הוֹדִיָּה

הוֹדִיָּה

a Jewess

Definition

הוֹדִיָּה (Hôwdîyâh) is a proper feminine noun referring to a specific Jewish woman. It is a variant spelling of the more common name הוֹדַוְיָה (Hôdavyâh), meaning 'praise of Yah' or 'Yah is my splendor.' In its single biblical occurrence, it identifies a woman named Hodiah, who is listed in a genealogy. The name itself carries the theophoric element 'Yah,' a shortened form of the divine name Yahweh, indicating a personal connection to the God of Israel. While the word simply means 'a Jewess,' its significance lies in its function as a personal name within the historical record of 1 Chronicles 4:19.

Biblical Usage

This word is used only once in the Old Testament, in 1 Chronicles 4:19. It functions strictly as a proper name ('Hodiah') within a genealogical list, specifically as the wife of a man named Mered. There are no other contextual uses or patterns, as it is a single-attestation personal name.

Etymology

הוֹדִיָּה is a feminine form derived from the masculine name יְהוּדִי (Yᵊhûdî, H3064), meaning 'Jew' or 'Judahite.' It is a variant of הוֹדַוְיָה (Hôdavyâh, H1938), which is a compound name. The first part, 'Hôd,' can mean 'splendor' or 'majesty,' and the second part is the divine name 'Yah' (a form of Yahweh). Thus, the name's core meaning relates to the 'splendor of Yahweh' or 'Yahweh is my splendor.'

Semantic Range

While the word itself is a simple name, its theological significance is embedded in its etymology. As a theophoric name containing 'Yah,' it reflects the common Israelite practice of naming children to honor or invoke Yahweh. It serves as a small testament to personal and familial faith within the community of Judah, even within the seemingly mundane lists of genealogies that affirm God's covenant faithfulness to specific lineages. In ancient Israelite culture, names were deeply meaningful, often expressing hope, character, or devotion to God. 'Hodiah' is a name that would have publicly identified its bearer and her family with the worship of Yahweh. Its appearance in a genealogy underscores the importance of lineage and identity within the tribe of Judah, preserving the memory of individuals within the broader story of God's people. יְהוּדִיָּה (Yᵊhûdîyâh, H3066) — The standard feminine form meaning 'Jewess' or 'woman of Judah.' הוֹדַוְיָה (Hôdavyâh, H1938) — A masculine variant of the same name, meaning 'praise of Yah.'

Word Details