הוֹשָׁמָע

הוֹשָׁמָע

Hoshama, an Israelite

Definition

Hoshama is a proper name given to one of the sons of Jeconiah (Jehoiachin), the exiled king of Judah, as recorded in 1 Chronicles 3:18. The name itself is a compound, meaning 'Yahweh has heard.' As a personal name, it functions solely to identify this specific individual within the royal Davidic lineage following the Babylonian exile. There are no other biblical characters or alternative meanings associated with this name; its sole occurrence and significance are tied to this genealogical record.

Biblical Usage

The name Hoshama is used only once in the Old Testament, in the genealogical list of 1 Chronicles 3:18. It appears in the context of post-exilic genealogy, specifically listing the sons of King Jehoiachin (Jeconiah), who was taken captive to Babylon. This usage is purely identificatory within a historical and familial record, with no narrative or descriptive context beyond establishing his place in the lineage of David.

Etymology

The name Hoshama (הוֹשָׁמָע) is derived from the Hebrew verb שָׁמַע (shama`, H8085), meaning 'to hear,' and a shortened form of the divine name Yahweh (יְהֹוָה, H3068). It is a theophoric name, common in Hebrew culture, which translates literally as 'Yahweh has heard.' It follows a pattern similar to names like Isaiah (Yesha'yahu, 'Yahweh is salvation') and reflects a statement of faith or testimony about God's action.

Semantic Range

While Hoshama himself is a minor figure, his name carries theological weight as a testimony within the Davidic line during the exile. It signifies hope and remembrance—that even in captivity, the identity of God's people was rooted in the conviction that 'Yahweh has heard.' This name, appearing in a genealogy of the messianic line (Matthew 1:11-12 includes Jeconiah), subtly underscores the theme of God's faithfulness to His covenant promises despite judgment, hearing the cries of His people and preserving a remnant. In ancient Israel, names were often meaningful declarations or prayers. The name Hoshama fits the pattern of theophoric names that acknowledge Yahweh's character and actions. Its use in a royal genealogy post-exile indicates that the family, even in displacement, maintained their identity and hope in the God who hears. This contrasts with a modern understanding of names as primarily familial or aesthetic labels. There are no direct synonyms for this proper name. However, it shares a root and meaning with other 'heard' names: יִשְׁמָעֵאל (Yishma'el, H3458) — 'God hears'; and שְׁמַעְיָה (Shema'yahu, H8098) — 'Yahweh has heard,' which is a closer variant.

Word Details