יוֹזָבָד

יוֹזָבָד

Jozabad, the name of ten Israelites

Definition

Yôwzâbâd (Jozabad) is a proper masculine name borne by ten different individuals in the Old Testament, meaning 'Yahweh has bestowed' or 'Yahweh has given.' The name signifies a gift from God, reflecting a common Hebrew naming convention that acknowledges divine provision. While all bearers share the same name, they appear in distinct historical contexts, including as warriors in David's army (1 Chronicles 12:4, 20), Levitical officials during the reforms of Hezekiah and Josiah (2 Chronicles 31:13, 35:9), and returning exiles involved in the post-exilic community under Ezra and Nehemiah (Ezra 8:33, 10:22-23; Nehemiah 8:7).

Biblical Usage

The name Jozabad is used exclusively for individuals in narrative and administrative lists, primarily in the books of Chronicles, Ezra, and Nehemiah. It consistently identifies men involved in significant national or religious service, from military captains to temple officials and teachers of the Law. For example, in 1 Chronicles 12:4, Jozabad is a Gadite warrior who joined David at Ziklag, while in Nehemiah 8:7, a Levite named Jozabad helps the people understand the Law as Ezra reads it. The usage spans the united monarchy, the divided kingdom, and the post-exilic restoration period.

Etymology

The name יוֹזָבָד (Yôwzâbâd) is a contracted form of the longer name יְהוֹזָבָד (Yᵊhôzâbâd, H3075), which combines the divine name Yahweh (יהוה) with the verb זָבַד (zāḇaḏ), meaning 'to give' or 'to endow.' Thus, it literally means 'Yahweh has given.' It belongs to a category of Hebrew theophoric names that express gratitude for or acknowledgment of God's gracious gifts, similar to names like Jonathan ('Yahweh has given') and Nathaniel ('God has given').

Semantic Range

As a theophoric name meaning 'Yahweh has bestowed,' Jozabad serves as a constant, albeit subtle, reminder of the biblical theme of divine provision. Each mention of an individual bearing this name underscores that the people serving in key roles—whether as warriors, Levites, or teachers—are themselves gifts from God to His community. Understanding the name's meaning enriches reading by highlighting that even background figures in biblical narratives point to God's active role in giving leaders and servants for the establishment, reform, and instruction of His people (e.g., in the reforms of Hezekiah in 2 Chronicles 31:13 or the teaching ministry in Nehemiah 8:7). In ancient Israelite culture, names were often descriptive and carried significant meaning, reflecting circumstances, hopes, or theological convictions at a child's birth. A name like Jozabad, explicitly acknowledging Yahweh as the source of a gift, would have been a public declaration of faith and gratitude within the family and community. It fits within a wider pattern of names compounded with 'zabad' (given) or 'natan' (given), emphasizing the cultural value placed on recognizing blessings as divine endowments rather than mere human achievements. יְהוֹזָבָד (Yᵊhôzâbâd, H3075) — The longer, fuller form of the same name, also meaning 'Yahweh has given.' יוֹנָתָן (Yônāṯān, H3083) — Means 'Yahweh has given'; a more famous name with the same core theological concept of divine gift. נְתַנְאֵל (Nᵊṯan'ēl, H5417) — Means 'God has given'; a synonym using 'El' for God instead of Yahweh.

Word Details