יֵהוּא (ye.hu)

ye.hu

Jehu

H3058 · Hebrew · Old Testament · 53 verses

N:N-M-P

Language: Biblical Hebrew
Testament: Old Testament
Occurrences: 53 verses
Root: —
Part of speech: N:N-M-P

Word Overview

The name Jehu, meaning "Yahweh is He," appears in Scripture as a designation for five distinct individuals during the period of the divided monarchy. While most references identify Jehu, the king who overthrew the dynasty of Omri, the name also belongs to a prophet contemporary with Baasha, a warrior in David’s army, and minor figures from the tribes of Judah and Simeon.

The most prominent bearer of this name is the Israelite king whose violent rise to power is recorded in 2 Kings chapters 9 and 10. He executed a sweeping purge of Ahab’s house and Baal worshipers, actions that earned him divine commendation for removing idolatry but also drew criticism for his excessive cruelty and failure to fully abandon the golden calves at Bethel and Dan.

Etymologically, the name combines the divine name Yahweh with the pronoun "he," serving as a theological declaration rather than merely a personal identifier. This structure mirrors other names like Joshua or Elijah, anchoring the individual’s identity in the sovereignty of God, even when their historical actions were marked by political ambition and bloodshed.

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

What This Word Means for Your Faith

The name Jehu means "Yahweh is He," a declaration that places God at the center of identity. In Scripture, this name belongs to several figures, but most notably to the king who rose to power in a time of deep spiritual crisis. His story reminds us that God’s sovereignty extends over history, even when human actions are messy or violent.

While Jehu removed idolatry from Israel, his methods were brutal and his heart remained divided. This shows that external reform does not equal internal faithfulness. We are invited to look beyond political outcomes to the deeper question of whether our lives truly honor God in private as well as in public.

For your own walk, this word encourages trust in God’s ultimate control. Even when circumstances seem chaotic or unjust, He remains "He"—the steady anchor. You can find peace knowing that God’s purposes will prevail, regardless of the flawed instruments He uses to bring them about.

How it's translated

How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 53 verses where it appears, by frequency.

Jehu46×
and/ Jehu10×
O Jehu1×

Forms in the text

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

יֵהוּא֙9×
יֵה֛וּא8×
יֵה֣וּא6×
יֵה֖וּא5×
יֵה֗וּא4×
יֵה֔וּא4×
יֵה֨וּא3×
וְ/יֵה֗וּא3×
וְ/יֵה֖וּא3×
יֵה֑וּא2×
וְ/יֵהוּא֙2×
וְ/יֵה֞וּא2×

Key Verses

I Kings 16:1
Yahweh’s word came to Jehu the son of Hanani against Baasha, saying,

This verse introduces Jehu the prophet, showing that God speaks through chosen messengers to hold leaders accountable for their evil.
II Kings 9:2
When you come there, find Jehu the son of Jehoshaphat the son of Nimshi, and go in and make him rise up from among his brothers, and take him to an inner room.

Here Jehu is found and anointed secretly, highlighting how God prepares unexpected leaders for pivotal moments in history.
II Kings 9:20
The watchman said, “He came to them, and isn’t coming back. The driving is like the driving of Jehu the son of Nimshi, for he drives furiously.”

The watchman recognizes Jehu’s aggressive driving style, illustrating the intensity and urgency of his rise to power.
II Kings 10:1
Now Ahab had seventy sons in Samaria. Jehu wrote letters and sent them to Samaria, to the rulers of Jezreel, even the elders, and to those who brought up Ahab’s sons, saying,

Jehu’s letters to Samaria demonstrate his political strategy to eliminate Ahab’s lineage and consolidate control over Israel.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does the name Jehu mean?

The name Jehu (יֵהוּא) means "Yahweh is He." It combines the divine name Yahweh with a pronoun, serving as a theological statement that God is the central reality of the person’s life.

How many people named Jehu are in the Bible?

There are five distinct individuals named Jehu in Scripture. The most prominent is the king who overthrew Ahab’s dynasty, but the name also belongs to a prophet under Baasha and three minor figures from Judah and Simeon.

Why was King Jehu criticized despite removing idolatry?

Although Jehu destroyed Baal worshipers and Ahab’s house, he failed to remove the golden calves at Bethel and Dan. His actions were also marked by excessive cruelty, showing that political success does not equal spiritual faithfulness.

Is Jehu a good example for Christians today?

Jehu is more a warning than an example. While God used him to judge Israel’s idolatry, his violent methods and divided heart show that human ambition often corrupts divine purposes. We are called to trust God’s justice without adopting His enemies’ cruelty.

Every Occurrence (53 verses across 5 books)

I Kings 5 verses

I Kings 16:1

Yahweh’s word came to Jehu the son of Hanani against Baasha, saying,

I Kings 16:7

Moreover Yahweh’s word came by the prophet Jehu the son of Hanani against Baasha and against his house, both because of…

I Kings 16:12

Thus Zimri destroyed all the house of Baasha, according to Yahweh’s word which he spoke against Baasha by Jehu the…

I Kings 19:16

Anoint Jehu the son of Nimshi to be king over Israel; and anoint Elisha the son of Shaphat of Abel Meholah to be…

I Kings 19:17

He who escapes from the sword of Hazael, Jehu will kill; and he who escapes from the sword of Jehu, Elisha will kill.

II Kings 38 verses

I Chronicles 3 verses

II Chronicles 6 verses

Hosea 1 verse