דּוֹדוֹ (do.do)
do.do
Dodo
N:N-M-PQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 5 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- N:N-M-P
Word Overview
The name Dodo appears five times in the Old Testament, identifying three distinct men from different eras and tribes. In Judges 10:1, it refers to an Issacharite judge who led Israel before the monarchy. Later, during King David’s reign, the name surfaces among his elite warriors: one is the father of Elhanan, a captain in David’s army (2 Samuel 23:24), and another is the Ahohite father of Eleazar, one of David’s three mighty men (2 Samuel 23:9).
Etymologically, Dodo derives from the Hebrew root for "beloved" or "love," effectively meaning "his beloved." This affectionate designation likely served as a personal nickname or a familial identifier rather than a formal royal title. The recurrence of this name among David’s loyalists suggests it was a recognized term of endearment within military circles, highlighting the close bonds of loyalty that defined David’s inner circle.
While these individuals are not central figures in the biblical narrative, their inclusion underscores the importance of faithful service within Israel’s history. The name Dodo connects readers to the broader community of leaders and warriors who supported God’s anointed king, reminding us that faithful devotion often operates behind the scenes, yet remains vital to the stability of the nation.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The name Dodo comes from a Hebrew root meaning "beloved." It appears in Scripture not as a title for kings or prophets, but as a personal identifier for ordinary men who served faithfully. In Judges 10:1, we meet Tola the son of Dodo, an Issacharite judge who stepped up to lead Israel during turbulent times. His inclusion reminds us that God uses regular people from everyday tribes to bring stability and rescue when leadership is needed.
Later, the name surfaces among David’s elite warriors. Eleazar the son of Dodo stood firm against the Philistines (2 Samuel 23:9), while Elhanan the son of Dodo served as a captain in David’s army (2 Samuel 23:24). These men were not famous for their own glory but for their loyalty to God’s anointed king. Their story shows that faithful service often happens behind the scenes, yet it remains vital to the community of faith.
Being called "beloved" is a gentle reminder of our value in God’s eyes. We do not need grand titles or public recognition to serve Him well. Whether leading a tribe or standing in battle, your faithful presence matters. God sees the quiet devotion of those who stand with His people and use their gifts to support others.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 5 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- Dodo5×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- דּוֹד֖וֹ3×
- דֹּד֖וֹ2×
Key Verses
-
Judges 10:1
After Abimelech, Tola the son of Puah, the son of Dodo, a man of Issachar, arose to save Israel. He lived in Shamir in the hill country of Ephraim.
This verse introduces Dodo as the father of Tola, an Issacharite judge who arose to save Israel, showing the name's use in tribal leadership.
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II Samuel 23:9
After him was Eleazar the son of Dodai the son of an Ahohite, one of the three mighty men with David when they defied the Philistines who were there gathered together to battle, and the men of Israel had gone away.
Here, Eleazar the son of Dodo is identified as one of David’s three mighty men, highlighting his role in defying the Philistines.
-
II Samuel 23:24
Asahel the brother of Joab was one of the thirty: Elhanan the son of Dodo of Bethlehem,
This passage lists Elhanan the son of Dodo of Bethlehem as a captain among the thirty, emphasizing his military leadership.