יִפְדְּיָה

Jiphdejah, an Israelite

Definition

Yiphdeyah is a proper name meaning 'Yahweh will liberate' or 'Yahweh will redeem.' It is the name of a minor Israelite figure, appearing only once in the Old Testament as a descendant of Benjamin listed in a genealogical record (1 Chronicles 8:25). As a personal name, it functions as a statement of faith, declaring trust in God's future act of deliverance. The name does not have multiple senses or meanings in different passages, as its single occurrence is purely genealogical.

Biblical Usage

This name is used exactly once in the Hebrew Bible, in 1 Chronicles 8:25, within a lengthy list of Benjaminite descendants. Its usage is strictly genealogical, serving to trace family lineage during the post-exilic period when Chronicles was compiled. There are no narrative contexts or patterns of usage beyond this single attestation.

Etymology

The name Yiphdeyah is a compound of two Hebrew elements. It derives from the verb פָּדָה (pādâ, H6299), meaning 'to ransom, redeem, or liberate,' and the divine name יָהּ (Yâh, H3050), a shortened form of Yahweh. The name is in a future tense construction, literally translating to 'Yah will liberate.' It is a theophoric name, common in Israelite culture, where a verb describing an action of God is combined with a divine name.

Semantic Range

While the bearer of the name is not a major biblical figure, the name itself carries significant theological weight. It is a confession of faith in Yahweh's character as a redeemer and liberator. It aligns with core Israelite beliefs about God's saving acts, such as the Exodus, and points forward to the hope of future deliverance. Understanding this name enriches reading by highlighting how personal identity in ancient Israel was often intertwined with declarations about God's nature and promises.

In ancient Israelite culture, names were often meaningful statements or prayers. A name like Yiphdeyah, given to a child, likely expressed the parents' hope or faith that Yahweh would act as a redeemer for their family or nation. It reflects a common practice of using theophoric names (names containing a god's name) to invoke divine protection and affirm identity as part of Yahweh's people.

Other theophoric names with similar redemptive themes include: יְשַׁעְיָהוּ (Yesha‘yāhû, H3470) — 'Yahweh is salvation'; אֶלְיָקִים (’Elyāqîm, H471) — 'God will establish'; and יְהוֹשֻׁעַ (Yᵉhôshua‘, H3091) — 'Yahweh is salvation' (a different verbal form).

Word Details

Scripture References