יְדִידָה (ye.di.dah)
ye.di.dah
Jedidah
N:N-F-PQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 1 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- N:N-F-P
Word Overview
The name Jedidah, or יְדִידָה in Hebrew, carries the meaning "beloved." It appears only once in the biblical text, recorded in 2 Kings 22:1 as the mother of King Josiah and the wife of King Amon. While she is not a central figure in the narrative of Judah’s kings, her name marks her as a key link in the lineage leading to one of the monarchy’s most significant reformers.
The root of the name suggests affection and cherished status, reflecting a personal quality rather than a political title. In the context of 2 Kings, where Amon is described for his wickedness, Jedidah’s designation as "beloved" stands in quiet contrast to her husband’s reputation. The sources highlight this single mention to establish her identity within the royal family tree, connecting the daughter of Adaiah to the son who would later restore the temple and renew the covenant.
Though the text does not elaborate on her actions or character beyond her role as a mother, the preservation of her name underscores the importance of lineage in biblical history. Her story reminds readers that behind every major biblical figure are family connections that shape their identity. The mention of Jedidah serves as a brief but vital note in the historical record, anchoring Josiah’s reign to his immediate ancestry.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The name Jedidah means "beloved," a gentle reminder that God values the quiet, faithful roots of our lives. In 2 Kings 22:1, she is mentioned simply as the mother of King Josiah. Her name stands in contrast to her husband Amon’s wickedness, showing that godly heritage can flow through unexpected lines.
Her story encourages us to trust God’s long-term plan. Even when family backgrounds seem broken or difficult, God can use them to bring forth significant change. Josiah’s reforms began with the lineage Jedidah helped establish, proving that faithful ancestry matters in God’s eyes.
We are all part of a larger spiritual family. Just as Jedidah’s name was preserved for us, our own quiet faithfulness contributes to a legacy we may never fully see. Trust that God sees and values your place in His story.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 1 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- [was] Jedidah1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- יְדִידָ֥ה1×
Key Verses
-
II Kings 22:1
Josiah was eight years old when he began to reign, and he reigned thirty-one years in Jerusalem. His mother’s name was Jedidah the daughter of Adaiah of Bozkath.
This verse identifies Jedidah as Josiah’s mother, anchoring the king’s lineage to a woman whose name signifies being beloved by God.