הוֹדַוְיָה (ho.dav.yah)
ho.dav.yah
Hodaviah
N:N-M-PQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 4 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- N:N-M-P
Word Overview
Hodaviah is a personal name meaning "praise Jehovah," combining the root for thanksgiving or praise with the divine name Yahweh. It appears only four times in Scripture, marking individuals across different eras of Israel’s history. The name surfaces among the descendants of Judah in 1 Chronicles 3:24, linking it to the royal lineage during the divided monarchy.
Later references place men with this name in the tribe of Benjamin (1 Chronicles 9:7) and among the exiles returning from Babylon (Ezra 2:40; Nehemiah 7:43). In Ezra, one holder of the name is also called Hodevah or Judah, suggesting variations in how names were recorded or remembered. These brief mentions highlight families who maintained their identity and faith through exile and restoration.
The recurrence of this name among Levites and tribal leaders suggests it was a cherished choice for parents hoping to instill gratitude toward God from the beginning of life. Its presence in genealogies underscores the importance of remembering one’s heritage while praising the Lord who preserved His people.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The name Hodaviah carries a simple but powerful meaning: praise to Jehovah. It appears in Scripture not as part of a long sermon, but woven into family records. These lists remind us that ordinary people, living in ordinary times, were known to God. Their names were preserved so we might see how faithfully generations kept their identity and trust in the Lord.
Whether listed among royal descendants or returning exiles, these individuals represent families who chose gratitude as a legacy. Parents naming children with this word were making a quiet declaration that their hope rested in God’s faithfulness. It invites us to consider what values we pass on to those around us and how we acknowledge God’s role in our daily lives.
When you read these genealogies, notice the consistency of praise across different eras. From the divided monarchy to the post-exilic restoration, the name remained a testament to enduring faith. This continuity offers comfort, showing that devotion to God is not limited by circumstance but sustained through generations.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 4 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- Hodaviah3×
- and/ Hodaviah1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- הוֹדַוְיָ֖ה2×
- וְ/הוֹדַוְיָ֜ה1×
- הוֹדַוְיָ֡הוּ1×
Key Verses
-
I Chronicles 3:24
The sons of Elioenai: Hodaviah, Eliashib, Pelaiah, Akkub, Johanan, Delaiah, and Anani, seven.
This verse places Hodaviah in the lineage of Elioenai, linking the name directly to the royal house of Judah and highlighting its presence among elite families during the divided monarchy.
-
I Chronicles 9:7
Of the sons of Benjamin: Sallu the son of Meshullam, the son of Hodaviah, the son of Hassenuah;
Here, Hodaviah appears as an ancestor in Benjamin’s genealogy, showing how the name persisted across different tribes and generations within Israel’s restored community.
-
Ezra 2:40
The Levites: the children of Jeshua and Kadmiel, of the children of Hodaviah, seventy-four.
This entry identifies seventy-four descendants of Hodaviah among the Levites returning from exile, emphasizing the role of this family line in religious restoration efforts.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does Hodaviah mean?
Where does Hodaviah appear in the Bible?
Why is Hodaviah significant in genealogies?
Every Occurrence (4 verses across 2 books)
I Chronicles 3 verses
The sons of Elioenai: Hodaviah, Eliashib, Pelaiah, Akkub, Johanan, Delaiah, and Anani, seven.
I Chronicles 5:24These were the heads of their fathers’ houses: Epher, Ishi, Eliel, Azriel, Jeremiah, Hodaviah, and Jahdiel—mighty men…
I Chronicles 9:7Of the sons of Benjamin: Sallu the son of Meshullam, the son of Hodaviah, the son of Hassenuah;