יְהֻדִיָּה (ye.hu.diy.yah)

ye.hu.diy.yah

Judahite wife

H3057 · Hebrew · Old Testament · 1 verses

N:N-F-PG

Language: Biblical Hebrew
Testament: Old Testament
Occurrences: 1 verses
Root: —
Part of speech: N:N-F-PG

Word Overview

The noun yehudiyah identifies a woman belonging to the tribe of Judah, or more broadly, a Jewess. It appears only once in the Hebrew Bible, at 1 Chronicles 4:18, where it designates Jehudijah, the wife of Mered and mother of Jered, Heber, and Jekuthiel. This single occurrence anchors the term in the specific context of Israel’s tribal genealogies.

As a feminine derivative of the word for "Judah," its meaning is straightforward: it marks ethnic or tribal identity rather than describing a personal character trait. In this verse, it highlights her lineage within the tribe of Judah, connecting her family line to the broader narrative of Israel’s descendants. The term serves as a precise label for her origin, distinguishing her place within the recorded history of the people.

Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).

What This Word Means for Your Faith

When we read through the long lists of names in Scripture, it is easy to feel they are just dry records of the past. Yet this word reminds us that every person in God's family has a specific place and identity. In 1 Chronicles 4:18, Jehudijah is named not for her fame or miracles, but simply as a Judahite wife and mother. Her inclusion shows that ordinary lives, marked by lineage and family, are part of the sacred story.

This truth offers comfort to anyone who feels their contribution is small. God values the faithful building of families and the quiet faithfulness of daily life. Your heritage and your relationships are not accidents; they are woven into the larger tapestry of His people. You belong here, just as she did.

How it's translated

How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 1 verses where it appears, by frequency.

<the>/ Judahitess1×

Forms in the text

The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.

הַ/יְהֻדִיָּ֗ה1×

Frequently Asked Questions

What does the Hebrew word yehudiyah mean?

It translates to 'Judahite wife' or 'Jewess.' It identifies a woman who belongs to the tribe of Judah, emphasizing her ethnic and tribal lineage rather than a specific character trait.

Where does this word appear in the Bible?

It appears only once, in 1 Chronicles 4:18. It is used to describe Jehudijah, the wife of Mered and mother of several sons listed in the genealogy.

Why is this word significant if it only appears once?

Its single use anchors the importance of tribal identity in Israel's history. It shows that even those not mentioned for great deeds are remembered by God as part of His chosen people.

Every Occurrence (1 verses across 1 books)

I Chronicles 1 verse

I Chronicles 4:18

His wife the Jewess bore Jered the father of Gedor, Heber the father of Soco, and Jekuthiel the father of Zanoah. These…