Who was Jehoaddah in the Bible?

Jehoaddah, also called Jarah, was a descendant of King Saul from the tribe of Benjamin. He is listed in the genealogy of Saul's family, specifically as a son of Ahaz and father of Alemeth, Azmaveth, and Zimri (1 Chronicles 8:36, 9:42).

Why is Jehoaddah mentioned in the Bible?

Jehoaddah's primary significance is his place in the genealogical record, which connects the lineage of King Saul. These lists were crucial for establishing tribal heritage, inheritance rights, and the royal line in ancient Israel.

What does the name Jehoaddah mean?

The name Jehoaddah (or Jarah) likely means 'Yahweh has adorned' or 'whom Jehovah adorns.' Names in biblical genealogies often carried theological meaning, reflecting a family's faith in God.

Jehoaddah

Old TestamentDivided MonarchyMaleKing

Jehoaddah, also known as Jarah, was a descendant of King Saul mentioned in the genealogies of Benjamin.

Jehoaddah

Biography

Jehoaddah, also rendered as Jarah in 1 Chronicles 9:42, appears in the genealogical records of the tribe of Benjamin as a descendant of King Saul through the line of Jonathan. Listed in 1 Chronicles 8:36, he is identified as the son of Ahaz and father of Alemeth, Azmaveth, and Zimri. His inclusion in two parallel genealogical lists (1 Chronicles 8 and 9) underscores the care with which the Chronicler preserved the lineage of Saul's dynasty, even after the monarchy had permanently shifted to the house of David. Though no narrative deeds are attributed to him, his genealogical placement marks him as an important link in the post-Saulic Benjaminite heritage, preserving the historical memory of Israel's first royal family across generations.

Significance

Jehoaddah's primary significance lies in his role as a genealogical link within the royal line of Saul, preserving the historical memory of Benjamin's most celebrated family. The Chronicler's careful recording of such figures reflects a theological conviction that all of Israel's tribal heritage matters within God's covenant purposes. The dual naming of Jehoaddah/Jarah in parallel lists illustrates the textual complexity of ancient genealogies and invites scholarly reflection on the preservation and transmission of biblical records. His existence in the text reminds readers that God's redemptive story encompasses entire family lines across generations, not merely the famous individuals at their peaks.

Verse Appearances (2)

1Chr

1Chr 8:36 1Chr 9:42

References

Orr, J. (ed.) (1915) The International Standard Bible Encyclopedia. Chicago: Howard-Severance Company. [Public Domain]
Tyndale House, Cambridge (n.d.) Translators Individualised Proper Names with all References (TIPNR). STEPBible. Available at: https://www.stepbible.org. [CC BY 4.0]
Wikidata contributors (n.d.) Wikidata. Available at: https://www.wikidata.org. [CC0]
Church of England (1769) The Holy Bible, Authorized (King James) Version. [Public Domain]

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