יְהוֹזָבָד (ye.ho.za.vad)
ye.ho.za.vad
Jehozabad
N:N-M-PQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 3 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- N:N-M-P
Word Overview
The name Jehozabad means "Jehovah has endowed," a theophoric title that appears three times in the historical books of Chronicles and Kings. Despite its pious meaning, the word refers to three distinct individuals who serve as markers for different periods and factions within Israel’s history.
One Jehozabad was a Moabite servant who assassinated King Joash (2 Kings 12:21; 2 Chronicles 24:26), illustrating how internal betrayal often accompanied political instability. Another was a Benjamite military leader under Jehoshaphat, commanding 180,000 troops (2 Chronicles 17:18), highlighting the strength of Judah’s northern allies. The third was a Korhite Levite and temple porter during David’s reign (1 Chronicles 26:4), representing the orderly worship structure established in Jerusalem.
These separate figures show how common personal names were in ancient Israel, requiring context to distinguish between a regicide, a general, and a priestly gatekeeper. The repetition of the name underscores the widespread use of divine names in personal identity during the monarchic period.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The name Jehozabad carries a beautiful meaning: "Jehovah has endowed." In ancient Israel, names were not just labels but declarations of faith, reminding the bearer that every gift came from God. When we see this name in Scripture, it points to the reality that our lives are sustained by divine provision, whether we are serving in the temple, leading an army, or navigating the complexities of daily life.
Scripture records three different men with this name, showing how common such faithful identifiers were. One served as a gatekeeper for worship, another led troops in defense of the nation, and a third appears in a tragic moment of betrayal. This variety reminds us that God uses people from all walks of life—priests, soldiers, and servants—to fulfill His purposes. Even when history records failure or violence, the underlying truth remains that God is the source of every good endowment.
For your own walk with God, this name invites you to recognize His hand in your daily provisions. Whether you are called to lead, serve quietly, or face difficult circumstances, remember that your strength and gifts come from Him. Let this truth anchor your heart, knowing that the One who endowed you is faithful to sustain you through every season.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 3 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- Jehozabad2×
- and/ Jehozabad1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- יְהוֹזָבָ֣ד1×
- יְהוֹזָבָ֑ד1×
- וִ/יה֣וֹזָבָ֔ד1×
Key Verses
-
I Chronicles 26:4
Obed-Edom had sons: Shemaiah the firstborn, Jehozabad the second, Joah the third, Sacar the fourth, Nethanel the fifth,
This verse identifies Jehozabad as a son of Obed-Edom, linking him to the Levitical gatekeepers who protected the sacred space of worship.
-
II Chronicles 17:18
and next to him Jehozabad, and with him one hundred eighty thousand ready and prepared for war.
Here Jehozabad is listed among Judah's military leaders, commanding a large force that demonstrates the kingdom's strength under Jehoshaphat.
-
II Chronicles 24:26
These are those who conspired against him: Zabad the son of Shimeath the Ammonitess and Jehozabad the son of Shimrith the Moabitess.
This occurrence marks Jehozabad as one of the conspirators who assassinated King Joash, highlighting the political instability and betrayal within the court.