דּוֹדָוָהוּ (do.da.va.hu)
do.da.va.hu
Dodavahu
N:N-M-PQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 1 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- N:N-M-P
Word Overview
The name Dodavahu appears only once in Scripture, recorded in 2 Chronicles 20:37 as the father of Eliezer. This brief mention identifies him as a resident of Mareshah in Judah during the era of the divided monarchy. His significance lies not in his own deeds but in his relationship to his son, who played a role in a specific historical confrontation.
Etymologically, the name likely carries the meaning "beloved of Jehovah," combining elements for love or delight with a reference to God. This theological weight is notable given the context: Eliezer, identified as a prophet from Nahor, rebuked King Jehoshaphat for forming an alliance with the wicked King Ahaziah of Israel. The presence of a name invoking divine favor in a family that witnessed such prophetic correction adds a layer of irony to the narrative.
Translators typically render this name as Dodavah or Dodavahu in modern versions. The singular occurrence means we have no broader usage data to compare, leaving its meaning anchored entirely to this single genealogical note. It serves as a reminder that even minor figures in biblical records are part of the larger story of Judah’s spiritual struggles.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The name Dodavahu appears only once in the Bible, recorded as the father of Eliezer in 2 Chronicles 20:37. While we know little about him personally, his son stood up to King Jehoshaphat with a sharp prophetic warning. This brief mention reminds us that God uses ordinary families to speak truth into complex political situations.
Even when history feels distant or confusing, your lineage and daily life matter to God. You do not need to be a famous leader to play a part in His story. Trust that He sees the quiet faithfulness of those who walk with Him, just as He saw Eliezer’s courage to speak what was right.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 1 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- Dodavahu1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- דֹּדָוָ֙הוּ֙1×
Key Verses
-
II Chronicles 20:37
Then Eliezer the son of Dodavahu of Mareshah prophesied against Jehoshaphat, saying, “Because you have joined yourself with Ahaziah, Yahweh has destroyed your works.” The ships were wrecked, so that they were not able to go to Tarshish.
This verse identifies Dodavahu as the father of Eliezer, whose prophetic rebuke highlights the spiritual danger of ungodly alliances.