was written, preserving the memory of the Gadite clans.

יַחַד (yachad, H3162) — The root word meaning 'together' or 'unity,' from which Jachdo is derived.

Word Details

Scripture References