יְרוּשָׁא

יְרוּשָׁא

Jerusha or Jerushah, as Israelitess

Definition

Jerusha (or Jerushah) is a proper name given to the wife of King Uzziah (Azariah) of Judah and the mother of his successor, King Jotham. The name means 'possessed' or 'inherited,' likely signifying a sense of being claimed or belonging. As a royal figure, she is mentioned only in the genealogical records of the kings of Judah in 2 Kings 15:33 and 2 Chronicles 27:1, where her primary significance is establishing the lineage of King Jotham. There are no differing senses or meanings of the name across its biblical occurrences.

Biblical Usage

The name Jerusha is used exclusively in two parallel passages listing the lineage of King Jotham of Judah. It appears in the historical books of 2 Kings and 2 Chronicles, specifically in 2 Kings 15:33 and 2 Chronicles 27:1. In both contexts, it is used identically to identify 'Jerusha daughter of Zadok' as the mother of King Jotham. The usage is purely genealogical, serving to document the royal family line.

Etymology

The name Jerusha (יְרוּשָׁא) is derived from the Hebrew root יָרַשׁ (yārash, H3423), meaning 'to take possession of,' 'inherit,' or 'dispossess.' It is a feminine passive participle form, meaning 'possessed' or 'inherited.' This suggests the name conveys the idea of being claimed or received as an inheritance, a concept deeply tied to the biblical theme of God granting the Promised Land as an inheritance to Israel.

Semantic Range

While a personal name, Jerusha's etymology connects to the significant biblical theme of inheritance and possession, central to God's covenant with Israel (e.g., Deuteronomy 4:1). As the mother of a king in the Davidic line, her name subtly reinforces the concept of a divinely established, inherited royal dynasty through which God's promises flow. Understanding the meaning 'possessed' can enrich the reading of the genealogies, hinting at the theological importance of lineage and God's sovereign claim over His people and their leaders. In ancient Israelite culture, names often carried meaningful significance, describing character, destiny, or circumstances. A name meaning 'possessed' or 'inherited' may have reflected the parents' gratitude for a child or a sense of divine gift. As the wife of a king and mother of the next king, Jerusha held a position of honor and influence within the royal court, though the biblical text provides no further details about her life or role. There are no direct synonyms for this proper name. Related words sharing the same root include: יְרֻשָּׁה (yerushah, H3425) — 'possession' or 'inheritance,' the common noun form of the concept.

Word Details